Director of Institutional Research, Morningstar Indexes

Morningstar; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 196,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Stock ownership

Health benefits

Wellness program

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

Morningstar is seeking a senior research professional to lead and set the research agenda for the Morningstar Index business in a hybrid Chicago environment. You will craft insights and commentary for strategic priorities, and collaborate with product, quant researchers, and strategists to produce high-impact papers that differentiate our brand and engage clients.

The role requires 8-10 years in investment research, strong capital markets knowledge, and comfort presenting to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years experience in investment research, multi-asset analysis, or index research.
• Proven ability to write clear, accessible, and commercially relevant research.
• Experience influencing research direction or guiding project teams in a matrix environment.
• Strategic thinker who can translate insights into actionable commercial outcomes.
• Strong capital markets knowledge and proficiency with financial data tools (FactSet, Bloomberg, Morningstar Direct), Excel, and/or Python.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort presenting to stakeholders.
• Comfortable being a public voice of the business.
• Some travel will be required.

Responsibilities

• Set research agenda for the Morningstar Index business with input from product, sales and executive leadership.
• Create compelling insights, commentary, and thought leadership content for internal and external audiences in support of strategic priorities.
• Work with various content creators within Indexes to produce high-impact white papers, market commentaries, and deep-dive research that drives brand differentiation and client engagement.
• Set research standards and mentor research associates.
• Lead collaboration with Morningstar's broader research ecosystem to identify compelling IP and content for product objectives.
• Support the creation of new IP that could be used to drive product development or enhance index methodology.
• Present research at industry conferences, client meetings, media interviews, and webinars.
• Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Product, Research, and Sales to amplify insights and ensure research aligns with business priorities.
• Ensure research output meets Morningstar standards of analytical rigor, transparency, and neutrality.

Skills

Investment research

Multi-asset analysis

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Public speaking

Education

CFA candidate

Graduate degree

Tools

FactSet

Bloomberg

Morningstar Direct

Excel

Python

Job description

The Group: Morningstar's mission is to empower investor success. Morningstar Indexes was created to meet the evolving needs of investors and to be a strong advocate for them. With our rich history as a transparent, investor-focused leader in data and research, we are uniquely positioned to help individuals, institutions, wealth managers, and advisors navigate investment opportunities across all asset classes, styles, and strategies. Whether assessing risk and return through traditional benchmarks or assisting investors in integrating ESG goals, our diverse range of index solutions addresses the complex questions investors face today, helping them achieve their long-term goals.

Responsibilities

• Set research agenda for the Morningstar Index business with input from product, sales and executive leadership.
• Create compelling insights, commentary, and thought leadership content for internal and external audiences in support of strategic priorities.
• Work with various content creators within Indexes (including product managers, quant researchers, strategists) to produce high-impact white papers, market commentaries, and deep-dive research that drives brand differentiation and client engagement.
• Set research standards and mentor research associates.
• Lead collaboration with Morningstar's broader research ecosystem (Quant Research, Equity Research, Pitchbook, Sustainalytics, Manager Research) to identify compelling IP and content that can be used to advance Indexes business objectives.
• Support the creation of new IP that could be used to drive product development or enhance index methodology.
• Present research at industry conferences, client meetings, media interviews, and webinars.
• Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Product, Research, and Sales to amplify insights and ensure research aligns with business priorities.
• Ensure research output meets Morningstar standards of analytical rigor, transparency, and neutrality.

Requirements

• 8-10 years experience in investment research, multi-asset analysis, or index research.
• Proven ability to write clear, accessible, and commercially relevant research.
• Experience influencing research direction or guiding project teams in a matrix environment.
• Strategic thinker who can translate insights into actionable commercial outcomes.
• Strong capital markets knowledge and proficiency with financial data tools (FactSet, Bloomberg, Morningstar Direct), Excel, and/or Python.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort presenting to stakeholders.
• Comfortable being a public voice of the business.
• CFA or progress toward the designation; relevant graduate degree.
• Some travel will be required.

Compensation and Benefits

At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they're at their healthiest. That's why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life.

• Financial Health 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
• Stock Ownership Potential
• Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
• Physical Health Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
• Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
• Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
• Emotional Health Trust-Based Time Off 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
• 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
• Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
• Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Social Health Charitable Matching Gifts program
• Dollars for Doers volunteer program
• Paid volunteering days 15+
• Employee Resource & Affinity Groups
• Total Cash Compensation Range $195,600.00-$299,916.66 Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis.

In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.

Company Overview

001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity Morningstar is a global independent investment research and financial data company. Here, you will help uncover what's hidden, simplify what's complex, and create insights that empower investor success. Company overview Morningstar Development Program Morningstar is strongly committed to creating and preserving equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We make all employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and other personnel matters—without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, gender identity and expression, parental status, or other legally protected characteristics or conduct.