Equities & Digital Assets R&D Associate Director, Index Design

S&P Global, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 123,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

S&P Global Dow Jones Indices is seeking an Equities & Digital Assets R&D Associate Director to lead end-to-end index design, research, and delivery. You will guide complex projects, translate client needs into scalable index concepts, and drive publication and governance activities with senior stakeholders.

The role emphasizes strong programming, quantitative research, and leadership across cross-functional teams to advance innovative index solutions in equities and digital assets.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of equity markets, portfolio construction, factor and dividend investing.
• Advanced proficiency in Python or similar programming languages.
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills with judgment to solve complex problems.
• Strong written, verbal and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to lead high-profile, complex projects independently.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead research, design and analysis of new indices and related capabilities within the Equities & Digital Assets Index Design value stream.
• Translate investment objectives and client needs into clear, testable index design concepts.
• Access, clean, transform and validate complex equity, market and reference datasets.
• Design, develop and review backtests, sensitivity analyses and quantitative research.
• Build and oversee robust, repeatable analytical workflows, tools and templates.
• Lead methodology drafting, documentation, design reviews and governance processes for index approval and launch.
• Prepare analyses, charts, and materials for senior stakeholders and external thought leadership.

Skills

Equity markets knowledge

Python programming

Quantitative analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent in finance/economics/math/engineering/CS

CFA progress/desirable

Job description

About the Role

Grade Level (for internal use): 12 The Team S&P Dow Jones Indices is seeking an Equities & Digital Assets R&D Associate Director within the Index Design team to lead the research, design, analysis and delivery of differentiated index solutions within the Equities & Digital Assets value stream. Reporting to an Index Design Team Manager, with oversight from the Head of Equities & Digital Assets Index Design, the role will independently lead high-profile, complex projects, translate product and client needs into systematic, scalable and well-documented index concepts, and provide support and guidance to other team members. The Equities & Digital Assets Index Design team supports S&P DJI's world-leading brand by driving equity index expansion and extending our leadership in index IP and data into the DeFi ecosystem., Through rigorous research, portfolio construction and financial theory, the team develops innovative and robust index strategies that address evolving client needs while upholding S&P DJI's standards of quality, transparency and governance.

Responsibilities and Impact

The Associate Director will take end-to-end ownership across the full index design lifecycle, including background research, data gathering and validation, quantitative analysis, back-testing, methodology development, documentation and leadership of internal and external stakeholder discussions. The role requires strong numeracy, advanced programming capability, sound judgment and the ability to deliver high-profile, complex projects independently using controlled and repeatable approaches. The role will also lead or materially contribute to research publications, presentations and thought leadership, and drive the development of tools, templates and repeatable processes that improve the efficiency, scalability and analytical quality of index design and launch. This role is an opportunity for an experienced, highly analytical and commercially aware index professional to shape high-profile Equities & Digital Assets initiatives while contributing to a value stream focused on high-quality delivery, client relevance and scalable innovation. The ideal candidate will combine technical depth, independent judgment and strong stakeholder leadership with the ability to guide others and turn market insight and investment objectives into robust index solutions. The candidate will apply and deepen expertise across equity markets, digital assets, factor and dividend strategies, alternative datasets, portfolio construction techniques, quantitative research methods and the evolving tools and processes used to make index design more scalable and effective.

• Independently lead the research, design and analysis of new indices and related capabilities within the Equities & Digital Assets Index Design value stream, including high-profile and complex projects
• Lead the translation of investment objectives, product requirements and client needs into clear, testable index design concepts, providing informed challenge and recommendations where appropriate
• Access, clean, transform and validate complex equity, market and reference datasets used in index research and back-testing
• Design, develop and critically review backtests, sensitivity analysis and quantitative research to assess whether complex index concepts meet their stated objectives
• Apply advanced programming skills to build and oversee robust, repeatable and well-controlled analytical workflows, tools and templates, and support colleagues in adopting good practice
• Lead methodology drafting, documentation, design reviews and governance processes required for index approval and launch, ensuring analytical quality and effective resolution of complex issues
• Lead the preparation and communication of analysis, charts, presentation materials and research content for senior internal stakeholders, client discussions and external thought leadership

Other Responsibilities

• Work with the Index Design Team Manager to shape priorities and independently deliver agreed team backlog items and complex project outcomes to required timelines and quality standards
• Build trusted working relationships and lead effective collaboration with R&D colleagues, Index Engineering, Product Management, Commercial, Operations, Governance and other functional partners
• Champion agreed Index Design operating standards, analytical controls and agile working practices, providing support and guidance to colleagues and helping raise quality and consistency across the team
• Independently manage multiple complex research and design workstreams with clear communication, disciplined execution, sound prioritisation and timely escalation of material risks or dependencies
• Act as a senior subject‑matter resource across equity markets, index construction, factor and dividend strategies, portfolio design and emerging industry trends relevant to client needs

Compensation/Benefits Information

(This section is only applicable to US candidates) S&P Global states that the anticipated base salary range for this position is $122,865 to $175,728. Final base salary for this role will be based on the individual’s geographic location, as well as experience level, skill set, training, licenses and certifications. In addition to base compensation, this role is eligible for an annual incentive plan. This role is not eligible for additional compensation such as an annual incentive bonus or sales commission plan. This role is eligible to receive additional S&P Global benefits. For more information on the benefits we provide to our employees, see the benefits section below.

What We’re Looking For

Basic Required Qualifications

Deep understanding of equity markets, portfolio construction, factor and dividend investing, financial theory and the principles that underpin index design, supported by substantial relevant experience

Advanced proficiency in Python or similar programming languages, with a strong track record of building repeatable analytical workflows and working with complex datasets

Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, with the judgment and experience to structure and solve complex, non‑routine problems and critically review the work of others

Strong written, verbal and stakeholder‑management skills, including the ability to explain complex technical analysis to senior internal stakeholders, lead client‑facing discussions and guide colleagues effectively

Demonstrated ability to lead high-profile, complex projects independently, manage multiple priorities and provide practical support and guidance to others while operating with attention to detail, strong judgment and a delivery mindset

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent experience in finance, economics, mathematics, engineering, computer science or a related quantitative discipline preferred CFA progress, CFA charter, or commitment to relevant professional development desirable

About S&P Global Dow Jones Indices

At S&P Dow Jones Indices, we provide iconic and innovative index solutions backed by unparalleled expertise across the asset‑class spectrum. By bringing transparency to the global capital markets, we empower investors everywhere to make decisions with conviction. We’re the largest global resource for index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®. More assets are invested in products based upon our indices than any other index provider in the world. With over USD 7.4 trillion in passively managed assets linked to our indices and over USD 11.3 trillion benchmarked to our indices, our solutions are widely considered indispensable in tracking market performance, evaluating portfolios and developing investment strategies. S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world’s foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help many of the world’s leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/spdji.

What’s In It For You?

Our Mission: Advancing Essential Intelligence. Our People: We're more than 35,000 strong worldwide—so we’re able to understand nuances while having a broad perspective. Our team is driven by curiosity and a shared belief that Essential Intelligence can help build a more prosperous future for us all. From finding new ways to measure sustainability to analyzing energy transition across the supply chain to building workflow solutions that make it easy to tap into insight and apply it. We are changing the way people see things and empowering them to make an impact on the world we live in. We’re committed to a more equitable future and to helping our customers find new, sustainable ways of doing business. Join us and help create the critical insights that truly make a difference.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Health care coverage designed for the mind and body.
• Flexible Downtime: Generous time off helps keep you energized for your time on.
• Continuous Learning: Access a wealth of resources to grow your career and learn valuable new skills.
• Invest in Your Future: Secure your financial future through competitive pay, retirement planning, a continuing education program with a company‑matched student loan contribution, and financial wellness programs.
• Family Friendly Perks: It’s not just about you. S&P Global has perks for your partners and little ones, too, with some best‑in class benefits for families.
• Beyond the Basics: From retail discounts to referral incentive awards—small perks can make a big difference.
• For more information on benefits by country visit: https://spgbenefits.com/benefit-summaries

Global Hiring and Opportunity at S&P Global

At S&P Global, we are committed to fostering a connected and engaged workplace where all individuals have access to opportunities based on their skills, experience, and contributions. Our hiring practices emphasize fairness, transparency, and merit, ensuring that we attract and retain top talent. By valuing different perspectives and promoting a culture of respect and collaboration, we drive innovation and power global markets.

Equal Opportunity Employer

S&P Global is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military veteran status, unemployment status, or any other status protected by law.

Only electronic job submissions will be considered for employment. If you need an accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please send an email to:[e-mail] your request will be forwarded to the appropriate person.

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