Moody's Investors Service

Let's begin! Executive Director - Leveraged Finance (14507)

Moody's Investors Service • $245K — $355K *
New York, NY 10025In-Person
Finance & Insurance
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years in leveraged finance, credit analysis, or investment banking with strategic impact
  • Deep understanding of high-yield debt instruments and leveraged loans
  • Exceptional analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Proven experience leading high-performing teams
  • Bachelor's degree required; Master’s/MBA preferred; CFA required
  • Recognized authority in leveraged finance with executive presence
  • Experience in building sustainable organizational capability and mentoring teams

Responsibilities

  • Set strategic direction for North American Leveraged Finance Research & Outreach
  • Represent Moody's at high levels, articulating perspectives on leveraged finance trends
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on market trends and complex transactions
  • Maintain relationships with key stakeholders across the finance spectrum
  • Collaborate with leadership and teams to foster excellence and coordination
  • Lead teams, manage recruitment and development of Leveraged Finance professionals
  • Champion innovation and lead transformational initiatives for operational efficiency

Benefits

  • Insurance coverage including health and dental
  • Discounted employee stock purchase plan
  • Potential eligibility for a completion bonus
Full Job Description
The Role

The Executive Director, North America Leveraged Finance Research & Outreach is a high-profile thought leadership role at Moody's focused on further strengthening our Leveraged Finance franchise voice in the key North American market. This person will report to the Global Head of Leveraged Finance, within Moody's Ratings' Corporate Finance Group (CFG). This role demands a definitive authority and recognized thought leader who sets the strategic direction for the North American Leveraged Finance franchise, ensures alignment with firm-wide objectives, translates enterprise vision into actionable plans, collaborates across teams and regions, manages risks, and delivers exceptional results, customer satisfaction and analytical prowess, with firm-wide impact on regulatory relationships and market credibility.

At Moody's, we believe strong leadership is grounded in vision, agility, and purpose. We look for individuals who are forward-thinking, embrace change, champion innovation, and communicate with clarity and empathy. Whether working across teams, technologies, or geographies, we value those who inspire others, lead with emotional intelligence, and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and shared success.

Skills & Competencies
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in leveraged finance, credit analysis, investment banking, or a related financial services field, with a track record of enterprise-level strategic impact, thought leadership, and success in senior leadership roles across credit ratings and risk management
  • Deep understanding of high-yield debt instruments, leveraged loans, private credit and evolving capital markets with the ability to navigate complex financial transactions and market dynamics
  • Exceptional analytical, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence
  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's/MBA strongly preferred. CFA required. Executive education expected.
  • Recognized authority in leveraged finance with executive presence and the ability to influence regulators, senior industry stakeholders, and firm-wide standards
  • Thought Leadership: Recognized authority who sets the direction for and ensures delivery of top-quality research and outreach contributions that drive growth, relevance and firm-wide market credibility
  • Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of leveraged finance and private credit products, markets, and risk management principles
  • Relationship Management: Excellent ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, investors, and stakeholders
  • Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex financial transactions and challenges with a positive, constructive, results-oriented
  • Talent Development: proven experience in building and sustaining organizational capability, nurturing and inspiring high performing teams including SVPs, VPs, AVPs and Associates
  • Enterprise Impact: Ability to translate enterprise vision into actionable plans and to shape firm-wide outcomes, regulatory relationships, and market credibility
  • Innovation & Transformation: Champions innovation, sets the innovation agenda for the area of responsibility, and leads transformational programs including digital and AI-enabled enhancements

Key Responsibilities
  • Set the strategic direction for and drive execution of the CFG strategy for Leveraged Finance Research & Outreach in the North American region, including enhancing the suite of periodical (and ad hoc) publications and digital assets, support for campaigns, outreach events, and developing our credit voice in the market
  • Represent the franchise internally and externally at the highest levels, shaping firm-wide standards and strategic priorities through executive presence, articulating our perspective on leveraged finance trends and credit risk
  • Serve as the recognized authority and subject matter expert for Leveraged Finance topics and themes, identifying and responding to evolving market trends and providing consistency in the approach to complex transactions, in collaboration with CSS
  • Maintain and grow strong relationships with key stakeholders at the highest levels, including customers (corporate high yield issuers, private equity sponsors, intermediaries), investors, media, and regulatory bodies
  • Partner with executive leadership and collaborate with other regional Leveraged Finance teams, other rating teams and CSS teams, fostering a culture of excellence, coordination and innovation, and building sustainable capability across the organization
  • Work hand in hand with the Private Credit franchise to deliver top-class One Moody's analytical and market engagement
  • Lead and manage teams of Leveraged Finance professionals including SVPs, VPs, AVPs and Associates, contributing to the body of research and outreach (in close coordination with the Covenants Specialists), and owning recruitment, coaching, performance management, and providing mentorship, guidance and opportunities for career development to build sustainable organizational capability, in alignment with Moody's Ratings objectives
  • Serve as Rating Committee Chair and Credit Estimates approver
  • Champion innovation and set the innovation agenda for the Leveraged Finance franchise, leading transformational programs including digital and AI-enabled enhancements, and driving data, digitalization and process initiatives for the Leveraged Finance portfolio, with an emphasis on standardization, harmonization, automation and operational efficiency
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal policies, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency


For US-based roles only: the anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $245,400.00 - $355,800.00, depending on factors such as experience, education, level, skills, and location. This range is based on a full-time position. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for a completion bonus. Moody's also offers insurance and a discounted employee stock purchase plan for limited duration employees.

About Moody's Investors Service

Moody's Investors Service is a bond credit rating business that provides research, credit rating, and financial risk analysis services. The company’s ratings and analysis track debt that covers various countries, corporate issuers, public finance issuers, and structured finance obligations. Additionally, the company also offers predictive ratings, research and investor briefings, pricing and valuation tools, and credit opinions. The company’s primary goal is to help investors analyze the credit risks associated with fixed-income securities. Moody’s Investor Service rates debt securities in several market segments related to public and commercial securities in the bond market. These include government, municipal and corporate bonds; managed investments such as money market funds, fixed-income funds, and hedge funds; financial institutions that include banks and non-bank finance companies; and asset classes in structured finance. Considered one of the Big Three credit rating agencies, Moody’s Investor Service employs approximately 6,100 people worldwide and maintains a presence in 28 countries. Moody’s Investor Service was founded by John Moody in 1999 and is headquartered in New York City, United States.

Moody's Investors Service Careers

Join the esteemed team at Moody's Investors Service, a leading global provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis. This is a prime opportunity to be part of a company that values professional growth, leadership, and innovation in the financial industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Moody's Investors Service, the focus is on empowering the financial community to make better decisions through high-quality, independent, and rigorous analytics. The team at Moody's Investors Service is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the transparency, integrity, and efficiency of global markets.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Moody's Investors Service offers a variety of career paths, including full-time positions and internships that provide valuable industry experience. The company is committed to fostering a culture of excellence where skilled, passionate, and solution-driven team players thrive.

Innovative Work Environment

Engage in work that matters with a team that combines deep industry expertise with innovation to deliver insights that matter to global markets. Moody's Investors Service is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and data analysis in the financial sector.

Professional Growth and Development

Moody's Investors Service believes in future-proofing careers by offering unmatched opportunities for professional development and advancement. Whether through leadership programs, diversity training, or networking events, employees are equipped to excel in their careers and contribute to the company's success.

Benefits and Culture

The culture at Moody's Investors Service is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and inclusion. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits designed to support their health, well-being, and financial security. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusive growth makes it a leader not just in financial services, but also as an employer of choice.

Join the Team

Discover the range of positions available, from analyst roles to leadership opportunities. Moody's Investors Service is actively hiring and looking for individuals who bring creativity, teamwork, and a strong work ethic to the table.

Prepare for Your Interview

To join Moody's Investors Service, start by tailoring your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview by researching the company's impact on the financial industry and come ready to discuss how your background aligns with the company's goals and values.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Moody's Investors Service by following their career blog. Gain insights from insiders, and stay informed about new job openings and industry news.

Career Advancement at Moody's Investors Service

With a steadfast commitment to nurturing talent and a clear path for career advancement, Moody's Investors Service remains a top choice for professionals aiming to excel in the financial sector. Explore how you can contribute to and benefit from the company's legacy of success.

Search Moody's Investors Service Jobs

Find the position that matches your skills and interests. Moody's Investors Service is looking for dedicated, curious, and innovative professionals to join their team. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Moody's Investors Service.
Learn more about Moody's Investors Service
Industry
Finance & Insurance
Founded
1900
* Ladders Estimates

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