Vice President, Project Finance

Job Description:

Morningstar DBRS is seeking an experienced individual with 7+ years of experience in credit analysis to join its Project Finance team based New York. The team in New York covers a broad and diversified portfolio covering energy and conventional power assets, digital infrastructure (data centers, fiber networks, telecom towers), transportation assets (airports, toll roads, ports), and public‑private partnerships. Reporting to the Managing Director, Energy & Natural Resources and US Asset Finance, the successful candidate will manage a growing portfolio of projects across North America. The Vice President will collaborate globally with colleagues and work in an environment that values rigorous analytical thinking, open dialogue, and professional growth, while gaining significant exposure to issuers, investors, advisors, and other stakeholders across the North American infrastructure landscape.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and supporting both new and surveillance ratings within the North American portfolio. Activities include financial statement analysis, using financial models, drafting rating reports, preparing rating committee materials, presenting credit rating recommendations, and engaging with issuers and investors regarding analytical frameworks and methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor a diverse portfolio of project finance ratings, including new transactions and ongoing surveillance.
• Serve as lead analyst on transactions across power and renewable energy, digital infrastructure, PPPs, transportation, and other core infrastructure sectors.
• Conduct detailed review of transaction documentation (PPAs, concession agreements, financing agreements, legal opinions) to assess credit implications.
• Perform comprehensive financial statement analysis and review complex project finance models including scenario analysis and financial forecasts.
• Draft clear, high‑quality rating reports, press releases, and analytical commentary that communicate credit drivers and key risks to the market.
• Present credit rating recommendations to rating committees, incorporating feedback and defending analytical perspectives.
• Contribute to the ongoing development, refinement, and application of project finance methodologies and sector‑specific criteria, particularly as new structures and technologies evolve.
• Engage directly with issuers, sponsors, investors, and advisors to discuss analytical views, rating rationales, and methodological approaches.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with fixed‑income investors through analytical discussions and outreach activities.
• Provide analytical support for business development initiatives where appropriate.
• Support informal training and knowledge‑sharing within the team as needed.

Qualifications

• 7 + years of financial analysis, with specific credit experience related to project finance.
• Experience from other ratings agencies, infrastructure advisory, Bank Project Finance Credit Teams or Buyside Credit is preferred.
• Degree in business, economics, engineering or a related discipline preferred.
• Solid power sector, infrastructure and financial markets knowledge.
• Strong research skills and focus on detail.
• Strong corporate finance and financial statement analytical abilities.
• Experience in legal review of contracts and financial agreements.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Experience in broader PPP and infrastructure industry in North America is a strong asset.
• Completion of the CFA or MBA program is an asset.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
• Willingness to travel as required.

About Us

Morningstar DBRS is a leading provider of independent rating services and opinions for corporate and sovereign entities, financial institutions, and project and structured finance instruments globally. Rating more than 4,000 issuers and 60,000 securities, it is one of the top four credit rating agencies in the world.

Morningstar DBRS empowers investor success by bringing more transparency and a much-needed diversity of opinion in the credit rating industry. Our approach and size allow us to be nimble enough to respond to customers' needs in their local markets, but large enough to provide the necessary expertise and resources they require. Market innovators choose to work with us because of our agility, tech-forward approach, and exceptional customer service.

Morningstar DBRS is the next generation of credit ratings.

Compensation and Benefits

At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are 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. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:

• 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

Base Salary Compensation Range

$113,308.00 - 211,538.00 USD Annual

Incentive Target Percentage

30% Annual

If you receive and accept an offer from us, we require that personal and any related investments be disclosed confidentiality to our Compliance team (days vary by region). These investments will be reviewed to ensure they meet Code of Ethics requirements. If any conflicts of interest are identified, then you will be required to liquidate those holdings immediately. In addition, dependent on your department and location of work certain employee accounts must be held with an approved broker (for example all, U.S. employee accounts). If this applies and your account(s) are not with an approved broker, you will be required to move your holdings to an approved broker.

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.

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