Director of Index Research & Thought Leadership, Morningstar Indexes

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.

Morningstar Indexes is seeking a Director of Institutional Research to produce a broad range of impactful research that supports index product strategy and strengthens Morningstar Indexes’ thought leadership presence. This individual contributor role will focus on forward‑looking market insights, thematic and macro research, investment trends, and the commercial application of new research ideas to support and expand the index business. Working with existing Research teams within Indexes and Morningstar, the ideal candidate will successfully create and/or curate original research that differentiates Morningstar in the marketplace, informs product strategy, influences clients, and strengthens Morningstar’s thought‑leadership footprint globally. This role reports to the Global Head of Product and Research, Indexes, and must be based in our Chicago office, no other locations will be considered.

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 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

Total Cash Compensation Range

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.