Executive Director - Leveraged Finance

At Moody's, we unite the brightest minds to turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s opportunities. We do this by striving to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to be who they are—with the freedom to exchange ideas, think innovatively, and listen to each other and customers in meaningful ways. Moody’s is transforming how the world sees risk. As a global leader in ratings and integrated risk assessment, we’re advancing AI to move from insight to action—enabling intelligence that not only understands complexity but responds to it. We decode risk to unlock opportunity, helping our clients navigate uncertainty with clarity, speed, and confidence.  If you are excited about this opportunity but do not meet every single requirement, please apply! You still may be a great fit for this role or other open roles. We are seeking candidates who model our values: invest in every relationship, lead with curiosity, champion diverse perspectives, turn inputs into actions, and uphold trust through integrity.

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