Chief of Staff

Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of independent investment insights in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The Company offers an extensive line of products and solutions that serve a wide range of market participants, including individual and institutional investors in public and private capital markets, financial advisors and wealth managers, asset managers, retirement plan providers and sponsors, and issuers of fixed-income securities. Morningstar provides data and research insights on a wide range of investment offerings, including managed investment products, publicly listed companies, private capital markets, debt securities, and real-time global market data. Morningstar also offers investment management services through its investment advisory subsidiaries, with approximately $328 billion in AUMA as of Sept. 30, 2024. The Company operates through wholly owned subsidiaries in 32 countries. 

The Chief of Staff is a key partner to the Chief Executive Officer and business leaders, supporting the executive leadership team, communications, and strategic projects. This two-year role offers a unique opportunity to drive meaningful business impact while gaining exposure to the broader aspects of the organization. The ideal candidate will provide strategic management support including project management and leadership of strategic initiatives. We’re seeking a dynamic professional with the ability to handle multiple priorities effectively while collaborating with senior leaders and cross-functional teams, consistently maintaining a Morningstar-first mindset in all decisions and actions. This position will report to the CEO and is based in our Chicago office. 

Areas of oversight and responsibility:

• Ensure the effective planning and preparation of senior executive meetings, such as offsites and leadership meetings, to drive productive outcomes. Facilitate communication cascading to teams as needed and regularly assess meeting formats to ensure ongoing effectiveness. For example, organizing quarterly strategy sessions that result in actionable plans and follow-up meetings to track progress. 
• Assist the CEO to identify priorities, strategically align the CEO’s time with those priorities, and revisit them regularly to assess progress. For instance, creating a weekly dashboard that highlights key metrics and upcoming priorities for the CEO. 
• Identify organizational issues, friction points, and potential roadblocks, ensuring the CEO is informed and equipped with an independent perspective to address key challenges effectively. An example could be conducting a root cause analysis on a recurring issue and presenting a detailed report with recommendations.
• Independently scope, plan, execute and support strategic cross-organizational projects in close partnership with business and functional teams. For example, participate in vetting and developing plans for integrating acquired businesses. Or take on special projects with companywide importance that touch myriad areas across the business, including research, marketing, and strategy.

Requirements:

• 10+ years in a business or senior management role, with extensive experience leading global teams/organizations. 
• Outstanding analytical skills, a high degree of intellectual curiosity, comfortability with data and systems, and the ability to engage with other senior leaders in addressing complex business issues. You must be a self-starter and comfortable using influence to direct and organize resources. 
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated experience presenting to C-level executives and Boards of Directors. 
• Proven to have a high level of self-motivation by successfully owning, driving, executing, and delivering multiple projects simultaneously, showcasing strong persistence and follow through. For instance, managing multiple high-stakes projects concurrently and delivering all on time and within budget. Or in other words, a can-do attitude is a must!
• Bachelor’s degree required; a graduate degree is preferred. Problem solving and friction fighting skills are key. 

Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 29.

Base Salary Range: $115,815-$350,742 USD

Total Cash Range: $156,350-$543,650 USD

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
  • 75% 401k match up to 7%
  • 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 Bonding Leave
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
  • Annual Education Stipend
  • 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

Total Cash Compensation Range

Morningstar’s hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. While some positions are available as fully remote, we’ve found that we’re at our best when we’re purposely together on a regular basis, typically three days 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.