Head of Government Affairs

The Group:

Morningstar’s Government Affairs group drives policy thought leadership, advocates for investor-friendly policy positions, and monitors legislative and regulatory developments impacting our business.   We engage with policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders globally to advance policies that enhance market transparency, investor protections, and financial innovation.

The Role:

The Head of Government Affairs will lead Morningstar’s government affairs team, leveraging data-driven policy research to shape policy positions and advocate for regulatory frameworks that benefit investors. This leader will be a key Morningstar representative to regulators, policymakers, and industry groups on policy matters, driving engagement efforts globally. This role reports to Morningstar’s Global Head of Regulatory Strategy and Advisory.

Responsibilities:

• Drive Morningstar’s public policy positions and serve as a primary resource for specific policy areas.
• Represent Morningstar in front of policy makers and regulators around the world in engaging on policy matters, with a focus on the U.S.
• Manage a team of subject matter experts and collaborate across different Morningstar businesses and corporate function teams to assess policy implications on business operations and strategy, and craft Morningstar’s public policy positions.
• Provide strategic and technical advice in the development of comment letters and responses to regulatory consultations.
• Craft and communicate complex policy issues clearly and persuasively to internal stakeholders, policymakers, and the public through written content, presentations, and public speaking engagements.
• Play a leadership role in monitoring legislative and regulatory developments related to Morningstar businesses, including retirement security, credit ratings, sustainable investing, and broader financial services policy.
• Independently produce content, including presentations and articles, for a mass audience and key policymakers on investor-related policy issues to shape public policy discussions, leveraging Morningstar data where applicable.

Requirements:

• Strong experience in government affairs, policy research, lobbying, or a regulatory/government role.
• Expertise in financial services regulation, securities law, retirement policy, or investment-related public policy.
• Interest in public policy that improves ordinary investors’ experiences, and retirement security.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft concise, punchy policy briefs and advocacy materials.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with senior government officials, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work with data and analytics to support policy recommendations and decision-making.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (M.A., M.S., J.D., or equivalent) in public policy, economics, finance, law, or a related field strongly preferred.

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.