Corporate Credit Funds - Director (Chicago)

The role

The Director will assign and monitor credit ratings on various debt instruments backed by portfolios of middle market corporate loans. This role focuses on private credit and direct lending transactions, including feeder fund rated notes, master fund credit facilities, and middle market CLOs.

What you will do

• Lead the new issuance rating process.
• Analyze portfolios of corporate loans, bonds, and other credit instruments.
• Conduct due diligence meetings with asset managers, direct lenders, arrangers, and issuers.
• Prepare rating memoranda and new issuance reports.
• Present recommendations to rating committees.
• Lead ongoing monitoring and surveillance of outstanding transactions.
• Develop and maintain complex financial models.
• Collaborate with KBRA experts across structured credit, corporate finance, financial institutions, and ABS.
• Supervise and mentor junior team members.
• Develop and maintain analytical tools and standardized frameworks.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics or Math related fields.
• Eight (8) or more years of work experience in corporate credit analysis, private credit, direct lending, fund investing, CLO analysis, or structured finance.
• Experience reviewing legal documents and strong understanding of liability structures, LTV/advance rates, payment priorities, and structural protections.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel to build and analyze excel based financial models.
• Ability to assess creditworthiness of funds, assets, and counterparties.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage time and resources in fast-growing company.

Nice to have

• CFA or MBA
• Familiarity with Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT

Benefits

• A hybrid work schedule (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays in the office)
• Competitive benefits and paid time off
• Paid family and disability leave
• 401(k) plan, including employer match (100% vested)
• Educational and professional development financial assistance
• Employee referral bonus program

About the company

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO.