Director of Institutional Research, Indexes

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’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.

• 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.

• 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…