CMBS Surveillance Credit Ratings, Analyst – Chicago
Morningstar DBRS is seeking a highly motivated individual to join its commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS) group in Chicago as an Analyst. The position is responsible for rating and monitoring bonds secured by commercial real estate loans. The role will focus on conducting analysis at the collateral and transaction level as part of annual and event-driven reviews for the transactions in the Morningstar DBRS rated CMBS book, which includes a variety of transaction types, including Multi-Borrower Conduit, Single-Asset/Single-Borrower and CRE CLO transactions. The individual will serve as a lead analyst, preparing the rating committee package and making regular presentations to rating committee voters, and will be responsible for drafting press releases for all ratings actions.
Job Responsibilities:
Obtain a solid understanding of methodologies, models, criteria and other analytical tools to assess the credit worthiness of the various transaction types within the Morningstar DBRS rated CMBS book, including Multi-Borrower, Single-Borrower/Single Asset and CRE CLO transactions.
As a lead analyst, run point on completing surveillance reviews of Morningstar DBRS-rated CMBS transactions. This work will involve analyzing property-level documents (operating statements, rent rolls and property inspections) for the underlying collateral and collateral and bond level reporting provided by the transaction parties. Communicate with third parties, such as servicers and other information providers, to obtain collateral updates.
Compile rating committee documents and present analysis and recommendations to rating committee voters.
Draft press releases and rating letters which effectively communicate the Morningstar DBRS credit view and ratings rationale. Work with senior reviewers within the North American CMBS Surveillance team and the publishing group to finalize drafts and release documents in a timely manner.
Assist in the composition of surveillance reports and market and industry commentaries for investors and conference audiences.
Perform analysis for newly-contributed loans for the Morningstar DBRS CRE CLO rated book, as needed. This work will require an understanding of Morningstar DBRS Commercial Real Estate Property Analysis Criteria and other criteria and methodologies.
As needed, assist with the analysis for newly-issued Morningstar DBRS-rated CMBS transactions in Canada, performing site inspections and completing other levels of analysis for loans in those pools.
Some travel (5-10%) may be required.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have 1-2 years of commercial real estate experience and possess a degree in finance, real estate or a related area.
The individual must be able to work in a multi-faceted capacity, be analytical and highly attentive to detail.
The candidate will be highly poised and possess excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
Possess a high degree of proficiency in Excel as well as the intellectual curiosity to develop new applications and to perform complex analyses.
Well-developed writing skills are also required.
All necessary documents are required for domestic and international travel.
Total Compensation: $73,650-$90,467
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
100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
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 Leave
Adoption Assistance
Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
Tuition Reimbursement
Social Health
Charitable Matching Gifts program
Dollars for Doers volunteer program
Paid volunteering days
15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups
Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office 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.
Skills Required
- 1-2 years of commercial real estate experience
- Degree in finance, real estate or a related area
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Analytical and highly attentive to detail
- Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
- Well-developed writing skills
- Ability to prepare rating committee documents and present analysis to committee voters
- Possess all necessary documents for domestic and international travel
What the Team is Saying
Morningstar Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Policies include a paid sabbatical every four years and flexible PTO covering vacation, sick, and personal days, alongside paid volunteer time. Feedback suggests these features create meaningful flexibility and rest opportunities beyond standard leave plans.
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Parental & Family Support — A global minimum of 16 weeks paid parental leave for primary caregivers (up to 8 weeks for secondary) and at least six weeks of paid caregiving leave are publicly stated, with adoption assistance also available. These provisions indicate robust support for families during key life events.
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Retirement Support — U.S. materials document a 401(k) match of $0.75 per $1 up to 7% of pay and no‑cost access to Morningstar retirement tools. This combination strengthens long‑term savings and planning for employees.
Morningstar Insights
What We Do
We are a global investment research and financial data company with 40-plus offices across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Our products and services are used daily by individual investors, financial advisors, asset managers, retirement plan providers, and institutional investors. We provide data, research, and analysis across managed investment products, publicly listed companies, private capital markets, debt securities, and real-time global market data. The financial system can have real barriers—hidden information, friction that can slow decisions, and forces that can limit transparency and access. We work to remove them, bringing independent research, connected data, and investor-first tools to a system that needs more clarity. The people doing this work span research, technology, design, product, sales, and functional areas. We build many of our products in-house, so the work can connect directly to the tools investors use to make real financial decisions.
Why Work With Us
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