Stewardship Manager, Americas

Position Purpose:

This is an exciting position on one of ESG’s frontlines, engaging directly with both global public companies and institutional investors to lower ESG risks. The role involves speaking and meeting with these key stakeholders, and in developing and implementing engagement strategies. These are grounded in a deep understanding of cultural and policy contexts in the Americas to bring about constructive change. The ideal candidate will be a polished communicator, comfortable with corporate diplomacy, with an understanding of a wide variety of ESG trends and best practices across sectors and contexts (regulatory frameworks, comparative cultures). The role will also require research and analytical skills to engage with publicly traded companies and contribute to the development of decision-useful engagement insights for institutional investors via ongoing and periodical engagement reporting, including contribution to thought leadership articles.

The position is part of the Material Risk Engagement team that is dedicated to delivering an investor engagement overlay to the Morningstar Sustainalytics flagship product, the ESG Risk Rating. The purpose of the Material Risk Engagement service is to assist institutional investors to promote and protect long-term value by engaging with high-risk companies on financially-material ESG issues. The position will engage in dialogue with publicly traded companies to improve ESG risk and sustainability management practices. This role will focus on companies based in the Americas and can expect some travelling for face-to-face meetings across a variety of cultures.

Sustainalytics’ Stewardship team consists of approximately 40 individuals across 8 countries and various ESG disciplines who support investor clients in meeting their responsible investment objectives and facilitate active ownership strategies through engagement dialogue, proxy voting advisory and investor communications. Our services are delivered through a number of engagement programs covering material ESG risks, sustainability themes and global standards/norms. 

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will work alongside our investor clients to drive engagement processes with publicly traded companies. Engagement dialogues occur via conference calls in-person meetings, and email/telephone to support long term value creation. The engagement process requires a constructive dialogue followed by suggested actions for companies to adopt to improve ESG risk management. The Material Risk Engagement service is based on the highest risk companies according to Morningstar Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating research and the engagement principles at Morningstar Sustainalytics.

Within the team, each engagement manager takes responsibility for a list of companies and is then accountable for driving the engagement while also collaborating with other colleagues, and our investor clients. The role includes regularly updating qualitative and quantitative communications for our investor clients. You will also work with colleagues to answer client enquiries, conduct client briefings when requested, and ensuring a high degree of client satisfaction. Contributions to thought leadership, for example by writing articles or speaking at events, is common.

Qualifications:

• Relevant degree in Finance, Political Science, Environmental Studies, other, with proven research and analytical skills beyond studies
• Experience in diplomacy (corporate or public) and change management preferred
• Five to ten years of relevant RI/ESG/investment industry experience
• ESG knowledge across sectors, stewardship experience would be an asset
• Understanding of business strategy and finance as well as geographically relevant regulatory developments
• Highly professional interpersonal skills including an adaptive communication style adjusted based on the context of each engagement. Must be able to handle sensitive conversations with senior management with confidence and tact.
• Fluent English speaker with professional listening and writing skills
• Spanish or Portuguese language considered an asset
• Self-motivated and target-driven
• Service-minded and able to serve as a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues
• Able to handle a variety of responsibilities and deliver efficiently by prioritizing tasks 
• A curious mind – eager to learn, able to listen and ask the right questions
• Ability to travel a few times per year
• Alignment with Morningstar Sustainalytics’ mission, vision and values

Morningstar’s hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. We’ve found that we’re at our best when we’re purposely together on a regular basis, at least 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.