Equities & Digital Assets R&D Associate Director, Index Design
spgi · New York, New York, United States
About the Role:
Grade Level (for internal use):
12The Team
S&P Dow Jones Indices is seeking an Equities & Digital Assets R&D Associate Director within the Index Design team to lead the research, design, analysis and delivery of differentiated index solutions within the Equities & Digital Assets value stream. Reporting to an Index Design Team Manager, with oversight from the Head of Equities & Digital Assets Index Design, the role will independently lead high-profile, complex projects, translate product and client needs into systematic, scalable and well-documented index concepts, and provide support and guidance to other team members.
The Equities & Digital Assets Index Design team supports S&P DJI's world-leading brand by driving equity index expansion and extending our leadership in index IP and data into the DeFi ecosystem., Through rigorous research, portfolio construction and financial theory, the team develops innovative and robust index strategies that address evolving client needs while upholding S&P DJI's standards of quality, transparency and governance.
As a senior member of this team, the Associate Director will lead these efforts while working closely with commercial, analytical and technology colleagues across the value stream, and will provide practical support, technical guidance and constructive challenge to colleagues.
Responsibilities and Impact:
The Associate Director will take end-to-end ownership across the full index design lifecycle, including background research, data gathering and validation, quantitative analysis, back-testing, methodology development, documentation and leadership of internal and external stakeholder discussions. The role requires strong numeracy, advanced programming capability, sound judgment and the ability to deliver high-profile, complex projects independently using controlled and repeatable approaches.
The role will also lead or materially contribute to research publications, presentations and thought leadership, and drive the development of tools, templates and repeatable processes that improve the efficiency, scalability and analytical quality of index design and launch.
This role is an opportunity for an experienced, highly analytical and commercially aware index professional to shape high-profile Equities & Digital Assets initiatives while contributing to a value stream focused on high-quality delivery, client relevance and scalable innovation. The ideal candidate will combine technical depth, independent judgment and strong stakeholder leadership with the ability to guide others and turn market insight and investment objectives into robust index solutions.
The candidate will apply and deepen expertise across equity markets, digital assets, factor and dividend strategies, alternative datasets, portfolio construction techniques, quantitative research methods and the evolving tools and processes used to make index design more scalable and effective.
• Independently lead the research, design and analysis of new indices and related capabilities within the Equities & Digital Assets Index Design value stream, including high-profile and complex projects
• Lead the translation of investment objectives, product requirements and client needs into clear, testable index design concepts, providing informed challenge and recommendations where appropriate
• Access, clean, transform and validate complex equity, market and reference datasets used in index research and back-testing
• Design, develop and critically review backtests, sensitivity analysis and quantitative research to assess whether complex index concepts meet their stated objectives
• Apply advanced programming skills to build and oversee robust, repeatable and well-controlled analytical workflows, tools and templates, and support colleagues in adopting good practice
• Lead methodology drafting, documentation, design reviews and governance processes required for index approval and launch, ensuring analytical quality and effective resolution of complex issues
• Lead the preparation and communication of analysis, charts, presentation materials and research content for senior internal stakeholders, client discussions and external thought leadership
Other Responsibilities:
• Work with the Index Design Team Manager to shape priorities and independently deliver agreed team backlog items and complex project outcomes to required timelines and quality standards
• Build trusted working relationships and lead effective collaboration with R&D colleagues, Index Engineering, Product Management, Commercial, Operations, Governance and other functional partners
• Champion agreed Index Design operating standards, analytical controls and agile working practices, providing support and guidance to colleagues and helping raise quality and consistency across the team
• Independently manage multiple complex research and design workstreams with clear communication, disciplined execution, sound prioritisation and timely escalation of material risks or dependencies
• Act as a senior subject-matter resource across equity markets, index construction, factor and dividend strategies, portfolio design and emerging industry trends relevant to client needs
Compensation/Benefits Information: (This section is only applicable to US candidates)
S&P Global states that the anticipated base salary range for this position is $122,865 to $175,728. Final base salary for this role will be based on the individual’s geographic location, as well as experience level, skill set, training, licenses and certifications.
In addition to base compensation, this role is eligible for an annual incentive plan. This role is not eligible for additional compensation such as an annual incentive bonus or sales commission plan.
This role is eligible to receive additional S&P Global benefits. For more information on the benefits we provide to our employees, please click here.
What We're Looking For
Basic Required Qualifications
- Deep understanding of equity markets, portfolio construction, factor and dividend investing, financial theory and the principles that underpin index design, supported by substantial relevant experience
- Advanced proficiency in Python or similar programming languages, with a strong track record of building repeatable analytical workflows and working with complex datasets
- Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, with the judgment and experience to structure and solve complex, non-routine problems and critically review the work of others
- Strong written, verbal and stakeholder-management skills, including the ability to explain complex technical analysis to senior internal stakeholders, lead client-facing discussions and guide colleagues effectively
- Demonstrated ability to lead high-profile, complex projects independently, manage multiple priorities and provide practical support and guidance to others while operating with attention to detail, strong judgment and a delivery mindset
Additional Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or equivalent experience in finance, economics, mathematics, engineering, computer science or a related quantitative discipline preferred
- CFA progress, CFA charter, or commitment to relevant professional development desirable
About S&P Global Dow Jones Indices
At S&P Dow Jones Indices, we provide iconic and innovative index solutions backed by unparalleled expertise across the asset-class spectrum. By bringing transparency to the global capital markets, we empower investors everywhere to make decisions with conviction. We’re the largest global resource for index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®. More assets are invested in products based upon our indices than any other index provider in the world. With over USD 7.4 trillion in passively managed assets linked to our indices