Head of Brand Strategy

Morningstar’s mission is to empower investor success. We believe that when the investor wins, we all win. Our brand is one of the most trusted in financial services, serving as a key differentiator in a competitive market. We are seeking a visionary Head of Brand Strategy to elevate and evolve our global brand presence. In this role, you will be responsible for defining and executing Morningstar’s master brand strategy, ensuring brand consistency, and driving innovation across all touchpoints. You will lead a dynamic, global team and collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to enhance brand equity and relevance. Reporting to the SVP of Corporate Marketing, this role is based in our Chicago headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Fortify and protect the brand in areas of strength while also growing and extending the brand across geographies, capabilities, and customers.
• Lead and refine Morningstar’s master brand strategy, including brand architecture, messaging, corporate advertising, governance, and reputation management.
• Build and execute multi-year strategic brand plans/roadmaps and budgets that support the long-term brand strategy.
• Develop and execute integrated brand marketing strategies that enhance awareness, differentiation, and preference for Morningstar and its sub-brands.
• Ensure brand consistency across all customer and employee touchpoints while fostering innovation and relevance.
• Evolve and measure brand health and performance metrics, leveraging data and insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee brand positioning and messaging frameworks to align with business growth and customer engagement.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, including design, product, sales, and marketing to embed brand strategy into go-to-market initiatives.
• Lead and manage agency and production partners, ensuring world-class execution of branding initiatives.
• Drive Morningstar’s employer brand and internal brand advocacy programs in partnership with internal communications to ensure employees understand and embody brand values.
• Mitigate risk to the brand by partnering with Communications teams on crisis and reputation management strategies, enhancing brand trust.
• Communicate brand strategies, programs, and results to executive leadership, clients, and partners.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in brand strategy, marketing, and business leadership.
• Proven expertise in developing and managing global brand portfolios.
• Experience managing successful brand integrations as a result of M&A.
• Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring and developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to translate brand insights and marketing metrics into strategic actions.
• Exceptional executive presentation skills for engaging with leadership, clients, and external stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of digital branding, social media, and content marketing strategies.
• Experience partnering with design, product, and sales teams to integrate brand strategy into commercial initiatives.
• Track record of building and executing multi-year, multi-faceted, strategic brand plans and budgets.
• Background in financial services or fintech is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the most trusted brands in financial services and drive meaningful impact on a global scale. If you are a strategic thinker, passionate about brand storytelling, and excited to shape the future of Morningstar’s brand, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation and Benefits

• Financial Health: 75% 401k match up to 7%, 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 annually, 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 Bonding Leave, Adoption Assistance, Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities, Annual Education Stipend, 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 work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. While some positions are available as fully remote, we’ve found that we’re at our best when we’re purposely together on a regular basis, typically 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.