Chief Data Architect
Come join the newly created Enterprise Data Architecture function in the Chief Technology Office (CTO)!
Vanguard aims to become an AI-driven organization, and achieving this ambition requires AI-ready data. The establishment of this new department is crucial for driving our maturity and transformation into a data driven organization. This new group will be responsible for defining, aligning, and governing enterprise-wide data architecture strategies that enable IT, business, and client outcomes. It is a fantastic opportunity to join our growing team at the ground floor of a journey that will partner across operational and analytical teams spanning all IT subdivisions. Together, we will enhance our data and analytics capabilities through strategic thought leadership, world class architecture, strong platform engineering, applied technology research, effective communication, change management, operating model optimization, project planning and enablement. This role will play a key role in elevating the maturity of Vanguard’s Enterprise Architecture practice, by helping effectively connect our strategy to world class execution.
As a Chief Data Architect, you will be:
Responsible as a senior enterprise lead in developing complex data architecture across the organization, providing expertise, and resolving difficult problems in data architecture projects by analyzing business needs and managing the quality of deliverables created. You will drive alignment on data architecture principles, foster cross-functional collaboration, and ensure that data capabilities are scalable and aligned with enterprise goals.
Responsibilities:
- Define data domains, subdomains, and key data subject areas across Vanguard.
- Design and evolve enterprise-level semantic data models, including logical and conceptual models, ontologies, and domain definitions.
- Lead the standardization of metadata practices across domains, enabling discoverability, lineage, and governance.
- Partner with product, data, and engineering teams to define domain-driven data contracts that support AI, analytics, and operational needs.
- Architect and implement reusable taxonomy and ontology frameworks that align business meaning with technical implementation.
- Enable scalable and interoperable semantic layers across data platforms (e.g., Lakehouse, Knowledge Graphs, Data Warehouses).
- Collaborate with governance, AI/ML, and metadata teams to support computational governance and automated metadata enrichment.
- Provide strategic guidance on data modeling techniques (3NF, dimensional, Data Vault, RDF/OWL) and drive adoption of best practices.
Qualifications:
- Deep expertise in data modeling (conceptual, logical, physical), ontology engineering, and metadata architecture.
- Proficient in tools such as Collibra, Alation, Atlan, FINOS Legend, Erwin, Lucidchart, AtScale, Stardog, TopBraid, Protégé, or other semantic/metadata platforms.
- Knowledge of semantic web standards (RDF, OWL, SKOS, SPARQL) and their practical application in enterprise data ecosystems.
- Familiarity with domain-driven design, data mesh principles, and knowledge graph architecture.
- Experience integrating business glossaries, taxonomies, and metadata systems into data platforms and AI pipelines.
- Ability to bridge business needs with technical architecture using clear, model-driven communication.
- Strong collaboration skills, working cross-functionally with data product owners, engineers, data scientists, and governance teams.
Special Factors
Sponsorship
Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.About Vanguard
At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.
To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.
How We Work
Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.
Top Skills
What We Do
We are a community of 30 million who think – and feel – differently about investing. Together, we’re changing the way the world invests.
Since our founding in 1975, helping our investors achieve their goals is our sole reason for existence. With no other parties to answer to and therefore no conflicting loyalties, we make every decision—like keeping investing costs as low as possible—with only your needs in mind.
Vanguard is one of the world's largest investment companies, offering a large selection of high-quality low-cost mutual funds, ETFs, advice, and related services. Individual and institutional investors, financial professionals, and plan sponsors can benefit from the size, stability, and experience Vanguard offers. As of April 30, 2019, we managed more than $5.6 trillion in global assets. In addition, we have 189 funds in the United States and 225 funds in global markets.
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