In this role, You Will:
Mentor and train others in the development and practice of user experience research techniques, processes and methods
Work closely with product teams to identify and prioritize research topics and questions
Move quickly and efficiently in an agile product development cycle, delivering continuous insights through lean research practices
Provide counsel to product teams on the appropriate research strategy needed to answer critical questions
Conduct research using a wide variety of qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as human-centered design principles leveraging support from other research disciplines (i.e. data analytics) as appropriate
Work cross-functionally with software development, design, content strategy, data science, and marketing
Represent the voice of the user and communicate research insights and recommendations in compelling and creative ways with team members and senior leadership
Facilitate research debriefs, brainstorming exercises, and/or other workshops that utilize design thinking approaches to fuel ideation and evaluate product design
What It Takes:
MA/MS/PhD in a related field or the equivalent combination of training and experience, with degree in HCI, Psychology, Sociology, Human Factors, Usability, or Information Science
5+ years relevant research experience
Track record of thought leadership and demonstrated ability to prioritize initiatives to influence strategic decisions
Demonstrated ability to manage and lead others through ambiguity
Strong business acumen; an understanding of business goals, strategies, and pressures while being aware of industry trends and competitive actions as a context for doing research
Demonstrated mastery in using design thinking techniques for product design and research
Command a broad set of qualitative and user-centered design research methods (e.g., usability testing, client interviews, diary study, surveys)
Proficient knowledge of quantitative research methods
Experience working across mobile and desktop web and apps required
Ability to ask, as well as answer, meaningful and impactful questions
Compelling communication and presentation/storytelling skills
Ability to facilitate group meetings and workshops
Experience using a wide range of user experience research software and tools (e.g., Usertesting.com, Medallia, Qualtrics)
Strong project management skills and experience guiding multiple projects simultaneously
Specific or highly related experience in one of our lab topic areas: onboarding, investing, tax management, cash management, robo-advice, human advice, mobile app, secure site, security, help, search, or conversational UI, a plus
A design experience that delivers
Vanguard, a recognized employer of choice, is a leading investment management firm driven by a low cost, 100% client focused model. Vanguard believes that Client Experience is core to continued growth and success in the marketplace. As such, we are focused on delivering world-class experiences and investor outcomes at speed through multidisciplinary lab teams fully organized around client journeys.
Qualifications
- Five years related work experience, Two years of User Experience or User Interface experience.
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience in a creative or technical field. Graduate degree preferred.
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.
Skills Required
- MA/MS/PhD in HCI, Psychology, Sociology, Human Factors, Usability, Information Science or equivalent combination of training and experience
- 5+ years relevant research experience
- Two years of User Experience or User Interface experience
- Track record of thought leadership and ability to prioritize initiatives to influence strategic decisions
- Demonstrated ability to manage and lead others through ambiguity
- Strong business acumen and awareness of industry trends and competitive actions
- Demonstrated mastery in design thinking techniques for product design and research
- Command of qualitative and user-centered design research methods (usability testing, interviews, diary studies, surveys)
- Proficient knowledge of quantitative research methods
- Experience working across mobile and desktop web and apps
- Compelling communication, presentation, and storytelling skills
- Ability to facilitate group meetings, workshops, and research debriefs
- Experience using user experience research software and tools (e.g., UserTesting.com, Medallia, Qualtrics)
- Strong project management skills and experience guiding multiple projects simultaneously
- Specific or highly related experience in lab topic areas (onboarding, investing, tax management, cash management, robo-advice, human advice, mobile app, secure site, security, help, search, conversational UI)
- Graduate degree preferred
Vanguard Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Vanguard and has not been reviewed or approved by Vanguard.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support appears unusually strong through a 401(k) design that includes a match plus an additional employer contribution, which can materially lift long-term total rewards. HSA seeding and an enhanced employer match further strengthen the savings-and-benefits value of the package.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle support is reinforced by a sizable annual FlexFund stipend that can be applied across many day-to-day categories such as fitness, childcare, and other personal expenses. On-site or virtual clinics and fitness options add practical health and wellness convenience.
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Affordable Benefits — Healthcare and related benefits are positioned as comparatively affordable via heavily subsidized medical plans and broad coverage options. This affordability can offset moderate base pay for employees who place higher value on out-of-pocket cost reductions.
Vanguard Insights
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. For Commenting Guidelines & Important information, visit here: http://vanguard.com/linkedin Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.
