The Investment Strategy Group (ISG) is Vanguard’s in‑house global think tank, dedicated to producing industry‑leading research that shapes perspectives on the markets, informs the firm’s investment and advice methodologies, and guides decisions about our investment offerings and strategies.
As a Senior Specialist on the Advised Wealth Management Strategies team within ISG, you will play a pivotal role in defining the future of wealth planning. In this intellectually rich and highly collaborative environment, you will lead research initiatives that both advance our existing methodologies and develop innovative approaches to wealth management. Your work—grounded in rigorous quantitative analysis—will help ensure Vanguard’s advice remains best‑in‑class.
Partnering closely with subject matter experts and internal stakeholders, you will help align our guidance with evolving client needs and business priorities. As a trusted authority on complex financial planning topics, you will provide strategic insights to internal and external audiences and serve as a mentor to investment analysts across the organization.
Vanguard is powered by exceptional people and guided by an inspiring mission: To take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success. If you’re passionate about enhancing the long‑term financial well‑being of households and energized by wealth management research, financial advice, and collaborative problem‑solving, this is a compelling opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Responsibilities:
Performs complex quantitative and qualitative analysis and offers opinions and recommendations related to portfolio construction and investment advice. Devises perspectives that enhance Vanguard's role as an investment leader in the industry.
Prepares written material, presentations, and statistical analyses as needed for clients, prospects, senior management and the media. Includes pros and cons surrounding different portfolio construction options, and provides Vanguard' s opinion on subject matter based on analysis of investment research.
Initiates research projects that enhance Vanguard's external position as an investment leader in the industry.
Participates in the ongoing review and enhancement of Vanguard's investment methodology. Performs detailed methodology audits and makes recommendations on changes.
Serves as an investment strategy internal authority. Meets with senior leaders to determine requirements for research requests. Supports ad-hoc research projects, builds research inventory for internal use, and may schedule ongoing research and delivery of content for internal cross-divisional team usage.
Participates in group discussions designed to identify and debate investment issues and potential research projects. Develops recommendations on new research topics or methodology issues.
Provides guidance to investment analysts within the team on research, methodology, or overall context regarding analyses.
Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Deep expertise in household tax planning, estate planning, and financial planning topics.
Eight years related work experience, including five years wealth management research experience. Peer reviewed published thought leadership strongly preferred.
Graduate degree in Financial Planning, Taxation, Economics, Finance, or related fields strongly preferred. LL.M. in Taxation, Master of Science in Taxation preferred.
CPA or CFP preferred.
Demonstrated experience with utility-based lifecycle financial planning models 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
- Deep expertise in household tax planning, estate planning, and financial planning topics.
- Eight years related work experience, including five years wealth management research experience.
- Peer reviewed published thought leadership.
- Graduate degree in Financial Planning, Taxation, Economics, Finance, or related fields (strongly preferred).
- LL.M. in Taxation or Master of Science in Taxation (preferred).
- CPA or CFP.
- Demonstrated experience with utility-based lifecycle financial planning models.
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.
