Model Governance, Specialist

The Vanguard Group • Charlotte, PA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Model Risk Management (MRM) Team, part of Vanguard's second line of defense, seeks a quantitative model risk professional to support independent oversight of models used across Vanguard's Investment Management Group (IMG). IMG designs, manages, and oversees active and passive investment strategies across asset classes, investment vehicles, and geographies, relying on quantitative models such as alpha and signal models, portfolio construction and optimization models, risk models, trading models, asset allocation models, and AI/ML-enabled investment workflows.

The Specialist performs independent validation and effective challenge of investment models to help ensure they are conceptually sound, appropriately governed, and fit for purpose. The role works closely with quantitative researchers, data scientists, portfolio managers, model developers, and technology partners, building collaborative relationships while providing credible challenge. The Specialist also contributes to the evolution of Vanguard's model risk management framework, methodologies, standards, and practices across traditional quantitative models and AI/ML-driven solutions.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in a quantitative discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in model development, quantitative research, model validation, model risk management, or a related field.
• Experience in asset management, investment research, quantitative investing, or financial services.
• Strong knowledge in one or more of the following: equities, fixed income, portfolio construction and optimization, alpha/signal research, risk modeling, or machine learning and AI applications.
• Experience developing, testing, reviewing, or validating quantitative and/or AI/ML models.
• Programming experience in Python and/or similar analytical languages.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and willingness to learn and evolve in a rapidly changing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Seven or more years of relevant experience is ideal.
• Familiarity with cloud, MLOps, CI/CD, or modern model development environments.
• Familiarity with third-party investment and risk platforms such as Barra, Axioma, or Aladdin.
• Prior people leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent validation of investment models across major asset classes, including alpha/signal, portfolio construction and optimization, risk, trading, asset allocation, and AI/ML-enabled models and workflows.
• Challenge model assumptions, methodologies, data, implementation, controls, limitations, and performance monitoring frameworks.
• Produce validation reports and communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Develop and enhance validation methodologies, procedures, and testing approaches for consistent, risk-based model oversight.
• Contribute to model risk management policies, standards, and procedures across the model lifecycle.
• Advise stakeholders on model risk governance, validation expectations, and emerging industry practices.
• Stay current on developments in quantitative investing, model validation, AI/ML, and model governance.
• Partner across investment, technology, risk, and control functions.
• Participate in special projects and broader MRM initiatives as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level