Physical Security Investigator

Vanguard•Malvern, PA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Global Risk and Security (GR&S) at Vanguard enables business strategy, protects client and Vanguard interests (e.g., assets and data), and stewards a strong risk culture. Our teams leverage enterprise-wide insights, deep expertise, and trusted advice so that across Vanguard leaders and crew drive faster, stronger, risk-informed decisions. Within GR&S, the Enterprise Security and Fraud (ES&F) sub-division is responsible for the global protection of Vanguard crew, property, data, and client assets. We are the trusted advisors that protect the pride of Vanguard with state-of-the-art security and fraud capabilities. We are a world-class destination of highly engaged, passionate, and diverse talent expected to continuously learn and develop in an ever-changing security landscape. Our crew are our greatest resource – by joining our team you will build collaborative long-term relationships and enjoy a suite of benefits that includes comprehensive health and wellness care, work-life balance, and an investment in your future at its core. Key Responsibilities OSINT Investigations Conduct OSINT investigations into individuals, groups, and activities relevant to physical security concerns, suspicious activity, or in response to site security requests. Apply established OSINT methodologies to assess credibility, relevance, and potential risk, incorporating behavioral indicators such as fixation, grievance, escalation, or targeted hostility where present. Research and analyze publicly available information, including social media, online forums, and digital footprints, in accordance with legal, ethical, and policy requirements. Demonstrate familiarity with escalation concepts and common behavioral warning signs to help contextualize open‑source findings. Document investigative findings clearly and accurately, producing investigative summaries that support security assessments and decision making. Support monitoring, follow up research, or case updates as directed based on evolving risk indicators. Maintain organized, well-documented investigative records to support auditability and quality control. Prescreening Workflow Support & Security Review Support employee prescreening workflows by assisting with intake coordination, tracking status, and ensuring timely progression through established processes. Review adverse or concerning information surfaced through prescreening processes to identify potential physical security relevance. Assist in drafting security recommendations related to adverse findings, clearly documenting observations, considerations, and rationale. Coordinate with physical security, crew relations, legal, and other internal stakeholders to support prescreening-related information flow and follow up actions. Maintain accurate documentation related to prescreening workflows, assessments, and recommendations. Process Discipline, Improvement & Metrics Follow established investigative and prescreening procedures, templates, and documentation standards. Identify process issues, recurring challenges, or quality gaps and raise observations to senior team members. Support data collection and tracking related to investigative and prescreening volume, timeliness, and outcomes. Contribute to continuous improvement efforts through thoughtful feedback and adherence to best practices. Collaboration & Communication Communicate investigative findings, observations, and recommendations clearly, objectively, and professionally. Build effective working relationships with internal and external partners by demonstrating reliability, discretion, and attention to detail. Escalate issues, uncertainties, or potential risks appropriately and in a timely manner.

Requirements

Experience conducting OSINT research, investigations, or security assessments in a corporate, government, military, or law enforcement environment.
Demonstrated understanding of open‑source research techniques and investigative documentation.
Familiarity with behavioral threat indicators and escalation concepts, as applied to workplace or person‑based risk.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow structured investigative processes.
Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources into clear written summaries.
Professional judgment, discretion, and commitment to ethical investigative practices.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting security investigations, physical security teams, or risk-related functions.
Familiarity with employee prescreening, due diligence, or internal review workflows.
Exposure to investigative case management or tracking tools.
Interest in OSINT tradecraft development, investigative quality, and process improvement.

Responsibilities

Conduct OSINT investigations into individuals, groups, and activities relevant to physical security concerns, suspicious activity, or in response to site security requests.
Apply established OSINT methodologies to assess credibility, relevance, and potential risk, incorporating behavioral indicators such as fixation, grievance, escalation, or targeted hostility where present.
Research and analyze publicly available information, including social media, online forums, and digital footprints, in accordance with legal, ethical, and policy requirements.
Demonstrate familiarity with escalation concepts and common behavioral warning signs to help contextualize open‑source findings.
Document investigative findings clearly and accurately, producing investigative summaries that support security assessments and decision making.
Support monitoring, follow up research, or case updates as directed based on evolving risk indicators.
Maintain organized, well-documented investigative records to support auditability and quality control.
Support employee prescreening workflows by assisting with intake coordination, tracking status, and ensuring timely progression through established processes.
Review adverse or concerning information surfaced through prescreening processes to identify potential physical security relevance.
Assist in drafting security recommendations related to adverse findings, clearly documenting observations, considerations, and rationale.
Coordinate with physical security, crew relations, legal, and other internal stakeholders to support prescreening-related information flow and follow up actions.
Maintain accurate documentation related to prescreening workflows, assessments, and recommendations.
Follow established investigative and prescreening procedures, templates, and documentation standards.
Identify process issues, recurring challenges, or quality gaps and raise observations to senior team members.
Support data collection and tracking related to investigative and prescreening volume, timeliness, and outcomes.
Contribute to continuous improvement efforts through thoughtful feedback and adherence to best practices.
Communicate investigative findings, observations, and recommendations clearly, objectively, and professionally.
Build effective working relationships with internal and external partners by demonstrating reliability, discretion, and attention to detail.
Escalate issues, uncertainties, or potential risks appropriately and in a timely manner.