Strategic Market Development Specialist

Vanguard•Malvern, PA

34d•Hybrid

About The Position

Vanguard's Strategic Market Development team ("SMD") is building an elite group of bold thinkers, sharp problem-solvers, and builders focused on shaping Vanguard's next growth horizons. SMD operates at the intersection of corporate strategy, innovation, and digital product, to "future-proof" the company and extend Vanguard's legacy as a disruptor that redefined the investment industry. SMD's mission is to identify, validate, and advance next-horizon opportunities, including new business models and markets, innovative products, AI-driven solutions, and other disruptive ideas. This is a fast-paced environment for ambitious professionals looking to do the best work of their careers. If you thrive in complexity and ambiguity, have a track record of extraordinary achievement, and bring deep expertise in financial services or financial technology, we want to hear from you.

Requirements

Broad Operational & Analytical Skillset: You're as comfortable analyzing complex data or performing deep research as you are rolling up your sleeves as a front-line operator driving a project.
Technical Fluency: You can understand and evaluate emerging technologies and assess real-world applicability.
First-Principles Thinker: You are skilled at breaking down ambiguous, open-ended problems and synthesizing insights from technology, market trends, and client behavior.
Ownership & Proactivity: You are a self-starter with an innate drive to tackle challenges and deliver results without waiting for direction.
High EQ and Collaboration: You excel at managing complex stakeholder groups and navigating differing views dispassionately in high-stakes settings. You'll be working with senior executives, business leaders, technical teams, and external partners, often acting as the connective bond among them.
Proven Track Record: We look for a demonstrated track record of extraordinary achievement, whether in prior roles, academics, or other endeavors.
Five years related experience.
Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Nice To Haves

Domain Expertise: Deep subject matter expertise in financial services and/or financial technology is a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

Identify, validate, and advance next-horizon opportunities that shape Vanguard's future.
Lead competitive strategy and scenario planning to anticipate market shifts, breakthrough technologies, and evolving client needs.
Monitor industry and market trends to develop hypothesis and help senior leaders "see around corners" to prepare for emerging opportunities and threats.
Partner with Vanguard's Strategic Consulting team and Corporate Development team to help drive enterprise-level strategy and initiatives that position the firm for long-term resilience and success.
Collaborate across Vanguard to advance high-impact technology and digital product incubation efforts.
Synthesize complex and ambiguous data into actionable recommendations; deliver compelling materials and presentations to the firm's most senior leadership.

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