Wealth Management Research, Senior Specialist

Vanguard•Malvern, PA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Vanguard is seeking an experienced wealth management research professional to lead and conduct original research in wealth management, financial planning, and taxation. The role develops research and perspectives that strengthen Vanguard’s industry leadership, shape investment views, and inform advice provided to clients, prospects, and advisors. It requires deep expertise in household tax planning, estate planning, and financial planning strategies, along with the ability to turn complex research into actionable insights and thought leadership. The position partners with senior leaders, guides research analysts, and contributes to the evolution of Vanguard’s investment methodologies. The role leads sophisticated quantitative and qualitative research; initiates and manages projects that advance Vanguard’s external market presence and intellectual capital; evaluates complex investment and financial planning topics; and recommends enhancements to investment methodologies. It produces research papers, presentations, white papers, and other content for clients, prospects, advisors, senior leadership, and media audiences. It also serves as an internal subject matter authority, advises business leaders on research priorities, maintains research resources for cross-functional use, mentors analysts, and participates in collaborative forums and strategic initiatives. Vanguard’s hybrid working model applies to the majority of its crew members and is designed to support flexibility alongside in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Financial Planning, Taxation, or a related field.
Minimum 8 years of relevant experience, including significant experience conducting wealth management or financial planning research.
Experience producing academic- or white-paper-style research.
Deep expertise in household tax planning.
Deep expertise in estate planning.
Deep expertise in wealth management and financial planning strategies.
Deep expertise in portfolio construction and investment advice.
Strong analytical, research, and written communication skills.
Ability to translate complex research into practical insights and recommendations for diverse audiences.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree in Financial Planning, Taxation, Economics, Finance, or a related discipline.
LL.M. in Taxation, Master of Science in Taxation, or similar advanced degree.
Professional designation such as CPA or CFP®.
Experience with utility-based lifecycle financial planning models.
Peer-reviewed publications and demonstrated thought leadership in wealth management, taxation, or financial planning.
Experience presenting to senior executives, advisors, clients, or industry audiences.

Responsibilities

Lead sophisticated quantitative and qualitative research focused on wealth management, financial planning, and taxation.
Develop perspectives and recommendations that strengthen Vanguard’s position as an industry thought leader.
Initiate and manage research projects that advance Vanguard’s external market presence and intellectual capital.
Evaluate complex investment and financial planning topics and provide recommendations supported by rigorous analysis.
Contribute to the enhancement of Vanguard’s investment methodologies through reviews, audits, and recommendations.
Identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that may influence client outcomes and investment strategy.
Produce research papers, presentations, white papers, and other thought leadership content for clients, prospects, advisors, senior leadership, and media audiences.
Communicate the benefits, tradeoffs, and implications of financial planning, tax, and portfolio construction approaches.
Represent Vanguard’s perspectives through evidence-based communication.
Serve as an internal authority on wealth management and investment strategy topics.
Consult with senior business leaders to identify research priorities and address strategic questions.
Maintain and expand a repository of research and insights for cross-functional use.
Mentor and guide investment analysts on research design, methodology, and interpretation.
Participate in collaborative forums to evaluate investment issues, debate emerging topics, and identify future research opportunities.
Contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives as needed.