Wealth Management Research, Senior Specialist

What You'll Do

• Drive Industry-Leading Research
• Lead sophisticated quantitative and qualitative research focused on wealth management, financial planning, and taxation.
• Develop innovative 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.
• Influence Investment Strategy
• Evaluate complex investment and financial planning topics, providing informed recommendations supported by rigorous analysis.
• Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of Vanguard’s investment methodologies through detailed reviews, audits, and recommendations.
• Identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that may influence client outcomes and investment strategy.
• Create and Communicate Thought Leadership
• Produce high-quality research papers, presentations, white papers, and other thought leadership content for clients, prospects, advisors, senior leadership, and media audiences.
• Clearly articulate the benefits, tradeoffs, and implications of various financial planning, tax, and portfolio construction approaches.
• Represent Vanguard’s perspectives through compelling, evidence-based communication.
• Provide Subject Matter Leadership
• Serve as a trusted 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 across the organization.
• Develop Talent and Collaboration
• Mentor and guide investment analysts on research design, methodology, and interpretation.
• Participate in collaborative forums designed to evaluate investment issues, debate emerging topics, and identify future research opportunities.
• Contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• Deep expertise in:
• Household tax planning
• Estate planning
• Wealth management and financial planning strategies
• Portfolio construction and investment advice
• Strong analytical, research, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex research into practical insights and recommendations for diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 strongly preferred.
• Professional designation such as CPA or CFP® preferred.
• Experience with utility-based lifecycle financial planning models.
• Peer-reviewed publications and demonstrated thought leadership within wealth management, taxation, or financial planning disciplines.
• Experience presenting to senior executives, advisors, clients, or industry audiences.