Wealth Management Research, Senior Specialist

Wealth Management Research, Senior Specialist

Vanguard is seeking a highly experienced Senior Manager, Wealth Management Research to serve as a thought leader in wealth management, financial planning, and taxation. This individual will lead and conduct original research that shapes Vanguard's investment perspectives, strengthens our industry leadership, and informs advice delivered to clients, prospects, and advisors.

The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in household tax planning, estate planning, and financial planning strategies, as well as the ability to translate complex research into actionable insights and thought leadership. This role will partner closely with senior leaders across the organization, provide guidance to research analysts, and contribute to the evolution of Vanguard's investment methodologies.

What You'll Do:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• Academic / White paper style 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.

• 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.