Wealth Planning Methodology Researcher

As a Wealth Planning Researcher within Vanguard’s Investment Strategy Group—Advised Wealth Planning Strategies team—you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of wealth planning. In this intellectually rich environment, you’ll lead research initiatives that enhance our existing methodologies and pioneer innovative wealth planning strategies. Grounded in rigorous quantitative analysis, your work will ensure Vanguard’s advice remains industry-leading. Collaborating with subject matter experts and internal stakeholders, you’ll align our guidance with evolving client needs and business priorities. As a trusted authority on complex financial planning topics, you’ll also provide strategic insights to internal and external audiences and mentor investment analysts across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Leads the development of changes to Vanguard's wealth planning methodology. Partners with subject matter experts to design solutions to meet changing business needs, regulatory requirements, and to position Vanguard's advice ahead of external competitive developments.

• Serves as an expert on the application of Vanguard's wealth planning methodology in the development of client investment strategies and construction of portfolios. Contributes to overall wealth planning methodology development.

• Researches, conducts analyses, and provides recommended changes to investments, portfolio construction, and wealth planning guidance. Ensures compliance with Vanguard wealth planning methodology and investment guidelines while applying knowledge of the external business environment and its implications on Vanguard's strategic direction.

• Serves as a subject matter expert for crew and leaders. Develops and conducts wealth planning methodology training activities for all crew delivering advice to clients.

• Develops an expert-level understanding of overall financial markets and the related legal, tax, and regulatory issues that impact Vanguard's wealth planning methodology. Supports investments-related projects to analyze and research opportunities to enhance client investment strategies.

• Participates in special projects and perform other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Deep expertise in financial planning topics, including tax and estate planning.

• Minimum of five years related work experience in research roles or equivalent educational experience.

• Graduate degree in Financial Planning, Economics, Finance, or related fields strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience with utility-based lifecycle financial planning models strongly preferred

• Proficiency in Python for model development preferred.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.