Head of Global Asset Allocation Research

The Vanguard Group; Malvern (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard is seeking a senior leader to helm the global asset allocation research function within the Investment Strategy Group. You will own research and models underpinning capital market assumptions, portfolio construction, and multi-asset solutions, influencing Vanguard’s funds, model portfolios, and retirement offerings.

As Head of Global Asset Allocation Research, you will guide research agenda, translate macro insights into investor-focused portfolio strategy, and advise senior leadership

Qualifications

• 10+ years of research experience in multi-asset investing, asset allocation, or macro strategy.
• Deep expertise across global asset classes and portfolio construction research frameworks.
• Proven ability to publish research, present findings, and influence senior investment decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Lead Vanguard’s strategic and dynamic asset allocation research agenda.
• Translate macro and market insights into evidence-based portfolio positioning.
• Lead portfolio construction frameworks for multi-asset funds, model portfolios, retirement, and advice solutions.
• Oversee the proprietary Vanguard Asset Allocation Model and related tools.
• Shape asset-class views and flagship research for internal and external audiences.
• Advise senior leadership on portfolio positioning, risk scenarios, and implementation alignment.

Skills

10+ years multi-asset research

Global asset classes

Executive influence

Research publications

Education

PhD or graduate degree

Job description

Vanguard is looking for a senior leader to lead Vanguard’s global asset allocation research function within the Investment Strategy Group (ISG) – the firm’s multi-asset investments group responsible for shaping investment perspectives, portfolio methodologies, and advice frameworks. As the Head of Global Asset Allocation Research, you will own the research and models that underpin capital market assumptions, portfolio construction, and multi-asset solutions, directly influencing Vanguard’s funds, model portfolios, and retirement offerings. You will serve as a senior advisor to investment leadership, helping translate macroeconomic insights into long-term, investor-focused portfolio strategy.

What you will do

• Lead Vanguard’s strategic and dynamic asset allocation research agenda, including translating the firm’s capital market assumptions into portfolio strategies.
• Translate macro, valuation, and market insights into evidence-based portfolio positioning aligned with Vanguard’s long-term investment philosophy.
• Lead portfolio construction frameworks for multi-asset funds, model portfolios, retirement, and advice solutions.
• Oversee our proprietary Vanguard Asset Allocation Model and related tools to evaluate risk/return trade-offs and ensure scalable, consistent application across client segments.
• Shape Vanguard’s position about role of asset classes in portfolios, asset allocation views, and flagship research for internal and external audiences.
• Provide differentiated perspectives on portfolio strategies and represent Vanguard views with clients, industry forum, and in the press.
• Advise senior leadership on portfolio positioning, rebalancing, risk scenarios, and alignment between research, methodology, and implementation.
• Partner with portfolio management, advice, and product teams to inform fund management, product design, model portfolios, and retirement solutions.
• Set ISG’s research agenda, standards, and priorities while integrating economics, behavioral research, portfolio construction, modeling, and analytics.

What it will take

• 10+ years’ research experience in multi-asset investing, asset allocation, or macro strategy.
• PhD or graduate degree preferred.
• Deep expertise across global asset classes and portfolio construction research frameworks.
• Proven experience with research publications, public speaking, and media.
• Track record influencing CIOs, investment committees, and portfolio decisions.
• Special Factors Sponsorship: Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

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.

Vanguard, one of the world’s leading investment management companies, serves individual investors, institutions, employer-sponsored retirement plans, and financial professionals. We have a diverse and talented crew with a culture that promotes teamwork, along with an unwavering focus on serving our clients' best interests.

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.