Head of Indexing Research

Vanguard; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment firm is searching for a Head of Indexing Research to develop and lead strategic research agendas and drive Vanguard's role as an industry leader. The candidate will mentor a high-performing team, engage in public speaking at major events, and oversee comprehensive research projects. Ideal applicants should have extensive experience in finance, a dynamic speaking capability, and strong leadership background. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to impact investment methodologies.

Qualifications

• Ten years of related work experience with five years in econometrics and finance research.
• Dynamic public speaker with experience engaging diverse audiences.
• Leadership experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead strategic research agenda focused on indexing.
• Drive research projects that enhance Vanguard's leadership.
• Hire, mentor, and manage a team of investment researchers.
• Oversee full-stack research execution and stakeholder engagement.
• Represent Vanguard as an authority in portfolio construction.

Skills

Econometrics

Finance research

Public speaking

Leadership

Education

Undergraduate degree in finance or statistics

Graduate degree

PhD or equivalent experience

CFA

Job description

Head of Indexing Research – Vanguard

We are seeking a researcher focusing on index investing – which in broad terms relates to exploring the various characteristics of indexing as an investment form and how it can help to give investors the best change of investment success. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a team of investment strategists and specialists, drive cutting‑edge research, represent the firm as a senior ambassador at high‑profile internal and external events, and shape the conversation around market trends and portfolio construction.

Vanguard has incredible people and an inspiring mission: To take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success. If you have a passion for data, research, and leading a team of highly motivated researchers, this is a great opportunity for you.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a strategic research agenda focused on indexing and broader investment strategy topics, in collaboration with senior stakeholders across government relations, PR/marketing/sales, and investment management.
• Serve as an internal and external authority on index investing and prepare relevant written material and analyses. Drive research projects that boost Vanguard's role as an investment leader in the industry.
• Hire, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of investment researchers that develop, organize, and perform complex quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Oversee full‑stack research execution, including ideation, quantitative and qualitative analysis, publication development, stakeholder engagement, and public ambassadorship.
• Represent Vanguard as an external authority on portfolio construction and investment advice in senior public‑speaking forums with clients, regulators, policymakers, and the broader asset‑management community.
• Drive the ongoing review and enhancement of Vanguard’s investment methodology, including detailed audits and empirical recommendations based on market conditions.
• Serve on divisional and corporate teams, providing mentorship and strategic input across the organization.

Qualifications

• Ten years of related work experience. Five years econometrics and finance research experience preferred. Supervisory experience preferred.
• Leadership experience required.
• Dynamic public speaker with experience engaging audiences of various sizes across diverse venues, including conferences, workshops, and large‑scale industry events.
• Undergraduate degree in finance, statistics or equivalent combination of training and experience required. Graduate degree required.
• PhD or PhD‑level equivalent experience preferred.
• CFA preferred.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Executive
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Research
• Industries: Financial Services and Investment Management
• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Salary: $150,000.00 – $160,000.00

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Vanguard by 2x.