Strategy & Enablement Lead

Vanguard Charitable; Malvern (Chester County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard Charitable is seeking a senior Strategy & Enablement Lead reporting to the Chief Operating Officer. You will translate enterprise priorities into objectives, roadmaps, and accountability across client services, operations, technology, and strategy in a regulated, mission-driven environment.

Responsibilities include leading cross-functional initiatives, executive & board enablement, operating rhythm orchestration, and organizational effectiveness efforts to bolster donor trust and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in strategy, operations, or leadership roles.
• Experience in regulated industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic analysis and advisory support to the COO on priorities, risks, and execution plans.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives with planning, milestones, and governance.
• Prepare executive-ready materials for leadership and Board engagements.
• Orchestrate operating rhythms, governance, and quarterly business reviews.
• Support change management and talent discussions within the COO scope.

Skills

Strategic partnership

Cross-functional leadership

Executive communications

Governance

Organizational change

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of the Chief Operating Officer – Strategy & Enablement Lead serves as a senior strategic and operational leader within Vanguard Charitable, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. Acting as an extension of the COO, this role integrates enterprise strategy with execution by driving cross-functional alignment, strengthening operating discipline, and ensuring clarity, accountability, and follow-through on the organization’s most critical priorities. The role partners closely with executive leaders across client services, operations, technology, and strategy in a regulated, mission-driven environment to advance donor trust, service excellence, and organizational effectiveness.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Strategic Partnership & Advisory (25%) Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Operating Officer by providing structured analysis, insights, and recommendations on strategic, operational, and organizational matters. Translate enterprise priorities into clear objectives, execution roadmaps, and success measures, and proactively identify risks, dependencies, and execution challenges.
• Enterprise Initiative Leadership (25%) Lead and coordinate large-scale, cross-functional initiatives sponsored by the COO, including operating model evolution, donor and client experience enhancements, technology modernization, and cost efficiency efforts. Establish execution discipline through planning, milestone management, issue resolution, and progress reporting to ensure alignment with organizational strategy, regulatory obligations, and service excellence standards.
• Executive & Board Enablement (20%) Develop high-quality, executive-ready materials for senior leadership and Board of Trustees engagement, including briefings, decision memoranda, and performance updates. Support board and executive planning cycles by preparing materials, tracking follow-through on commitments, and ensuring consistency and clarity in communications related to COO-sponsored priorities.
• Operating Rhythm & Governance (15%) Orchestrate the COO’s operating rhythm, including leadership meetings, strategic reviews, quarterly business reviews, workforce planning, and annual budget cycles. Ensure effective governance, escalation paths, and decision transparency, and track resolution of key decisions and action items across the COO organization.
• Organizational Effectiveness & Change Leadership (15%) Support organizational design, role clarity, and talent discussions within the COO’s scope. Lead and support change management efforts and senior-level communications to ensure initiatives are clearly understood, adopted, and sustained, while reinforcing collaboration, enterprise thinking, and a healthy team culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Training

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master of Business Administration or other advanced degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of enterprise strategy development, operational execution, and governance in complex organizations.
• Skilled in leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing outcomes without direct authority.
• Able to prepare executive-level communications that synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• Able to operate effectively in a regulated, mission-driven environment with a high degree of integrity and discretion.
• Skilled in leveraging Artificial Intelligence and analytical tools to enhance decision-making and operational effectiveness.

Experience

• 1-5 years of related experience in strategy, operations, management consulting, finance, technology, or a related leadership function required.
• Prior experience in an executive advisory, transformation, or enterprise program leadership role preferred.
• Experience in financial services, asset management, philanthropy, nonprofit, or other highly regulated industries preferred.