Wealth Planning Researcher

Vanguard; Malvern (Chester County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment management firm in Chester County seeks a Wealth Planning Researcher to shape the future of wealth planning. This role involves leading research initiatives and enhancing existing methodologies within an intellectually rich environment. Key responsibilities include developing wealth planning strategies, providing strategic insights, and mentoring investment analysts. Ideal candidates will hold a graduate degree in Financial Planning or a related field and have strong financial planning knowledge. The position offers visa sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Graduate degree in Financial Planning, Economics, Finance, or related fields strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with utility-based lifecycle financial planning models strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of changes to wealth planning methodology.
• Serve as an expert in client investment strategies and portfolio construction.
• Research, analyze, and provide recommended changes to wealth planning guidance.
• Conduct wealth planning methodology training activities for all crew.
• Understand financial markets and the regulatory issues impacting wealth planning.

Skills

Strong knowledge of financial planning and investments

Proficiency in Python for model development

Education

Undergraduate degree or equivalent

Graduate degree in Financial Planning, Economics, Finance, or related fields

Job description

Overview

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

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience
• Graduate degree in Financial Planning, Economics, Finance, or related fields strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of financial planning and investments
• Demonstrated experience with utility-based lifecycle financial planning models strongly preferred
• Proficiency in Python for model development strongly preferred

Special Factors

Sponsorship: Vanguard is offering visa sponsorship for this position.