Investment Stewardship Policy & Research Analyst, Senior Specialist

Vanguard Group; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

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Vanguard's Investment Stewardship program acts as a voice for our investors to promote strong corporate governance focused on long-term investment returns at the companies in which our funds invest. Our Investment Stewardship program is closely aligned with Vanguard's core purpose "to take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success." Investment Stewardship supports this mission by engaging with executive leadership teams and boards of directors of the companies in which the Vanguard-advised funds invest, as well as voting at shareholder meetings to make sure that investors' interests are always a priority.

The Investment Stewardship Research & Policy (ISRP) team leads the ongoing analysis, development, and application of proxy voting policies for the Vanguard-advised funds to promote governance practices aligned with long-term shareholder returns. In support of this objective, the team conducts ongoing research to ensure that the funds' policies remain clear, current, and aligned with the best interests of the funds' investors. Each role on the ISRP team has the opportunity to collaborate with practitioners across Investment Stewardship in service of our mission to "safeguard long-term investment returns for Vanguard-advised funds and their shareholders by being a respected, constructive voice on corporate governance matters with an enduring, pragmatic, and scalable approach anchored in rigorous data-driven case-by-case assessments."

As a Senior Research & Policy Specialist, you will be responsible for leading complex quantitative and qualitative research initiatives in support of the Vanguard-advised funds proxy voting policy development process, providing analytical decision support for complex voting and engagement matters, and collaborating across the Investment Stewardship team to prioritize research efforts. You will be expected to build and apply deep subject matter expertise on global corporate governance matters and formulate policy and/or voting recommendations aligned with the best interests of fund shareholders.

Responsibilities:

• Initiates and performs complex research projects utilizing quantitative and qualitative analysis of third party and proprietary data to test existing policies as well as develop new policy recommendations. Devises perspectives that enhance Vanguard's role as an investment stewardship leader in the industry.
• Prepares written material, presentations, and statistical analyses to support the development of Vanguard's strategic positioning on current and emerging investment stewardship issues. Identifies various angles, including pros and cons, for each policy option, and presents recommendations to senior management.
• Supports direct engagement conversations with senior officials from funds' portfolio companies to communicate Vanguard's views and expectations on stewardship issues.
• Participates in the ongoing review and enhancement of Vanguard's investment stewardship policy. Performs detailed policy audits and makes recommendations on policy changes.
• Serves as an internal authority on investment stewardship matters and collaborates with other subject matter experts to identify research requirements. Maintains strong working relationships and presents high impact analyses, findings, and recommendations to key internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversees complex, group- or company-wide projects to ensure that project objectives are met, including the advancement of Investment Stewardship's impact on relevant stewardship issues.
• Mentors and coaches other crew members to support individual and team-wide development. Maintains a high level of expertise by participating in industry events, industry working groups, corporate initiatives, and researching current events.
• Contributes to internal training on Vanguard's global Investment Stewardship program. Ensures that new policies and/or procedures are communicated in a clear, concise manner.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

What it Takes:

• Minimum of eight years related work experience, investment management and/or analysis experience preferred.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. Graduate degree preferred.
• Ability to independently lead complex research and problem-solving exercises on corporate governance/investment stewardship matters.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with various analytical tools and data frameworks.

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.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Vanguard's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is central to our ability to deliver on our mission. We aspire to create a work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse-one that enables our employees, whom we call crew, to thrive and bring their best selves to work every day on behalf of our clients.

Cultivating DEI lifts our entire organization, and everyone shares accountability for our progress-from our senior leaders who lay the foundation and set the example for inclusive behaviors to crew who are growing in their personal DEI learning experiences.

Together, we're on a mission. We are fueled by the value of diverse voices and connected through friendships and a culture of care-for our clients, our communities, and each other.

Vanguard's DEI journey has no finish line. Our commitment is enduring, and we remain focused on the path ahead. To learn more about Vanguard goals and progress toward DEI, download our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report.

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.