Job Information
Vanguard Investment Stewardship Engagement Director in Malvern, Pennsylvania
Vanguard’s Investment Stewardship program (https://corporate.vanguard.com/content/corporatesite/us/en/corp/how-we-advocate/investment-stewardship/index.html) 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.” Our team 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 Engagement Director role supports one of our core functions of engaging directly with the Vanguard-advised funds’ portfolio companies to promote sound corporate governance practices. Engagement Directors have the responsibility to lead engagements with management teams and corporate boards at Vanguard’s equity portfolio companies as well as analyze and engage on issues coming to a shareholder vote. We are seeking candidates who have demonstrated exceptional executive presence, strong judgment, and analytical skills.
In this role, you will:
Serve as a recognized subject matter expert in investment stewardship. Maintain a high level of expertise by participating in industry events and researching current events, as well as maintaining expertise in sector coverage areas and corporate governance topics.
Lead direct engagement conversations with senior officials from funds' portfolio companies to discuss corporate governance matters including board composition and effectiveness, board oversight of strategy and risk, executive compensation, and shareholder rights.
Utilize company disclosures and other available information to develop and present proxy voting recommendations aligned with the Vanguard-advised funds’ proxy voting guidelines.
Oversee investment stewardship activities, including proxy voting and engagement, to advise peers and divisional leadership on key stewardship issues in an effort to enhance policies, practices, and the long-term value of the funds' investments.
Play a critical role in maintaining strong working relationships and present high-impact analyses, findings, and recommendations; communicates effectively with senior external and internal stakeholders.
Lead or support projects to ensure that project objectives are met and high-quality outcomes are delivered.
Coach and support the team’s development to ensure a highly effective and collaborative team.
Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
What it takes:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to function in a fast paced, ambiguous environment, managing multiple priorities and diverse responsibilities.
Demonstrated ability in using sound business judgement.
Strong relationship skills including fostering constructive relationships internally and externally.
Experience leading teams and working collaboratively with demonstrated formal or informal leadership experience.
Proven ability to build and apply subject matter acumen and context quickly.
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.
Special Factors
Sponsorship
Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.
About Vanguard
We are Vanguard. Together, we’re changing the way the world invests.
For us, investing doesn’t just end in value. It starts with values. Because when you invest with courage, when you invest with clarity, and when you invest with care, you can get so much more in return. We invest with purpose – and that’s how we’ve become a global market leader. Here, we grow by doing the right thing for the people we serve. And so can you.
We want to make success accessible to everyone. This is our opportunity. Let’s make it count.
Inclusion Statement
Vanguard’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion is firmly rooted in our culture. Every decision we make to best serve our clients, crew (internally employees are referred to as crew), and communities is guided by one simple statement: “Do the right thing.”
We believe that a critical aspect of doing the right thing requires building diverse, inclusive, and highly effective teams of individuals who are as unique as the clients they serve. We empower our crew to contribute their distinct strengths to achieving Vanguard’s core purpose through our values.
When all crew members feel valued and included, our ability to collaborate and innovate is amplified, and we are united in delivering on Vanguard's core purpose.
Our core purpose: To take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success.
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.