Senior Communications Strategist

The Senior Communications Strategist serves as a senior communications counselor and primary spokesperson for a designated coverage area. This role leads the development and execution of integrated communications strategies that drive measurable impact for both the business and the enterprise. Leveraging deep business acumen and strategic foresight, the Senior Communications Strategist anticipates risk, influences decision-making at the highest levels, and advances Vanguard's brand and reputation. The role also mentors others, maintains strong internal and external networks, and delivers innovative communications solutions aligned with enterprise priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of integrated communications strategies that enable strategic business outcomes, setting vision and guiding multi-level teams while adapting plans to align with enterprise priorities.
• Translate enterprise and business strategies into clear, compelling messaging and content, personally crafting narratives for complex topics and executive audiences.
• Ensure consistency and alignment of messaging with Vanguard's positioning, voice, and key themes across channels and platforms.
• Protect and advance Vanguard's reputation by anticipating risks, balancing risk and reward, and proactively delivering strategic, business-critical communications.
• Drive execution across all phases of communications strategies-from conception and implementation through measurement and optimization.
• Partner closely with senior leaders (MD, MD-1) to provide counsel, influence decisions, and support high-stakes initiatives.
• Serve as an authority on industry best practices and emerging communications trends, introducing innovative tactics that elevate impact while aligning with internal brand and culture.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key influencers, executives, journalists across top-tier and trade outlets, and agency partners to shape narratives and secure impactful coverage.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level team members, strengthening team capability and advancing the evolution of Corporate Communications.
• Lead the development and oversight of measurement frameworks tied to goals and KPIs, partnering with Centers of Excellence and analytics teams to enhance transparency and results.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of eight years of related work experience, with at least five years of experience in Communications and/or Public Relations preferred.
• Proven track record of leadership, influence, and enterprise-level impact, including advising senior stakeholders.
• Undergraduate degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Preferred Skills and Capabilities:

• Strong executive presence with the ability to counsel, influence, and operate effectively in complex, high-visibility environments.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and messaging skills across a range of audiences and platforms.
• Sound judgment and comfort balancing risk, reputation, and business priorities.
• Experience mentoring others and leading through influence rather than authority.
• Demonstrated ability to measure communications effectiveness and use insights to drive continuous improvement.

This role is part of our hybrid work model, which is designed to foster collaboration, connection, and flexibility. Crew are expected to work in our Malvern PA office Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely or continue working from the office on Mondays and Fridays. Relocation assistance is available for this role.

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.

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.