Deputy General Counsel & Assistant Corporate Secretary
About the position The Deputy General Counsel & Assistant Corporate Secretary role is entrusted with governance leadership at Vanguard, one of the world’s most influential investment firms. Our unique ownership structure keeps our focus squarely on investor success. Today, Vanguard oversees $11+ trillion in assets under management and serves more than 50 million investors globally through a complex network of U.S. and international entities. In this role, you will play a critical part in safeguarding this structure, guiding board operations, and shaping governance across the enterprise—while enjoying robust benefits and a culture rooted in purpose, collaboration, and growth. The Opportunity Join Vanguard’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) leadership team as Deputy General Counsel & Assistant Corporate Secretary, leading the Office of the Corporate Secretary (OCS)—a pivotal role responsible for corporate governance at scale. Reporting to Vanguard’s Chief Legal Officer, you will help shape the strategy, vision, and culture of the OCS team. This position partners directly with senior executives and the Board of Directors of Vanguard Group Inc. as well as the Vanguard Funds Board, ensuring Vanguard meets the highest standards of governance, compliance, and strategic legal stewardship. This role offers direct exposure to board operations, enterprise strategy, and regulatory engagement. You will lead governance frameworks, manage complex obligations, and foster a culture of collaboration and integrity. As a senior leader within Vanguard, you must master Vanguard’s strategic business values and objectives and have expert knowledge of applicable rules and regulations (including corporate governance and general corporate law). You will simplify complex legal issues for, and influence decisions made by, the board and senior leadership by analyzing issues, offering meaningful direction, and making recommendations regarding the appropriate course of action. You will also identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks, explain and balance risks and rewards, and provide proactive legal advice to enable Vanguard and its investor-owners to succeed. Finally, you will demonstrate initiative and advanced people skills in team problem-solving, project management, and exhibit sound business judgment.
Responsibilities
- Serve as Assistant Corporate Secretary for Vanguard’s Corporate and Funds Boards and key committees, ensuring seamless governance operations.
- Oversee a team responsible for board and committee meeting logistics, agendas, materials, minutes, and resolutions.
- Maintain governance frameworks, charters, and policies aligned with Vanguard standards.
- Oversee governance for Vanguard’s regulated entities worldwide.
- Champion an enterprise mindset and foster collaboration across functions.
- Mentor and develop talent, modeling a culture of constructive debate and authenticity.
- Apply a pragmatic, business-first approach to legal problem-solving.
- Lead global governance responsibilities and partner closely with finance.
- Expand into areas such as legal operations and strategic transactions as business needs evolve.
Requirements
- Deep Expertise in Corporate and Fund Governance
- Extensive experience leading corporate governance, preferably in a public institution.
- Proven ability to navigate governance issues in a complex organization.
- Industry experience in asset management or financial services.
- General Accounting and Finance Literacy
Nice-to-haves
- Legal operations leadership and familiarity with strategic transactions is a plus.
- Interest in emerging technologies and AI governance tools is also a plus.
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