Senior Director, North America Communications

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Director, North America (NA) Communications, to lead strategic communications programs in support of Visa’s products and its Financial Institution and Enabler, Merchant, and Fintech (EMF) clients. This role will drive programs for Product initiatives across North America and ensure we are connecting dots between product value propositions and specific client needs. This role is pivotal in driving more sales for Visa through earned and owned media, speaking opportunities, social media and issues management. The ideal candidate will provide communications support to the SVP leaders of each of these client segments in addition to the SVP of North America Product. This role will report into the SVP of NA Communications and manage a team of 2 direct reports and 3 matrix reports. This role will also be a member of the North America Communications Leadership team in addition to the NA Product and Nationals leadership teams.

Essential Functions

• Strategic Communications: Develop and execute strategic communications programs to amplify the voice and brand of our products to financial institution and EMF clients, with a focus on creating thought leadership programs that showcase the value Visa provides. This leader will create narratives and drive integrated communications programs in support of our products and clients that are inclusive of earned and owned media, social media, speaking opportunities and issues management.
• Executive Communications: Provide communications support to the SVP, NA Product and Nationals for speaking engagements, social media, and internal communications.
• Event Content and Messaging: Collaborate with event team as the communications lead for key events such as Visa Payments Forum, Client Councils, Sponsorship Events, Trade Shows, and others. Responsibilities will include theme development, content narrative, and strategic development of communications program inclusive of earned and owned media, social media and content.
• Client and Partner Engagement: Support both Visa-led and client/partner-led communications moments, elevating and promoting strategic partner relationships through communications programs. Work with client, product and global teams to identify and amplify opportunities that support business objectives.
• Be the Voice of the Client: Ensure NA business and client needs are reflected in internal and external communications across Visa. This individual will create messaging that is unique to these segments to ensure we are taking the needs of our Financial Institution and EMF clients into consideration when messaging and rolling out programs across North America.
• Partner Across the Organization to Drive Results: Collaborate with Global Communications, NA Communications, Client Delivery, NA Events and others to drive results and ensure a client first mindset in all communications. Partner closely with NA Public Affairs to ensure we are aligning product and client needs with reputational realities.
• Manage a High Performing Team: Manage a team of four to ensure messaging alignment, identify shared opportunities, remove roadblocks and drive an overall strategy for the team.
• Serve as key partner and strategic advisor to NA Product, Financial Institution and EMF executives formulating and executing thematic, consistent and impactful communications programs that drive tangible business results, growing Visa’s voice as a trusted thought leader in the industry.
• Be embedded in NA business to understand client needs and challenges in order to tailor appropriate internal and external communications narratives and programs and manage risk accordingly.
• Partner closely with NA/global/corporate colleagues driving external & internal communications to ensure message alignment and consistency, mitigate risk and to generate new ideas.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Basic Qualifications:

12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 10 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters/MBA /JD/MD), or a minimum of 5 years of work experience with a PhD



Preferred Qualifications:

15 or more years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 12 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, or MD), PhD with 9+ years of experience

15 years of communications experience with relevant experience required

Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related discipline required

Experience in fintech, financial services, or another relevant area strongly preferred

Ability to synthesize complex business issues into programs and content that address challenges and celebrate key milestones

Ability to influence, counsel, and guide leaders, including appropriately pushing back on previous ways of working or means of sharing information

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including stellar editorial proficiency (writing, editing, proofreading)

Demonstrated understanding of the combined impact that well written and highly designed communications make, keen sense of design and visual content for production materials

Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, pivot quickly, and respond with urgency, unflappable in high-pressure environments

Sound business judgment and experience connecting the dots among seemingly unrelated topics

Hands-on leader with outstanding attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Keen sense of accountability and ownership

Proven track record of developing and executing strategic communications programs that drive business results.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create compelling narratives and content.

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leaders.

Experience in managing social media platforms and developing social media strategies.

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements: This position will be performed in an office setting.  The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.  Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is 188,400.00 to 260,250.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.