Program Director, Account and Wallet - job 16 of 21

As a Program Director at Visa in Miami, your primary responsibilities will center around leading the program for network expansion. This includes defining strategic objectives, setting up project workstreams, coordinating stakeholder communication, and ensuring successful implementation of client onboarding processes. You will analyze and monitor project performance, address risks proactively, and maintain compliance with internal policies, all while overseeing a team of project managers to ensure on-time deliverables.

To qualify for the Program Director position at Visa, candidates typically need a degree in business management or a related field, along with significant experience in project management or program execution, preferably in the fintech or IT sectors. Strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and a strategic mindset are essential to navigate the complexities involved in network expansions and stakeholder management.

Collaboration is crucial for the Program Director at Visa. You will work closely with various internal teams such as Commercial and Technical functions to gather insights and facilitate successful onboarding processes. Additionally, engaging with external stakeholders across the network and client spectrum ensures that communication remains transparent and that everyone stays aligned on project goals and timelines.

A typical day for a Program Director at Visa involves a mix of strategic planning and hands-on management. You will initiate project meetings, review progress on ongoing workstreams, communicate with stakeholders to provide updates, and proactively address any risks or challenges. Evaluation of program performance and planning for continuous improvement will also be significant parts of your daily routine, as you endeavor to meet project deadlines and objectives.

To be successful as a Program Director at Visa, you should possess strong leadership, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills. Analytical abilities to monitor performance and identify areas of improvement are crucial, as are problem-solving skills to navigate challenges effectively. Being adaptable and collaborative while managing a diverse set of stakeholders will be essential to achieving project success.

Prioritizing tasks as a Program Director involves assessing project milestones, deadlines, and stakeholder needs. I typically use project management frameworks to evaluate the urgency and impact of each task, ensuring that I address critical issues first while maintaining overall project alignment.

One challenging project involved launching a new payment corridor under a tight deadline. Key to overcoming the challenges was my ability to rally my team, foster open communication, and develop contingency plans that allowed us to anticipate and mitigate potential issues, leading to a successful launch.

Effective communication involves creating a clear stakeholder map and regularly scheduled updates. I utilize communication tools to share progress transparently and facilitate feedback, ensuring everyone is aligned and can address concerns promptly.

For risk management, I incorporate proactive identification of potential risks at the project's inception. I then monitor these throughout the project lifecycle, creating mitigation plans and engaging stakeholders early to address any emerging issues dynamically.

I approach conflicts by fostering open dialogues among team members, encouraging them to voice their concerns and perspectives. I believe in finding common ground and advocating for collaboration to ensure the project continues smoothly.

I have experience with various project management methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall. My choice depends on the project requirements and stakeholder preferences, allowing flexibility in adapting to diverse projects.

Project success is typically measured against defined objectives, including milestones achieved, adherence to deadlines, overall quality of deliverables, and stakeholder satisfaction. I also conduct reviews post-launch to evaluate ongoing performance.

My approach to managing timelines is comprehensive planning from the outset, breaking down projects into manageable phases. Regular check-ins and utilizing project management tools help me track progress and ensure we stay on schedule.

I motivate my project team by cultivating a supportive environment where their contributions are recognized. Setting clear goals and celebrating small victories can inspire them and maintain their engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

If I missed a project deadline, I would assess the situation to understand the cause and communicate transparently with stakeholders about the delays. I would then implement corrective actions to get the project back on track while minimizing any adverse impacts.