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Senior Director, Global Head of Design - job 20 of 22

We’re looking for a Visionary Global Head of Design to join our Global Brand Creative Studio and lead us in our continued mission to build the iconic brand of VISA.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic design leader with a proven track record of leading highly successful, award winning, global design teams - either within advertising agencies or at brand-side internal creative studios. A strong portfolio of work is a must.

You must have a passion and a background in visual design systems that can work globally across every single touchpoint no matter how big or small. Your experience needs to show that you have done the job of spearheading and leading a global visual brand refresh as well as implementing this visual system across multiple touchpoints, languages and countries.

In addition to being a systems thinker, you must have a passion and a portfolio to prove how design can be used to influence culture and be a part of cultural conversation. Fresh unique, conceptual thinking in this space is a must. You must be strategic in your thinking and have an ability to articulate and execute global design strategy. You must be ahead of all trends including AI and ensure that the brands that you have touched are current, innovative and always looking forward.

A building mentality is a must - you must have the ability to build, hire and mentor a talented team that consistently produces innovative and cohesive creative design solutions across the full spectrum of the media mix. You need to be able to thrive in a global environment, and must be comfortable guiding internal design teams, agencies and production partners, but also willing to roll up your sleeves to do the work, when necessary, as a designer yourself.

You must have the experience in motion, social, content, and art direction. You should be comfortable leading a photoshoot, as much as guiding an animated short. You should have a deep knowledge of how best to implement design in the social space, in film, and in experiential.

Effortless collaboration is a must - as this role will work closely with regions across the world to ensure best in class creative is implemented. You must have a genuine appetite for building - for building and motivating people, for building a culture that fosters creativity, for building teams, and for building new capabilities. You will be responsible to lead a team of designers and work closely with all agency partners and report into the VP Global Brand Creative.

Does this sound like you?

Essential Functions

Build a Center of Design Excellence

  • Be a part of the Creative Studio leadership team who will support in strategically shaping and building upon the vision and operating model for the Global Creative Studio.
  • Be a doer by leading by example rolling up your sleeves to do the work when necessary and inspiring others with clear guidance in the craft. You need to have the skillsets in multiple programs to design, concept and implement best in class creative work that pushes us forward.
  • Being a thought leader on trends, products and applications to support our team to move forward.   
  • Build and maintain key relationships with senior Marketing executives by demonstrating a deep understanding of the global design needs and a commitment to driving a cohesive brand across all touchpoints.
  • Ensure the Global Creative Studio is delivering best-in-class capabilities and partnership across all regions instilling a culture of collaboration
  • Consistently deliver crafted creative design solutions for the VISA brand ecosystem on a global scale.
  • Consistently innovating and staying ahead of design tools, trends and capabilities to ensure VISA is always a future forward brand.
  • Influence and inspire teams across the globe with beautifully crafted and strategic creative design
  • Guide photoshoots for the brand - being on set and art directing - guiding teams of photographers to capture the assets and ensuring a very high level of craft in everything.

Build relationships

  • Help lead, inspire and manage both internal and external agency partners in creative design, execution and production
  • Ensure external agencies become an extension of the team – radical collaboration is a must with a deep trust, and mutual respect between all partners to get the work done.              
  • Provide thought partnership to business partners both regional and global and regularly make recommendations on directions to improve area under scope

Build upon a culture that fosters remarkable creativity

  • Contribute to an environment that fosters remarkable creativity by providing inspiration, thought leadership, and mentorship for the creative studio.
  • Maintain a culture where people love to work (and want to come and work), feel they can flourish, and are proud of what they contribute
  • Support the development of remarkable ideas - across a variety of marketing touchpoints - that resonate with our audiences, earn an outsized share of cultural conversation, and create competitive advantage.
  • Influence and achieve consensus on direction, priority, and decision making of area under scope
  • Ensure quality output in all creative output. 

This is a hybrid position based in either our Los Angeles, CA or San Francisco, CA offices. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

Average salary estimate

$175000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$150000K
$200000K

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What You Should Know About Senior Director, Global Head of Design, Visa

Are you ready to take the reins as the Senior Director, Global Head of Design at VISA? In this exciting role, you'll be part of our Global Brand Creative Studio, driving the vision for one of the most recognizable brands globally. We're searching for a strategic design leader with a knack for crafting award-winning design solutions and building cohesive creative teams. You'll bring a unique portfolio that showcases your expertise in visual design systems, capable of transcending borders and culture. Imagine leading a global visual brand refresh that not only captivates audiences but also sparks cultural dialogue. Your innovative mindset will be essential as you stay ahead of design trends, especially in areas like AI, making sure that every project you touch is fresh and forward-thinking. Collaboration is key in this role – you’ll work closely with regions worldwide, guiding agencies and production partners while rolling up your sleeves to dive into the creative process yourself. With your extensive experience in motion, content, social media, and art direction, you're not just a visionary but also a hands-on creator. As the architect of a Center of Design Excellence, you will cultivate an environment where creativity thrives, inspiring a talented team of designers to deliver remarkable results across the VISA brand ecosystem. If building relationships and empowering teams excites you, then this role might be your perfect match. Together, let’s elevate VISA’s creative presence on a global stage!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Director, Global Head of Design Role at Visa
What are the key responsibilities of the Senior Director, Global Head of Design at VISA?

As the Senior Director, Global Head of Design at VISA, your responsibilities include leading the Global Creative Studio, crafting a cohesive design strategy, and overseeing the implementation of brand visual systems across various platforms. You’ll also guide photoshoots, collaborate with internal and external partners, and consistently innovate to ensure that VISA's brand stays ahead of trends. Mentoring a team of talented designers and fostering a collaborative culture is key to achieving remarkable creative output.

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What qualifications are necessary for the Senior Director, Global Head of Design position at VISA?

To succeed as the Senior Director, Global Head of Design at VISA, candidates should possess a strong portfolio showcasing experience in strategic design leadership. A background in visual design systems, along with demonstrated success in leading global design teams, is essential. Knowledge of current design trends, including AI applications, and the ability to mentor and inspire a team is crucial. Experience working in both agency settings and internal creative studios is preferred.

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How does the Senior Director, Global Head of Design at VISA influence company culture?

The Senior Director, Global Head of Design at VISA plays a pivotal role in shaping company culture by creating an environment that promotes creativity and collaboration. By mentoring designers, fostering trust with partners, and ensuring the team feels motivated to thrive, you will significantly contribute to a culture where innovative ideas flourish, and employees are proud of their contributions.

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What skills are essential for the Senior Director, Global Head of Design role at VISA?

Key skills for the Senior Director, Global Head of Design at VISA include strategic thinking, strong visual design abilities, and exceptional leadership capabilities. Proficiency in various design programs, experience in art direction, and a keen insight into evolving design tools and trends are essential. Effective communication and relationship-building skills will help ensure collaboration across global teams and agencies.

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What is the work environment like for the Senior Director, Global Head of Design at VISA?

The work environment for the Senior Director, Global Head of Design at VISA is dynamic and hybrid, based in either San Francisco or Los Angeles. Expect a collaborative atmosphere where you’ll lead a talented creative team while engaging with global partners. A strong emphasis is placed on innovation and quality, ensuring that every project aligns with VISA's commitment to staying ahead of industry trends.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Director, Global Head of Design
How do you approach building a design strategy for a global brand like VISA?

When building a design strategy for a global brand like VISA, it’s crucial to consider the diverse cultural contexts and touchpoints across various regions. I start by conducting thorough research to understand the local consumer behavior and brand perception. Collaborating with an inclusive team, we would then align on a coherent vision that resonates with all markets while ensuring that the design consistently reflects our core brand values and drives engagement.

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Can you describe a time when your design work had a significant cultural impact?

Absolutely! In a previous role, I led a rebranding campaign that not only revitalized our visual identity but also tapped into current cultural trends, effectively igniting conversations around societal issues. The campaign resonated deeply within multiple communities and garnered accolades for its innovative approach. This experience taught me how powerful design can be in influencing culture and shaping brand narratives.

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How do you keep your team motivated and inspired?

Keeping my team motivated stems from fostering a culture of openness and creativity. I ensure to provide regular constructive feedback, celebrate small wins, and set clear, achievable goals that align with individual aspirations. Organizing brainstorming sessions allows everyone to contribute ideas freely and feel a sense of ownership. Ultimately, creating an inspiring environment where individuals feel valued, heard, and challenged is key.

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What methods do you use to stay informed about design trends?

I leverage a combination of sources to stay informed about design trends. This includes subscribing to industry publications, attending design conferences, participating in webinars, and connecting with fellow professionals in the field. Additionally, I engage in continuous learning through online courses and platforms that explore emerging technologies and innovative design practices, ensuring that I remain at the forefront of the industry.

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How do you handle constructive criticism of your design work?

Handling constructive criticism is integral to growth as a designer. I view feedback as an opportunity to refine my approach and improve my skills. If feedback comes my way, I actively listen without becoming defensive, ask clarifying questions if needed, and incorporate the insights received into my future work. This mindset not only helps me evolve but also sets a positive example for my team.

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How do you approach collaboration with external agencies?

Collaboration with external agencies requires building strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect. I always start by establishing clear communication channels and aligning on project goals and objectives. Regular check-ins and open discussions ensure that everyone is on the same page, and I insist on radical collaboration where input is valued from all parties, ultimately leading to more innovative outcomes.

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What is your process for mentoring junior designers?

My mentoring process for junior designers revolves around providing guidance tailored to their individual growth paths. I prioritize understanding their strengths and areas for improvement. Through regular one-on-one sessions, I offer constructive feedback, share industry insights, and establish hands-on projects that encourage their creativity and confidence. Additionally, I create a safe space for them to express ideas and explore unfamiliar territories.

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What tools do you find essential for design projects?

In my experience, essential tools for design projects include advanced design software like Adobe Creative Suite, wireframing applications like Figma, and project management tools such as Trello or Asana to track progress and collaboration. Keeping abreast of new design technologies and trends ensures that we leverage the best tools available in our projects for optimal creative output.

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How do you balance creative vision and practical execution?

Balancing creative vision with practical execution requires a strategic mindset. I focus on aligning the creative vision with the overall brand strategy and goals. This means involving all stakeholders from the outset to understand constraints and resources. Continuous design iteration allows us to refine ideas while maintaining a practical route to their execution, ensuring that the end product excels creatively and meets organizational expectations.

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What excites you about joining VISA as the Senior Director, Global Head of Design?

Joining VISA as the Senior Director, Global Head of Design excites me because it presents a unique opportunity to shape the visual narrative of a globally recognized brand. The prospect of leading a talented creative team, implementing innovative design solutions, and influencing culture on a significant scale is exhilarating. I’m eager to contribute my experience to enhance VISA's legacy while pushing creative boundaries, driving both internal growth and cultural engagement.

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Visa Inc. operates as a payments technology company worldwide. The company facilitates commerce through the transfer of value and information among consumers, merchants, financial institutions, businesses, strategic partners, and government entiti...

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April 2, 2025

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