Sr. Director, Employee & Executive Communications CEMEA

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.

Team overview

Our Corporate Communications and Events team is at the forefront of strengthening Visa’s reputation, driving business growth and inspiring culture amongst colleagues, clients and partners, and media and stakeholders across Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA).  Our talented and passionate team combine local leaders driving impactful Communications and Events activities across the 87 markets we serve, and a centralized ‘Market Support’ team leading pan-regional initiatives and enabling market success.

The CEMEA communications team creates and delivers communications programs to support Visa’s internal and external communications profile, including Regional President and senior leadership spanning critical business areas including Consumer Payments, Commercial and Money Movement, Value Added Services, Risk, Brand, Technology and Strategy.

We work across external, client and employee communication activities to promote Visa’s strategy, and positioning as the leading partner for financial institutions, merchants, digital partners, technology companies and governments. In close partnership with the business functions, we define positions in the region on a wide range of industry topics and deliver corresponding news and thought leadership to engage audiences across multiple channels.

Job Description

As Senior Director, Head of Employee and Executive Communications, CEMEA, you will be responsible for leading employee communications for more than 1,200 employees across 22 office locations in the CEMEA region. You will also be primarily responsible for leading internal and external communications plans for senior executives, including the CEMEA Regional President.

You will work closely with internal, functional teams, including the CEMEA People Team, to develop a clear internal communication vision, strategy and plan for the region to energize and inspire colleagues, and generate enthusiasm about Visa’s business strategy, purpose and culture.  This includes developing compelling campaign, informative content, and elevating and modernizing internal communications platforms and channels through innovative approaches.

You will work closely with communications teams across the CEMEA region, developing plans and introducing consistent communications strategies and campaigns that will advance culture, and help enable business success.  You will also participate on the global employee communications leadership team, contributing approaches and best practice with other regions and global leads.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Provide strategic counsel and executional excellence to senior executives in strengthening employee engagement and understanding on regional strategic priorities, initiatives and programs.

• Develop, drive and execute annual internal and external communications plan and approach for Regional President, spanning internal, media, event and client engagements.  Own the development of leadership messaging and materials (e.g. speeches, talking points, memos).

• Serve as primary business partner to select internal functions, and respective executive leaders, providing strategic counsel and support on change management and employee engagement programs.

• Harmonize and amplify internal and external communications for Visa’s Social Impact efforts, spanning Visa and Visa Foundation programs, including employee volunteering initiatives.

• Lead the agenda planning and content development for bi-weekly and quarterly employee engagements, as well as preparing presentations, organizational updates and digital content related to business, purpose, people and culture.

• Bring fresh perspectives and an innovative mindset to lead the evolution of internal communications channels, including dynamic digital channels such as newsletters, intranet, digital signage and internal social platforms.

• Provide leadership to regional colleagues as a Center of Excellence in employee engagement –delivering strategic counsel, guidance and materials to ensure effective regional internal communications in-market.

• Establish robust framework for measuring impact of internal communications and employee engagement, embedding analytics and measurement approaches into communications.  Evaluate, assess, and evolve strategies based on progress.

This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office 2-3 set days a week (determined by leadership/site), with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.

• 15-20+ years’ experience in Corporate Communications, with experience leading employee and executive communications, serving in regional and functional Leadership Teams.
• In-house industry experience in multinational technology, fintech, financial services organizations is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, counsel, and guide leaders, with a strong partnership mindset to develop effective relationships and rapport with colleagues, functions and global teams.
• Possess exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with proven ability to develop world-class written and presentation content.
• A proven team leader, with deep experience in developing and coaching talent, while supporting, enabling and mentoring wider teams to grow and thrive.
• Bold and creative mindset, to problem-solve challenges, and develop innovative communications strategies that directly address business priorities.
• Deep experience in shaping communications strategies and serving as a trusted advisor to senior leaders. Ability to synthesize business priorities into plans, campaigns, content and agendas, that engages and inspires colleagues and culture.
• Combine strategic expertise with flawless tactical delivery, creating and delivering communication plans and activities that achieve clear and measurable outcomes in line with defined and agreed goals.

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.