Sr. Director, North America Communications & Public Affairs - job 1 of 2

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.

Visa is looking for a seasoned communications leader to design, implement and execute strategic comms campaigns around Brand, Sponsorships and Small Business Programs in support of company’s business priorities in North America.

Visa is the only brand in the world that is a major sponsor of the NFL, FIFA, Olympics/Paralympics and US Soccer Federation. As North America lines up to host these events, they present an opportunity for high-visibility communications campaigns that uplift local communities, engage clients of all sizes, create better understanding of what Visa does, and strengthen trust among key stakeholders in market.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of developing and executing successful 360-degree comms initiatives that go beyond amplification to deliver measurable impact to a range of audiences, while authentically creating customer advocates and driving business results.

Critical to success will be a proven ability to work across teams and to develop relationships – with global and regional teams internally (operations, marketing, legal, government relations, client, product) and with clients, third-parties and industry partners externally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as day-to-day communications lead on a cross-functional team designing and executing proactive programs that drive understanding of Visa’s support for businesses of all size through bespoke initiatives, both in-person and online.
• Create integrated communications plans that increase business impact while mitigating risk across channels (traditional and digital, internal and external, paid and earned) and audiences (employees, cardholders, policymakers, clients, customers, influencers and media).
• Leverage Visa’s sponsorship platforms (e.g., NFL, FIFA, Olympics/Paralympics, US Soccer Federation) to support business objectives at the local level in key cities and towns across the U.S. and Canada, particularly with 2026 World Cup and 2025 Summer Olympics being hosted in market.
• Assist in creating and perfecting content of all types, including but not limited to: news releases, messaging, blog posts, social copy, executive briefing materials, opinion pieces, video scripts, recaps and memos.
• Develop relationships with key influencers and media following small business, technology, marketing and sports marketing trends, working closely with global media relations teams.
• Manage multiple agencies, budgets and deadlines, ensuring effective resource allocation and timely completion of projects.

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
• Mix of agency and internal (corporate) experience preferred.
• Experience across a range of communications specialties, including customer programs, events, brand comms, social and digital media, storytelling, public affairs.
• Comfortable taking ownership of all aspects of a communication initiative: from creative ideation, strategy and planning to tactical execution, content creation, media engagement, measurement and reporting.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful advocacy programs and working with government relations teams.
• Experience in managing social media platforms and developing social media strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience serving as a company spokesperson.
• Thoughtful, well-rounded team player who loves to learn, can see around corners, and who is comfortable both leading and executing through ambiguity
• Great at managing up and down, across teams, projects and functions.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

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 169,600 to 250,250 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.