Director, Head of Visa Direct Communications

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Director, Head of Visa Direct Communications

Visa is seeking an experienced and strategic communications professional who will help the company drive growth of the Visa Direct. The Director, Head of Visa Direct Communications, will be a business leader who is passionate about using data and insights to develop impactful communications strategies for execution in 30+ markets globally. They will translate those strategies into measurable communications programs that resonate with stakeholders and thought leaders to critical to Visa, including clients, partners, industry analysts, media, and employees.

The Director will partner cross-functionally with a wide range of teammates and leadership across the global Visa Direct organization, product marketing, internal communications, government engagement, investor relations, brand, legal, and the broader global communications function. The Head of Visa Direct Communications also will deliver strategic communications counsel to Visa Direct’s Leadership Team.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on professional who has worked in a high-growth organization with extensive experience in product communications, media relations, executive visibility and content creation. Direct experience working in-house in a global communications function is required. This individual must have ability to work in a fast-paced environment within a highly matrixed, global organization. The role reports to the Head of Commercial & Money Movement Communications and can be based in either San Francisco or Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development and execution of global communications strategies to drive the growth of Visa Direct
• Craft compelling narratives and messaging that convey Visa's leadership in money movement and cross-border payment innovation, for both internal and external audiences
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and industry analysts to secure positive coverage and media interview opportunities
• Oversee the communication plans for new product launches, coordinating with product teams, and marketing to ensure successful product introductions
• Engage with Visa Direct senior executives to promote product initiatives and increase the overall positive industry awareness through executive visibility programs, including speaking opportunities
• Work closely with global Visa Direct executives and the cross-functional team to prepare them for media interactions, speaking engagements, and thought leadership activities
• Develop high-quality written materials that convey Visa’s money movement narrative including messaging platforms, press releases, blogs, Q&As, speeches, and infographics
• Collaborate with the broader Global Corporate Communications team to ensure consistency of message and to tell bigger stories
• Build and maintain a strong network of business partners across all levels of the global Visa Direct organization
• Establish KPIs and metrics to measure the effectiveness of communication strategies and adjust them as needed to achieve desired outcomes

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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree. Minimum 10-12 years public relations/communications experience
• Established product communications and media relations skills.
• Must have proven experience managing executive visibility and though leadership programs for C-Suite leadership for leading, global brand(s)
• Global-first mindset
• Strong understanding of changing media landscape
• Experience in building and managing integrated, multi-channel paid/earned/owned/social programs that deliver measurable results
• Proven experience in multi-faceted program/project management, decision-making, and driving results in local market and cross-regional teams
• Ability to achieve results in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, often on short deadlines
• Experience managing business issues and navigating/synthesizing various viewpoints
• Experience coaching senior executives
• Active presence on social/digital platforms
• Understanding of how to use data and research to drive efforts
• Strong knowledge in technology and/or financial services industries
• Conversant in media measurement and analytics
• Proven ability to think ahead, engage proactively and take initiative
• Self-starter approach to work, organizational skills and strong problem solver
• Excellent persuasive written and verbal communications skills, including interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment and with blurry boundaries regarding roles/responsibilities
• Ability to work remotely with limited supervision
• Proven track record of managing staff and or/agency teams to achieve measurable results

Additional Information

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 145,400 to 234,200 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.