Sr. Manager - North America Brand Communications and Public Affairs

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

Visa is seeking a versatile, digital-first communications professional who excels at the intersection of strategy and execution. As a key member of the North America Communications & Public Affairs team, based in Washington DC or San Francisco, you'll play a pivotal role in advancing Visa's core narratives on small business empowerment, public policy advocacy, marquee sponsorship activations, client partnerships, and community impact initiatives. Acting as both strategic architect and hands-on executor, you'll use design integrated communications programs that connect and resonate with diverse audiences—from media outlets and Main Street entrepreneurs to policymakers and beyond.

The ideal candidate is a proven communications strategist with an operational mindset, skilled leveraging the latest tools in AI and at transforming complex topics into compelling, accessible stories while establishing scalable systems and processes to amplify our team's impact. You'll thrive in crafting executive thought leadership, developing engaging digital content, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to deliver measurable results that drive Visa's mission forward.

This role will empower you to influence how Visa communicates its most critical priorities, collaborating with senior leaders to elevate and safeguard our global brand while connecting the world through secure, innovative, and reliable payments.

Key Responsibilities:
•    Lead the development and execution of integrated communications strategies that advance Visa's priorities in small business, sponsorships, client engagement, and community impact across North America–ensuring alignment with our mission to uplift everyone, everywhere—including individuals, businesses, and local economies.
•    Translate complex business initiatives into clear, engaging narratives tailored for diverse audiences, including media, clients, policymakers, employees, and consumers.
•    Create and manage content across multiple formats—such as news releases, communications plans, blog posts, social media copy, executive briefing materials, opinion pieces, video scripts, internal memos, and campaign recaps—to deliver consistent, high-impact stories that resonate.
•    Serve as a strategic partner to leaders across North America, operationalizing communications workflows and scaling storytelling efforts to enhance efficiency, impact and reach.
•    Collaborate cross-functionally with teams in marketing, legal, government relations, product, and client services to align messaging and maximize collective impact.
•    Develop relationships with key influencers and media focused on small business, technology, marketing, and sports marketing, partnering with global media relations teams to amplify Visa's voice across North America.
•    Leverage Visa's premier sponsorship platforms (including NFL, FIFA, Olympics/Paralympics, and US Soccer) to create local and national engagement opportunities that inspire and connect communities.
•    Identify operational efficiencies and implement scalable processes for campaign planning, content development, and performance measurement.
•    Manage vendor relationships, budgets, and project timelines to ensure high-quality deliverables that meet or exceed strategic objectives, all while adapting to Visa's fast-paced, purpose-driven environment.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications
•8 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor Degree or at least 5 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 2 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications
•9 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor Degree or 7 or more relevant years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 3 or more years of experience with a PhD
•Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, marketing, journalism, or a similar field.
•Experience in fintech, financial services, or another relevant area strongly preferred.
•Skilled at using latest AI and digital tools for all aspects of work – strong command of a digital-first toolkit
•Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
•Team oriented, collaborative and flexible.
•Exceptional project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
•Proven record of planning and managing cross functional efforts.
•Highly organized with operational mindset and keen ability to translate ideas into programs.
•Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and tight deadlines.
•An eagerness to accept feedback to learn and grow professionally.
•Interest in seeking and adopting current trends and best practices in employee communications.
•A self-starter and resourceful problem solver.
•Ability to manage by influence within a matrixed environment.

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 127,000.00 to 184,950.00 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.