Director, Communications Germany & Switzerland

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Communications Germany & Switzerland

🔹 Company: Mastercard

🔹 Location: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany & Munich, Bavaria, Germany

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing communication strategies for Mastercard in Germany and Switzerland
• Advising senior executives on internal and external communication engagements
• Positioning senior executives as thought leaders through various channels
• Crafting compelling content for various platforms and audiences
• Overseeing internal communications to drive positive employee engagement and culture

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and dynamic communications professional with experience in corporate communications, agency leadership, and/or journalism.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Serve as an advisor to senior executives on internal and external communication engagements

✅ Partner with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging

✅ Strategically position senior executives as thought leaders through speaking engagements, editorial content, and social media amplification

✅ Craft compelling internal and external content, including podcasts, blog posts, articles, webinars, presentations, and executive messaging

✅ Act as a spokesperson during major issues and provide guidance on real-time messaging and engagement strategies

✅ Collaborate with external partners, industry organizations, non-profits, and media to enhance Mastercard’s reputation as a leader in payments & services

✅ Oversee internal communication in the markets to drive positive employee engagement and culture

✅ Monitor industry trends, emerging threats, and regulatory developments to ensure communications remain relevant and impactful

ASSUMPTION: This role involves managing multiple projects and stakeholders, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field

Experience: 10+ years of experience in communications, with a proven track record in corporate communications, agency leadership, and/or journalism

Required Skills:

• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and messaging skills in both German and English
• Ability to translate complex topics into accessible content across traditional, digital, and social media channels
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a curiosity for solving business challenges
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills, capable of building trust and consensus among stakeholders at all levels
• Experience managing teams and influencing across a matrixed organization
• Proven track record in crisis and issues management, with the ability to navigate complex, high-pressure situations
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with excellent project management skills

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in the payments and services industry
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Given the bilingual nature of the role, proficiency in both German and English is crucial.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €120,000 - €160,000 per year (AI-estimated, based on industry standards for a Director-level role in Germany)

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package
• 401(k) or pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance programs
• Tuition assistance
• Paid time off and holidays

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with flexibility for project demands

ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Mastercard operates in the global digital payments and commerce industry, with a focus on innovative mobile payment solutions and processing

Company Size: Mastercard has 10,001+ employees worldwide, providing a large and diverse work environment

Founded: 1966, with a rich history in the payments industry

Company Description:

• Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in over 200 countries and territories worldwide
• Supports a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart, and accessible
• Supports a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper

Company Specialties:

• Global digital payments/commerce
• Technology and innovation
• Innovative mobile payment solutions
• Processing

Company Website: www.mastercard.com

ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's global presence and extensive experience in the payments industry make it a well-established and reputable employer.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Director-level role, reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Communications, Europe

Reporting Structure: This role will manage a team of communications professionals based in Germany and Switzerland

Work Arrangement: On-site, with periodic travel required to support Mastercard initiatives, industry events, and stakeholder engagements

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand the team and take on additional responsibilities
• Opportunities to work on global projects and collaborate with international teams
• Career progression within Mastercard's communications department or other business units

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a significant impact on Mastercard's communications strategy in Europe.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office spaces in Frankfurt and Munich

Office Location(s): Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany & Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Geographic Context:

• Frankfurt: A major financial hub with a vibrant business environment
• Munich: A thriving tech and startup scene, with a strong focus on innovation

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with flexibility for project demands and occasional travel

ASSUMPTION: Both Frankfurt and Munich offer dynamic work environments, with access to a wide range of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth interview with the Senior Vice President of Communications, Europe
• Case study or presentation preparation and delivery
• Final interview with the Senior Vice President of Communications, Europe, and other key stakeholders

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and ability to craft compelling content
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Leadership and team management skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Mastercard's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Prepare a portfolio of your best work, showcasing your writing, storytelling, and messaging abilities
• Research Mastercard's communications strategy and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to its success

ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Internal Communication, External Communication, Crisis Management, Content Creation, Stakeholder Engagement, Team Management, Project Management, Bilingual Communication, Thought Leadership, Media Relations, Industry Trends Monitoring, Employee Engagement, Diplomatic Skills, Entrepreneurial Mindset, High-Pressure Navigation

ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's application process is competitive and thorough, with a strong focus on assessing candidates' communication skills and strategic thinking abilities.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard communications and project management tools is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Do the right thing
• Stay curious
• Collaborate openly
• Invent everything
• Respect everyone

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Focused on delivering results and driving impact

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody Mastercard's values in your daily work?
• Describe a time when you had to navigate a complex, high-pressure situation. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?
• How do you stay curious and continue to learn and grow in your role?

ASSUMPTION: Mastercard values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and respect.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
• Navigating complex, high-pressure situations with grace and composure
• Balancing the demands of internal and external communications
• Adapting to a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other communications roles, this position focuses on both Germany and Switzerland, requiring a strong understanding of both markets
• Mastercard's global presence offers unique opportunities for international collaboration and exposure
• Career progression within Mastercard's communications department or other business units is possible, depending on the candidate's skills and interests

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to other communications positions in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a communications strategy for a major product launch in Germany and Switzerland
• Managing a crisis communications response to a high-profile issue affecting Mastercard's reputation in Europe
• Creating a thought leadership campaign to position a senior executive as an industry expert in payments and services

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and high-impact nature of the role's responsibilities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into Mastercard's overall communications strategy for Europe?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the communications department in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
• How does Mastercard support the professional development and growth of its communications team members?
• What opportunities exist for collaboration with other business units or international teams?
• How does Mastercard measure the success of its communications efforts, and how can this role contribute to those metrics?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and strategic questions demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role and its context within Mastercard.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Mastercard careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, emphasizing your proficiency in both German and English
• Prepare a portfolio of your best work, showcasing your writing, storytelling, and messaging abilities
• Prepare for case study or presentation preparation and delivery, demonstrating your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.