📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Director, North America Communications
🔹 Company: Visa
🔹 Location: San Francisco, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: IT Services and IT Consulting
🔹 Date Posted: April 30, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 12+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading strategic communications programs for Visa's products and clients across North America
- Managing a team of four to ensure messaging alignment and drive results
- Partnering with senior leaders to provide communications support and counsel
- Developing and executing integrated communications programs across earned, owned, and social media channels
- Serving as the voice of Visa's clients and ensuring their needs are reflected in internal and external communications
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the financial services industry and experience in strategic communications to drive business results.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute strategic communications programs to amplify Visa's products and brands to financial institution and enabler, merchant, and fintech (EMF) clients
✅ Provide communications support to senior leaders, including the SVP of NA Product and Nationals, for speaking engagements, social media, and internal communications
✅ Collaborate with event teams as the communications lead for key events, developing themes, content, and strategic communications programs
✅ Support both Visa-led and client/partner-led communications moments, elevating and promoting strategic partner relationships through communications programs
✅ Be the voice of the client, ensuring NA business and client needs are reflected in internal and external communications
✅ Partner across the organization to drive results, collaborating with Global Communications, NA Communications, Client Delivery, NA Events, and others
✅ Manage a high-performing team, ensuring messaging alignment, identifying shared opportunities, removing roadblocks, and driving an overall strategy for the team
✅ Serve as a key partner and strategic advisor to NA Product, Financial Institution, and EMF executives, formulating and executing thematic, consistent, and impactful communications programs that drive tangible business results
✅ Be embedded in NA business to understand client needs and challenges, tailoring appropriate internal and external communications narratives and programs and managing risk accordingly
✅ Partner closely with NA/global/corporate colleagues driving external and internal communications to ensure message alignment and consistency, mitigate risk, and generate new ideas
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high degree of collaboration, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in English, communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related discipline
Experience: 12+ 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
Required Skills:
- 15+ years of communications experience with relevant experience required
- Ability to synthesize complex business issues into programs and content that address challenges and celebrate key milestones
- Ability to influence, counsel, and guide leaders, including appropriately pushing back on previous ways of working or means of sharing information
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including stellar editorial proficiency (writing, editing, proofreading)
- Demonstrated understanding of the combined impact that well-written and highly designed communications make, keen sense of design and visual content for production materials
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, pivot quickly, and respond with urgency, unflappable in high-pressure environments
- Sound business judgment and experience connecting the dots among seemingly unrelated topics
- Hands-on leader with outstanding attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Keen sense of accountability and ownership
- Proven track record of developing and executing strategic communications programs that drive business results
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create compelling narratives and content
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leaders
- Experience in managing social media platforms and developing social media strategies
Preferred Qualifications:
- 15+ 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
- Experience in fintech, financial services, or another relevant area strongly preferred
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in strategic communications, preferably within the financial services industry, will be most competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $188,400 - $260,250 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.
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- 401(k)
- FSA/HSA
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Wellness Program
Working Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department
Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Visa is a global leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories.
Company Size: Visa has 10,001+ employees, making it a large organization with significant resources and opportunities for growth.
Founded: Visa was founded in 1958 and has since grown into a publicly-traded company with a strong global presence.
Company Description:
- Visa is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories.
- The company's purpose is to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.
- Visa offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, life insurance, paid time off, and a wellness program.
Company Specialties:
- Global payments technology company
Company Website: https://corporate.visa.com/en/careers.html
ASSUMPTION: Visa's large size and global presence offer applicants the opportunity to work on high-impact projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior director level, indicating significant experience and responsibility within the organization.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Director, North America Communications will report to the SVP of NA Communications and manage a team of four, with additional matrix reports.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid position, with an expectation of days in the office confirmed by the hiring manager.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to influence and shape Visa's communications strategy at a regional level
- Opportunity to manage and develop a team of communications professionals
- Possibility to expand responsibilities based on performance and business needs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop leadership skills, expand industry knowledge, and make a meaningful impact on Visa's business.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Visa's headquarters is located in Foster City, California, with additional offices in Austin, Texas, Miami, Florida, and San Francisco, California.
Office Location(s): 900 Metro Center Blvd, Foster City, California, US
Geographic Context:
- San Francisco is a major tech hub with a vibrant startup ecosystem and numerous networking opportunities
- The Bay Area offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and culinary experiences
- The cost of living in the Bay Area is high, with housing being particularly expensive
Work Schedule: The working hours for this position vary upon the needs of the department.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible working hours allow for a good work-life balance, while the vibrant location offers numerous professional and personal growth opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- Interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members
- Final interview with the SVP of NA Communications
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to craft compelling narratives
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Leadership and team management skills
- Industry knowledge and understanding of Visa's business
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of Visa's business and the financial services industry
- Prepare examples of your strategic communications work and be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving and decision-making
ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Executive Communications, Event Content, Client Engagement, Messaging, Collaboration, Leadership, Influencing, Written Communication, Verbal Communication, Social Media Management, Content Development, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Business Judgment, Risk Management
ASSUMPTION: Visa's application process is thorough and competitive, with a focus on assessing candidates' strategic thinking, communication skills, and industry knowledge.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in common communication and project management tools, as well as a strong understanding of social media platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer-centric
- Inclusive
- Innovative
- Collaborative
- Integrity
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on execution
- Adaptable and responsive to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated your ability to craft compelling narratives and communicate complex ideas effectively in previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt quickly to changing priorities or pivot your approach to achieve success?
- How have you managed and developed high-performing teams in previous roles, and what was the outcome?
ASSUMPTION: Visa values candidates who are customer-focused, innovative, collaborative, and adaptable, with a strong work ethic and a commitment to integrity.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team remotely and ensuring consistent messaging across multiple channels
- Balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including senior leaders, clients, and partners
- Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of the financial services industry and Visa's global operations
- Navigating a large organization with multiple teams and reporting structures
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong communication, leadership, and project management skills, as well as the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to related roles, this position offers a broader scope of responsibilities and a higher level of senior leadership engagement
- Visa's global presence and large client base provide unique opportunities for impact and growth
- Career paths within Visa may include transitions to other regions, functions, or senior leadership roles
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique combination of strategic influence, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, setting it apart from similar positions in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic communications campaign to launch a new Visa product in the North American market
- Managing a team to create and distribute a quarterly client newsletter, highlighting Visa's latest innovations and success stories
- Collaborating with event teams to plan and execute a high-profile client conference, featuring senior leaders and industry experts
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and execution-focused nature of the role, as well as the opportunity to make a significant impact on Visa's business.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy for Visa's North America region?
- What are the most pressing priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does the team collaborate with other communications teams within Visa, both regionally and globally?
- What opportunities exist for growth and development within this role and the broader organization?
- How does Visa support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in hybrid or remote work arrangements?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role, the organization, and the opportunity for growth and success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through Visa's careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your strategic communications work and be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving and decision-making
- Research Visa's business and the financial services industry to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
