Senior Manager, North America Communications and Public Affairs

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager, North America Communications and Public Affairs

🔹 Company: Visa

🔹 Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Corporate Communications, Public Affairs

🔹 Date Posted: April 29, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Washington, D.C.) with hybrid flexibility

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving communications programs supporting policy and legislative priorities at federal and state levels
• Developing narratives and content to engage stakeholders and track legislative developments
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners
• Leveraging advanced tools and technologies for innovative communication practices

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic communicator with a strong background in public affairs and corporate communications to drive impactful storytelling and stakeholder engagement across North America.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Implement public affairs strategies and develop integrated communications to reach key stakeholders in state capitals on complex subjects, in support of the company’s business priorities

✅ Develop locally relevant, issue-based narratives to support policy priorities that resonate with policymakers, community leaders, issue-specific experts, and the media

✅ Draft content that successfully activates those narratives: write/design everything from client memos and issue briefs to executive briefing documents and presentations, to op-eds, blog posts, and digital ads

✅ Manage complex projects, be a key player on cross-functional teams, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment

✅ Track, monitor, and report on state legislative developments relevant to the company’s business priorities

✅ Stay at the forefront of industry trends, continuously adapting new tools and strategies to the evolving landscape of digital communication and public engagement

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of project management, stakeholder engagement, and content creation, requiring strong organizational skills and adaptability.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Experience: 8+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's 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

Required Skills:

• Proven public affairs/communications experience at a corporation, trade association, and/or agency
• Strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment and with blurry boundaries
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and manage multiple projects, often on short deadlines and under pressure

Preferred Skills:

• 9+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's Degree or 7+ years of relevant experience with an Advanced Degree
• Deep understanding of the connection points between business and public policy
• Fluent in multi-channel campaigns including social, digital, earned, and paid media
• Expert at communicating effectively and managing up
• Sense of humor

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong blend of corporate communications, public affairs, and issues management experience will be most competitive for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $128,000 to $190,350 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

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. Actual compensation may vary based on the factors mentioned.

📌 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, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

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 extensive global presence and industry leadership provide a unique opportunity for applicants to contribute to and learn from a dynamic and innovative environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior manager level, offering significant responsibility and the opportunity to drive strategic communications initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager, North America Communications and Public Affairs, reports to the Senior Director, North America Communications and Public Affairs.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid position, with an expectation of days in the office confirmed by the hiring manager.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a director-level role or other senior leadership positions within the communications and public affairs function
• Expansion of responsibilities to cover additional regions or functional areas
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives, driving meaningful change and impact

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand responsibilities and advance their career within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Visa's Washington, D.C. office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and productivity.

Office Location(s): 900 Metro Center Blvd, Foster City, California, US; 12301 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78759, US; 1004 NW 65th Ave, Miami, FL 33126, US; 1 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105, US

Geographic Context:

• Washington, D.C. is a vibrant, multicultural city with a strong focus on politics, policy, and international affairs
• The city offers a wide range of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and culinary experiences
• Washington, D.C. has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, with flexibility for remote work as agreed upon with the hiring manager.

ASSUMPTION: The Washington, D.C. office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the senior director or another senior leader

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Understanding of public policy and legislative processes
• Ability to manage complex projects and meet deadlines
• Cultural fit and alignment with Visa's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of Visa's business and the role's responsibilities in your application materials
• Prepare examples of your writing and communication skills to showcase during the interview

ATS Keywords: Public Affairs, Communications, Policy, Legislative, Stakeholder Engagement, Content Creation, Project Management, Multi-Channel Campaigns, Social Media, Digital Media, Earned Media, Paid Media, Corporate Communications, Public Policy, Legislative Processes, Complex Projects, Deadlines, Cultural Fit, Visa Values

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant experience and skills, and be prepared to discuss their qualifications and fit for the role in detail during the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn)
• Content creation and design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant software and tools is essential for success in this role, as the Senior Manager will be responsible for creating and managing content, as well as tracking and analyzing data.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centric
• Inclusive
• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Integrity

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Matrixed environment with blurry boundaries
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Focus on results and delivery

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and enjoy managing multiple projects with short deadlines?
• Are you comfortable working in a matrixed environment with blurry boundaries and collaborating with cross-functional teams?
• Do you have a strong understanding of public policy and legislative processes, and can you effectively communicate complex information to diverse stakeholders?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with Visa's values and work style, and be prepared to discuss their alignment with the company's culture during the interview process.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing complex projects and meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Navigating a matrixed organization with blurry boundaries and multiple stakeholders
• Staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving communication tools and technologies
• Balancing the demands of internal and external stakeholders, including clients, partners, and media outlets

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their strategies for overcoming these challenges and their ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other senior manager roles in corporate communications and public affairs, this role places a greater emphasis on policy and legislative engagement and tracking state-level developments
• This role requires a strong understanding of the connection points between business and public policy, as well as the ability to develop narratives and content that resonate with diverse stakeholders
• Career progression in this role may involve expanding responsibilities to cover additional regions or functional areas, or advancing to a director-level position

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and skills in the context of similar roles and their understanding of the unique demands of this position.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive communications strategy to support a major policy initiative, including targeted messaging for key stakeholders and engagement with external partners
• Managing a cross-functional team to create and execute a multi-channel campaign to raise awareness of a critical issue, involving social media, earned media, and paid advertising
• Tracking and analyzing state-level legislative developments relevant to the company's business priorities, and preparing regular reports for internal and external stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and their ability to drive impactful results in a fast-paced environment.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the most challenging project you've managed in a fast-paced environment, and how you approached it?
• How do you stay up-to-date with rapidly evolving communication tools and technologies, and how have you applied this knowledge in your previous roles?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to navigate a complex, matrixed organization with blurry boundaries, and how you successfully managed the situation?
• How do you approach developing narratives and content that resonate with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, and the media?
• What strategies do you have for balancing the demands of internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring that your communications efforts align with the company's business priorities?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and their interest in Visa's mission and culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link: https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/Visa/744000056464983-senior-manager-north-america-communications-and-public-affairs
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your writing and communication skills to showcase during the interview
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

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