Director, Leadership Communications

Visa is seeking a Director of Leadership Communications to help elevate and scale how we tell our story—externally and internally—through the voices of our most senior leaders. This role sits at the center of strategy, storytelling, and execution, supporting our CEO and Group President with their communications plans and approach.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, versatile communicator who is fluent across multiple communications disciplines, moving seamlessly across media, executive messaging, employee communications, social, events, and presentations, while anchoring everything in clear business understanding and narrative coherence.

The Role

As Director of Leadership Communications, you will work closely with the VP of Leadership Communications to:

• Shape and execute leadership communications across both external and internal channels, ensuring clarity, consistency, and impact.
• Help translate business strategy, performance, and priorities into compelling, plainspoken stories that resonate with employees, media, clients, and partners.
• Serve as a trusted counselor—bringing sharp point of view, strong judgment, and an operator’s mindset.

This role requires a strong grasp of Visa’s business model, growth priorities, and operating rhythms. Candidates with experience in strategy, operations, consulting, or business roles—alongside deep communications expertise—will be especially well-positioned to succeed.

What You’ll Do

• Develop integrated communication strategies that span external media, internal channels, social platforms, events, and speaking opportunities.
• Support both day-to-day leadership communications and high-visibility moments, including major announcements, organizational changes, enterprise initiatives, and global events.
• Translate complex business, technology, and market dynamics into clear, engaging, and human storytelling.
• Produce a wide range of executive-ready materials, including talking points, speeches, presentations, employee messages, op-eds, blog posts, interview briefs, social content, and FAQs.
• Collaborate closely across the global and regional communications teams to ensure alignment and amplification.
• Identify opportunities to connect executive narratives to broader trends and Visa-wide priorities, elevating impact and relevance.
• Bring a digital- and audience-first mindset, helping leaders engage authentically across platforms.
• Operate with a market support lens, informing and supporting colleagues across regions.
• Track outcomes and impact, helping demonstrate the value and effectiveness of leadership communications.

Who You Are

You are equal parts strategist, storyteller, and doer. You’re comfortable owning ambiguity, managing multiple priorities, and moving fast—without sacrificing quality or judgment. You bring executive presence, strong instincts, and a collaborative approach.
You likely bring:

• Broad experience across multiple communications disciplines, including executive communications, media and PR, internal communications, social media, events, and presentation development.
• A deep appreciation for business context, with the ability to connect communications to enterprise strategy and outcomes.
• Comfort operating as a generalist with range, not a single-discipline specialist.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with a sharp eye for tone, audience, and clarity.
• Ability to influence through relationships, insight, and credibility.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager. 

Basic Qualifications:

• 10 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 8 years of work experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters/ MBA/JD/MD) or at least 3 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• 12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 8-10 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 6+ years of work experience with a PhD
• 12 or more years of relevant experience.
• Experience across both internal and external communications; agency and in-house mix strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of complex, matrixed organizations; fintech, payments, technology, or financial services experience a plus.
• Proven ability to lead by influence and operate effectively in highly cross-functional environments.
• Media experience and strong understanding of modern executive presence across earned and owned channels, including social.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and comfortable in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and comfortable managing up.

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 this position is 170,700.00 to 273,200.00 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.