Director Strategic Initiatives

Visa•Ashburn, VA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid. At Visa, you'll have the opportunity to create impact at scale — tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world. Join Visa and do work that matters — to you, to your community, and to the world. Progress starts with you. Visa Consulting and Analytics (VCA) drives tangible, impactful and financial results for Visa’s network clients, including both financial services and merchants. Drawing on our expertise in strategy consulting, data analytics, brand management, marketing, operational and macroeconomics, Visa Consulting and Analytics solves the most strategic problems for our clients. The North America (NA) Consulting Practice within VCA provides consulting and solution services for Visa’s largest issuers in North America. We apply deep expertise in the banking, payments & analytics industry to provide impactful results to assist clients with their key business priorities, drive growth and improve profitability. The VCA team provides a comprehensive range of consulting services to deliver solutions that address unique challenges in areas such as improving profitability, strategic growth, customer experience, digital payments and managing risk. VCA NA is seeking a Director to lead strategic initiatives that help Visa’s largest clients, incl. financial institutions, issuers, enablers, merchants, and fintechs, achieve sustainable and profitable growth. This role combines strategic planning, client engagement, and data-driven insights to position Visa as a trusted advisor and preferred business partner Specific responsibilities include: Project engagement Lead consulting initiatives to identify opportunities for Visa to add value beyond core products Build compelling narratives and executive-level presentations that position VCA as a trusted advisor Manage project timeline and provide leadership to junior members on analysis Solution design Identify consulting opportunities and support sales teams in embedding advisory services into client strategies. Design frameworks and recommendations that address clients’ most critical challenges and growth objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, sales, risk, innovation) and global regions to deliver integrated solutions. Insights & analytics Analyze Visa and industry data to uncover trends, risks, and opportunities for clients. Translate insights into actionable strategies and develop dashboards or models to support decision-making. Contribute to thought leadership and best practices that elevate Visa’s advisory capabilities. This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager. This role is based in Ashburn, VA, which is part of the broader Washington, DC–metro (DMV) area.

Requirements

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
Strong analytical skills, with demonstrated intellectual and analytical rigor
Self-motivated, results oriented individual with the ability to handle numerous projects concurrently
Knowledge and understanding of payments operations and payment schemes, including products and services, business systems and processes, marketing initiatives and card issuing experience
Excellent communication, storytelling, and presentation skills
Team minded and collaborative
Technology mindset, curious, up to date with digital trends and applications
Experience in consulting or within a financial institution is required, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and influence senior stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

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
At least 5 years of relevant experience at large management consulting firm or in the payment acceptance industry
We are seeking a self-motivated, results-driven individual with strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate can diagnose complex challenges, develop high-impact solutions, and build enduring relationships across Visa and with clients.

Responsibilities

Lead consulting initiatives to identify opportunities for Visa to add value beyond core products
Build compelling narratives and executive-level presentations that position VCA as a trusted advisor
Manage project timeline and provide leadership to junior members on analysis
Identify consulting opportunities and support sales teams in embedding advisory services into client strategies.
Design frameworks and recommendations that address clients’ most critical challenges and growth objectives.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, sales, risk, innovation) and global regions to deliver integrated solutions.
Analyze Visa and industry data to uncover trends, risks, and opportunities for clients.
Translate insights into actionable strategies and develop dashboards or models to support decision-making.
Contribute to thought leadership and best practices that elevate Visa’s advisory capabilities.