At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and amplify the CEO's voice through strategic storytelling and engaging communications.
- Company: Join Visa, a global leader in payments technology, making a real impact worldwide.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior leaders in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of executive communications, influencing leadership narratives across Europe.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in executive communications and exceptional writing skills required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 € per year.
About Us
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.
Job Description
The Senior Director, Executive Communications is responsible for shaping, protecting and amplifying the voice of the CEO and senior leadership across Europe. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, employee engagement and digital communications, translating enterprise priorities into clear, compelling narratives that drive alignment, trust and performance. The role is both strategic and highly operational, owning end‑to‑end delivery of executive communications, from narrative development and drafting through to digital execution, sequencing and distribution.
Key Responsibilities
- CEO and Executive Narrative Leadership
- Set and steward the CEO and enterprise narrative, ensuring clarity, consistency and relevance across all channels and moments that matter.
- Draft and edit high‑stakes communications on behalf of the CEO and ELT, including organisational announcements, leadership notes, speeches, town halls, blogs and event messaging.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing counsel on tone, timing, positioning and stakeholder impact.
- Employee Communications and Engagement
- Lead enterprise‑wide employee communications, translating strategy, transformation and performance into messages that resonate with colleagues.
- Own leadership‑led employee moments such as town halls, leadership updates and milestone communications, ensuring they are engaging, data‑driven and authentic.
- Partner closely with People, Strategy and Leadership teams to reinforce culture, purpose and change.
- Digital and Channel Excellence
- Drive a digital‑first approach to executive and employee communications, using platforms such as Engage, intranet, video and social to extend reach and relevance.
- Modernise executive communications through smart use of visuals, links, data, multimedia and new formats, ensuring content is concise, scannable and shareable.
- Ensure messages are adapted appropriately for different channels while maintaining a single narrative spine.
- Integrated Planning and Execution
- Own the end‑to‑end communications flow for executive and enterprise priorities, including sequencing, timing and coordination across internal, external and digital channels.
- Work seamlessly with Corporate, Product and Market Communications teams to ensure alignment and avoid fragmentation.
- Partner with global counterparts to localise and execute global narratives effectively in Europe.
- Judgement and Quality Control
- Act as a final editorial gatekeeper for executive communications, ensuring accuracy, consistency and readiness before distribution.
- Manage sensitive, confidential communications with discretion and sound judgement.
- Anticipate reputational risk and advise on mitigation through proactive messaging.
Key Relationships
- Europe Leadership Team
- Global Executive/Enterprise Communications
- Corporate Communications, Employee Engagement and Digital teams
- People, Marketing, Strategy and Legal partners
This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in executive, employee or enterprise communications within a complex, matrixed organization.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to shift seamlessly between strategic narrative and sharp, concise execution.
- Strong understanding of digital communications and channel strategy, with a track record of modernizing leadership communications.
- High emotional intelligence and confidence operating with senior leaders.
- Proven ability to manage multiple high‑stakes workstreams under pressure without losing quality or judgement.
Senior Director, Executive Communications employer: Visa
Visa is an exceptional employer that empowers its employees to create meaningful impact on a global scale. With a strong focus on professional growth, a collaborative work culture, and a commitment to innovation in communications, Visa offers unique opportunities for career advancement while fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Join us in our European headquarters and be part of a team that values your contributions and encourages you to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Executive Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Visa through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Visa's recent initiatives and leadership communications. Show us that you understand their narrative and can contribute to it. Tailor your responses to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! As a Senior Director in Executive Communications, you'll need to convey messages clearly and engagingly. Use mock interviews to refine your ability to articulate your thoughts under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Visa team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Executive Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, think about who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and mission of Visa. Show us that you understand our commitment to uplifting everyone, everywhere!
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills:As a Senior Director in Executive Communications, storytelling is key. Use your application to demonstrate how you've crafted compelling narratives in the past. We want to see your ability to translate complex ideas into engaging messages that drive alignment and trust.
Be Concise and Clear:We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Avoid jargon and keep your sentences concise. Remember, you’re applying for a role that requires sharp communication skills, so let that shine through in your writing.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensure they’re reviewed properly. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Visa!
How to prepare for a job interview at Visa
✨Know Your Narrative
Before the interview, make sure you understand Visa's core narrative and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of uplifting everyone, everywhere. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the company's overarching goals.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
As a Senior Director in Executive Communications, storytelling is key. Prepare examples of how you've crafted compelling narratives in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your communication strategies led to measurable outcomes, especially in high-stakes situations.
✨Engage with Digital Strategies
Familiarise yourself with modern digital communication tools and platforms. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these in past roles to enhance engagement and reach. Visa is looking for someone who can drive a digital-first approach, so demonstrate your knowledge and experience in this area.
✨Prepare for High-Stakes Scenarios
Anticipate questions about managing sensitive communications and navigating reputational risks. Think of examples where you've successfully handled such situations, showcasing your judgement and ability to maintain quality under pressure. This will illustrate your readiness for the challenges of the role.