Visa is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating more than 215 billion payments transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive.

When you join Visa, you join a culture of purpose and belonging – where your growth is priority, your identity is embraced, and the work you do matters. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere. Your work will have a direct impact on billions of people around the world – helping unlock financial access to enable the future of money movement.

Join Visa: A Network Working for Everyone.

Organization Description

Visa understands that operating a successful company includes driving business growth, strong shareholder returns, and financial inclusion benefiting global economies. We strive to make a positive and transformative impact on the world, based on the belief that we can do well and do good.

The Global Growth Strategy & Social Impact team executes on this belief every day. We focus on advancing financial inclusion and economic growth for billions of people and millions of businesses across global communities by developing global & regionally adaptable strategies, products and initiatives.

We are seeking a Director, Applied Research. This leader will be responsible for Visa’s overall applied research & insights (R&I) to advance financial inclusion and focused on regionally and globally prioritized segments e.g. women, youth, small and micro businesses. This dynamic, data driven, passionate, collaborative, and analytical leader will ensure that all research delivers actionable insights that are leveraged by Visa and Visa partners to advance financial inclusion priorities (social and commercial).

Essential Functions

• Define, develop, and implement applied research strategies that drive financial inclusion for prioritized communities.  Work closely with Visa leaders, stakeholders and partners across key regions and local markets (Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Caribbean, North America, Europe) and teams (sales, product, technology, government, data etc.) to develop applied research that drives financial inclusion priorities. 
• Lead development of research & insight initiatives, assets and reports for advancing financial inclusion and economic mobility (focused on our priority segments)
• Conduct joint planning & ideation, prioritization and selection, execution, and adoption/application of research
• Manage and oversee Visa’s applied research fellowship and initiatives in close collaboration with global and regional teams.
• Ensure that research is leveraged and has utmost internal value proposition and application towards Visa’s financial inclusion priorities (social and commercial)
• Manage/Support key relationships with global research, advocacy, and partner organizations.
• Represent Visa in key thought leadership forums that drive reputational benefit.
• Work with senior executives to incorporate actionable research insights into key engagements, forums, and communications for Visa’s benefit. Build collaborative work teams with excellent cross-cultural communications skills.

This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office 2-3 set days a week (determined by leadership/site), with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.

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
• 10+ years of relevant analytical experience; MBA, MPA, Masters or a Ph.D. degree in Data Science, Economics, Applied Research, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Operations Research, Business Analytics, Business, Strategy, Public Policy and/or Administration.
• Experience Developing and Publishing Research, generating and Communicating data-driven research & insights, and conveying actionable recommendations
• Fluent storyteller who can help integrate purpose driven and business narratives, and convey them effectively across diverse audiences.
• Orientation to detail, as expected to ensure highest level of quality/rigor in reports & analyses
• Strong project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-moving work environment
• Ability to coach, lead and provide direction to a diverse team of professionals
• Possess a collaborative, diplomatic, and flexible style, with the ability to tailor research and insights to various audience levels
• Results oriented with strong conceptual, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated intellectual and analytical rigor
• Strong leadership, people development, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Exhibit intellectual curiosity and strive to continually learn

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 a new hire into this position is 139,800.00 to 181,800.00 USD, 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.