Director Strategic Initiatives

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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

• 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
• 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
• 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. Experience in consulting or within a financial institution is required, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and influence senior stakeholders.

Varies upon the needs of the department.

This position requires travel5-10% of the time.

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the…