Visa Canada is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director to join the Canada Communications team to help shape and execute strategic communications programs for our Canadian business through external storytelling and thought leadership. This role is responsible for translating strategy into execution, leading the day‑to‑day delivery of Visa Canada’s narrative and reputation strategy with media and key stakeholders, including financial institutions, merchants, fintechs, government and employees. The Director provides communications support to key members of the Canada Leadership Team and plays a critical role in proactively identifying risks and opportunities, developing recommendations, and escalating as appropriate. 

The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative communicator with a digital‑first mindset. Comfortable operating in a highly matrixed environment, you influence through trust and credibility. You balance sound judgment and big‑picture thinking with hands‑on execution and are fully comfortable rolling up your sleeves on a high-impact team.  

This role will report into the Senior Director of Canada Communications and be a member of the NA Communications team.  

Key Responsibilities:   

• Strategic Communications: Develop and execute strategic communications programs, taking ownership of tactical execution, outcomes and reporting, to amplify the voice and brand of Visa Canada’s business externally, with a focus on creating thought leadership programs that showcase the value Visa Canada provides to our clients and key stakeholders. This leader will partner closely with the business and comms colleagues to drive integrated programs that are inclusive of earned and owned media, social media and speaking opportunities.  
• Partner Across the Organization to Drive Results: This individual will represent the Canada Communications team in working groups, identifying opportunities to localize NA/Global programs and stories within Canada. This candidate will have a digital first mindset, with experience leveraging social media channels for campaign amplification and turning data and research into storytelling and news opportunities. They will collaborate with the business, Global Communications, NA Communications & Events and others to drive results for Visa Canada. Materials including but not limited to press releases, social media posts, blog posts, internal materials, paid editorial and case studies. 
• Executive Communications: Provide communications support to key Canadian leadership team members for speaking engagements, earned and social media. 
• Internal Communications: Input into NA internal communications plans and localize for the Canadian market, support our Country Manager’s internal strategy, including Town Halls, Visa-led speaking events and our internal social intranet.  
• Product, Client and Partner Engagement: Support both Visa-led and client/partner-led communications moments, elevating and promoting strategic partner relationships.  
• Reputation and Measurement: Partner closely Government Affairs and cross-functional teams to support real-time issues by drafting materials, coordinating inputs, and escalating risks. 
• Media relations: This individual will have a strong pulse on emerging news shaping the payments business, cultivate media relationships, and build connections with key influencers and reporters to uncover new storytelling opportunities. 
• Agency Management: Serve as the primary lead for agency partners, setting clear strategy, guiding execution, and ensuring work delivers against business and communications objectives. 
• Team infrastructure/activities: Monitor Canadian media and competitors, budgets and the PO procedure. 

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

This role is an 18 month fixed term contract. 

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 Post-Secondary Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field 
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, preferably with both agency and large enterprise experience, within the financial services, payments, retail or technology sectors.  
• Proven track record of developing and executing strategic communications programs that drive business results.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create compelling narratives and content.  
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leaders. 
• Experience in managing social media platforms and developing social media strategies.  
• Familiarity with the payment, financial services, and fintech ecosystems is highly desirable. 
• Skills:  
  • Strategic thinking and planning  
  • Exceptional storytelling and writing abilities  
  • Strong project management skills  
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, matrixed environment  
  • Proficiency in social media management and digital communications  
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills 
  • High level of creativity and attention to detail 

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 welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.