Fascinated by the future and captivated by technology?

Smart, driven and want to make a difference in the world?

You’ll fit right in.

Join a diverse team at Visa, where your individuality fits right in. We can provide the opportunity to shape the payments experience globally. Together, let’s transform the way the world pays.

Think you know us?

Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure digital payment network that enables individuals, businesses and economies to thrive.

Individuality fuels our brand and our global team – we’re proud that we are a talented team of 15,000 individuals with unique backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. Therefore, we understand that you are much more than your day job. We encourage quality of life outside of the office, whether it’s taking advantage of agile work schedules or our wellness programs, Visa respects and encourages meaningful work/life balance for everyone. In addition, we offer market leading salary and have a fantastic benefits offering.

So, if you’re not satisfied with the status quo, we can satisfy your desire to explore new territory, giving you the runway to really make an impact, whilst connecting you with teams around the world in a truly inclusive culture that celebrates our uniqueness.

About the Data Science Lab

Visa holds the richest store of consumer transaction data on the planet and we are exploring increasingly innovative and sophisticated uses of this to benefit customers, the businesses which serve them and society more broadly. Our development and use of AI is also expanding rapidly, and it is clear this technology will power the future of the payments industry. With the power of Visa data comes a responsibility to use the data we hold in stewardship responsibly and ethically. We are actively engaged in the global debate around controversial and fascinating issues raised by AI (such as privacy, fairness, transparency, security and accountability), working with governments, civil society, academia and the third sector. 

We believe Visa has a unique and potentially transformative role to play in the development of data science in financial services, but only within an ethical framework and appropriately developed regulatory landscape which ensures the correct balance of outcomes for customers, business and society.

Direct Report to Jessica Lennard, Director of External Affairs, Visa Data Science Lab

The External Affairs Manager is a key full-time role focused on policy, regulatory, government affairs, stakeholder management and thought leadership within Visa’s Data Science Lab (the ‘DSL’).

The role entails contributing to the development and delivery of the DSL’s external affairs strategy, as well as leadership responsibility for some projects. Day-to-day work spans policy, regulation and political advocacy; internal and external communications; development of Visa’s global data ethics framework and helping to build a platform for Visa as a global leader in data science and AI.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate a high level of understanding and expertise around the regulatory and policymaking process, and around the issues facing the broader technology and digital services sectors. In particular, you will be expected to show pro-active and responsible leadership around political and regulatory strategy and engagement. Creativity and passion for thought leadership and social impact projects is essential. Equally important is the drive to turn good ideas into action.  

The successful candidate will have a pro-active, enthusiastic approach to problem solving and will thrive in a fast-moving environment, tackling complex issues. They will have outstanding analytical capabilities, as well as proven advocacy skills. Exceptional organizational and project management abilities are key. Excellent written and spoken communication abilities are required.

The position demands the ability to operate across the regional and global corporate environment, which means strong inter-personal and organizational skills are essential.

The role will involve:

• Managing and leading on impactful stakeholder relations and engagement programmes with politicians, regulators, the third sector and academic organisations.  

• Leading on the implementation of the external affairs strategy, including: contribution to research and analysis, policy development, communications narrative, events management, thought leadership and internal training.

• Having lead responsibility for monitoring the data landscape for regulatory and reputational threats and opportunities to Visa’s business, and communicating this intelligence to locally-based business leaders, functional colleagues and global management.
• Engaging in policy development and stakeholder relations activities with Visa’s clients, industry associations, business trade associations, lobbying groups and civil society organizations in the UK. This will include formally representing Visa at some external events.
   
• Supporting senior DSL executives at external engagements, including preparation of materials, organizational and logistical support.

• Must-haves: Ability to act independently and flexibly within a high-energy, high ambition environment. Confidence, and a pro-active, positive attitude are a must.
   
• Advanced and demonstrable experience in relevant corporate position; in-house team/ government agency/ prominent consultancy.

• Strong university degree (Data science or data ethics component not essential).
   
• Expertise in data and AI is helpful, however computing skills are not required. Experience of financial services and/or fintech is also useful.

Diversity & Inclusion

Universal acceptance for everyone, everywhere, is not only our brand promise, it’s the foundation of our company culture. We foster a feeling of connectedness in the workplace, support diversity of thought, culture and background, fight for important initiatives like Equal Pay and actively work to eliminate unconscious biases that hold us all back.

By leveraging the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our worldwide teams, Visa is a better place to work and a better business partner to our clients.