Job DescriptionVisa operates in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving regulatory and geopolitical environment, where strategic clarity, coordination, and execution speed are critical to achieving business objectives.
The Senior Director, Policy Strategy and Execution for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is a full-time role based in Miami and reports directly to the SVP of Government Affairs for LAC. Working in close coordination with the GA LAC SVP, this leader will play a critical role in advancing Visa's public policy priorities across the region while helping ensure excellence in execution across the Government Affairs (GA) function. This dual role combines policy strategy design with execution responsibilities, supporting a dynamic, high-impact team to deliver measurable outcomes and business value.
In coordination with the GA LAC SVP, this leader will partner closely with regional and global Government Affairs leaders, Legal, Product, Compliance, Technology, Strategy, Operations, and Business Functions to align policy positions with Visa's strategic priorities and enable effective regional execution.
Under the direction and in close coordination with the GA LAC SVP, this leader will help build and run the backbone of the LAC Government Affairs function, ensuring that regional priorities, market needs, global alignment, budget and workforce planning, strategic initiatives, reporting, and collaboration mechanisms are coordinated through a high-performing hub model.
The successful candidate will bring deep policy expertise, strategic insight, analytical rigor, and outstanding communications leadership. This individual must be able to translate complex regulatory, political, and business issues into clear, persuasive narratives; tailor messages for senior executives, government officials, regulators, industry associations, and internal teams; and apply sound judgment and diplomacy to advance Visa's advocacy objectives with credibility and impact.
Some travel may be required to engage with Government Affairs colleagues, business partners, and other Visa teams across the region.
Key responsibilities include:- In coordination with the GA LAC SVP, lead the end-to-end process of developing, refining, and executing Visa's LAC policy strategy, ensuring alignment with global policy, corporate goals, and business priorities.
- In coordination with regional and global leads, act as the principal architect of regional policy design, identifying key themes, trends, and opportunities across digital payments, financial inclusion, data governance, cybersecurity, and emerging financial technologies.
- Ensure alignment between strategic policy priorities and the operating infrastructure needed to deliver them.
- Anticipate and assess regulatory and political developments that could impact Visa's business model, then design proactive and evidence-based policy responses.
- Orchestrate relationship management with LAC-focused development banks, NGOs, industry associations, and research centers.
- Partner with global policy centers of excellence to ensure consistency and coordination on key global issues, including AI, cybersecurity, international organizations, acceptance, open banking, digital currencies, and instant payments.
- Work closely with the LAC Government Affairs leads in markets and subregions to translate strategic priorities into country-specific policy roadmaps and advocacy plans.
- Develop and maintain a regional policy intelligence framework-including horizon scanning, stakeholder mapping, and risk monitoring-to inform both defensive and forward-looking engagement.
- Provide strategic input and recommendations to the GA LAC SVP, senior executives, business partners, and cross-functional teams on emerging policy opportunities, policy-risk mitigation, and public-sector collaboration.
- Develop clear and compelling communications, briefing materials, policy narratives, and advocacy messages that support effective engagement with governments, regulators, senior executives, and cross-functional partners.
- Serve as a thought leader representing Visa's policy perspectives internally and externally, contributing to industry dialogues, white papers, or internal reports that shape public debate and support evidence-based policymaking.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with other corporate functions (Legal, Communications, Social Impact and Sustainability, Compliance, Strategy, Product and others) to ensure policy design is integrated into business planning and market execution.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, integrity, inclusion, and accountability.
- Coordinate strategic planning for the LAC Government Affairs function, including budget management, workforce planning, performance tracking, resource optimization, and market-level planning inputs.
- Serve as a liaison between regional Government Affairs teams and global partners to ensure consistency, alignment, and timely coordination.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing the function's collaboration, communication, and process efficiency.
- Strengthen planning routines, reporting timelines, decision forums, meeting agendas, and team coordination mechanisms to improve execution discipline and regional alignment.
- Encourage high standards in execution, planning discipline, communication, and analytical rigor across the LAC Government Affairs function.
- Drive adoption of new technologies, processes, and ways of working that improve Government Affairs planning, collaboration, reporting, and execution.
The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable shaping policy strategy, advising senior stakeholders, and building the operating discipline required to turn priorities into execution. They should bring strong judgment, excellent communication instincts, comfort working across cultures and functions, and the ability to manage ambiguity while maintaining momentum.
QualificationsBasic Qualifications:
- 12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor's Degree or at least 10 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters/MBA /JD/MD), or a minimum of 5 years of work experience with a PhD
Preferred Qualifications:
- 15 or more years of experience with a Bachelor's Degree or 12 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, or MD), PhD with 9+ years of experience
- 12+ years of relevant experience in public policy, government affairs, or related fields, with exposure to payments, financial services, technology, or highly regulated sectors.
- Experience in the payments industry is essential; strong interest in digital services, technology, and emerging financial innovation is a plus.
- Proven ability to think strategically, proactively and creatively, and to deliver results in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Ability to act independently and flexibly within a multi-disciplinary matrixed team.
- Demonstrated communications experience in public policy, regulatory, corporate affairs, or similarly complex stakeholder environments, with the ability to create clarity, build trust, and influence action through executive briefings, advocacy materials, policy narratives, and stakeholder communications.
- A track record of authoring or contributing to high-impact publications is a plus.
- Proven ability to formulate strategy, apply critical thinking, and operationalize strategy.
- A relevant degree in Politics, Economics, Engineering or Law is desirable, but not essential.
- Fluency in English and Spanish required; Portuguese is a plus.
Information for US ApplicantsFor roles located in the US, the estimated salary range for this position is $185.000,00 to $ 296.100,00 USD per year, 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.
Work HoursVaries upon the needs of the department.
Travel RequirementsThis position requires travel 5-10% of the time.
Mental/Physical RequirementsThis 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.
