Sr Director, Research

Company Description

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in 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 while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

Job Description

Summary

The Visa Economic Empowerment Institute (VEEI) is a global research and policy center that aims to address the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation for everyone, everywhere. The VEEI conducts rigorous research, engages with policymakers and practitioners, and develops solutions to advance economic empowerment and inclusion.

The head of research is responsible for leading and overseeing the research activities and projects of the organization. The head of research sets the research agenda, develops and implements research strategies, manages the research budget, and ensures the quality and impact of the research outputs. The head of research also collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to align the research goals with the VEEI vision and mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the research team, including hiring, training, mentoring, and evaluating the performance of the researchers.

• Co-create and communicate the research vision, objectives, and priorities of the organization

• Design and execute research projects that address the current and emerging needs and challenges of the payment policy environment

• Monitor and evaluate the progress, outcomes, and impact of the research activities and projects

• Manage the research budget and allocate the resources efficiently and effectively

• Represent the VEEI in external events and forums, and communicate the VEEI's research findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, media, and the public

• Partner with the Sr. Director for Strategic Policy Initiatives and Visa Corporate Communications to disseminate and promote the research findings and recommendations to relevant audiences, such as Regional Presidents, Regional Government Engagement leaders, and industry associations

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure research agenda is aligned with global and regional priorities

• Stay updated on the latest developments and trends in the research field and identify new opportunities and challenges for the organization

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.

Qualifications

Basic 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
•Experience managing payments-related research projects from ideation phase to final publication
•Expertise in digital payments policy with a global outlook and passion for results

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
•MBA or relevant graduate degree from top-tier institution or similar academic / professional experience
•Experience in and/or significant exposure to the payments industry preferred
•Ability to structure and manage complex cross-enterprise projects and processes with multiple stakeholders across the company
•Strong knowledge and skills in research methods, tools, and techniques, both quantitative and qualitative
•Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
•Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and oral
•Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment
•A high level of professionalism, integrity, and collegiality, and a willingness to work in a diverse and dynamic team

Additional Information

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physi