Sr. Director, Data Transformation Program

Company: Visa
Location: San Francisco
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Company Description Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid. At Visa, you'll have the opportunity to create impact at scale — tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world. Join Visa and do work that matters — to you, to your community, and to the world. Progress starts with you. Job Description With data being the fuel that drives our future - our strategies, policies, and business successes around data will define our future growth prospects. Unlocking the value available through the innovative use of data on behalf of consumers, businesses, and communities is key to our future. With our ongoing commitment to Visa’s Data Values and the responsible use of data, we at Visa have a bold vision to continue to grow and accelerate our data-related businesses and capabilities. Led by Visa’s first Chief Data Officer, the Global Data Team coordinates high-impact, complex, company-wide projects related to data business strategy, critical investments, policy development, and marketplace execution. Working closely with Visa’s Chief Privacy Officer, the Technology organization, the wider data community, and the full set of Visa’s global lines of business, the Global Data Team is evolving Visa’s data-related work with momentum and enthusiasm. Driven by its commitment to trusted use of data, Visa is seeking enthusiastic leaders who are change-agents and passionate about the future of data around the world. Visa is seeking a visionary and highly influential Director to refine, own, and drive our enterprise-wide Data & Analytics Enablement and Talent Strategy. This leadership role is critical to accelerating Visa's transformation into a data-first organization. This role will be the architect and advocate for programs that democratize data access and build a world-class data talent ecosystem. This position requires a leader who can operate at the intersection of strategy, technology, and people. This role will be responsible for supporting the multi-year vision and roadmap for how Visa empowers its employees with data and cultivates the next generation of data leaders. Reporting to senior leadership, this position will serve as a trusted advisor, influencing decisions and driving cultural change across the globe. The ideal candidate possesses a proven track record of building and scaling complex, global programs, combined with expertise in data analytics, organizational change, and talent management. The role will lead a matrixed organization of cross-functional partners to execute this vision, establishing the foundational capabilities and communities that will power Visa's future growth. Primary responsibilities: Strategic Ownership: Support and drive the global strategy, vision, and multi-year roadmap for Data & Analytics Democratization and Data Talent Management, ensuring alignment with Visa's corporate strategy and executive priorities. Executive Influence: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership (VPs, SVPs) on data culture, literacy, and talent. Regularly present program strategy, progress, and business impact to executive committees and key stakeholders. Program Leadership & Execution: Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of two core programs: Data & Analytics Democratization: Support initiatives to scale self-service analytics platforms, enhance data accessibility and governance, and deliver a global data literacy curriculum to upskill the entire organization. Data Talent Management: Sponsor and partner with the people team leads to support design and implement an enterprise-wide framework for data talent, including strategic talent selection, early career and rotational programs, a robust mentorship structure, and a vibrant global data community. Change Management & Culture: Act as the primary change agent for fostering a data-driven culture. Champion a mindset of data curiosity, experimentation, and data-informed decision-making across all functions and levels. Financial & Resource Management: Secure and manage the program's budget, develop business cases for new investments, and ensure optimal allocation of resources to achieve strategic goals. Team & Community Leadership: Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing matrixed team of program managers, analysts, and functional partners. Establish and govern a thriving global data community of practice, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration. Thought Leadership: Serve as Visa's internal and external thought leader on data democratization and talent development, staying ahead of industry trends and embedding best practices into Visa's strategy. This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager. Qualifications Basic Qualifications: 12 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: 15 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 Recognized expert in program management, with a proven track record of leading large-scale, complex, global initiatives Significant experience in the data and analytics domain, with a strong understanding of modern data ecosystems, BI/analytics platforms, and data governance principles Exceptional communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with demonstrated ability to engage with and advise senior executives Demonstrated success in building and scaling global programs from conception to maturity in a large, matrixed organization Deep expertise in organizational change management and designing and executing enterprise-wide talent strategies (e.g., competency modeling, career pathing, rotational and mentorship programs) within a technical or data-focused domain Experience leading, coaching, and developing teams of program managers, analysts, or other direct/indirect reports Strong financial acumen with extensive experience in budget management, resource planning, and business case development. Experience in the financial services or payments industry is a strong plus. Strategic thinker with the ability to translate high-level vision into concrete, actionable plans and drive execution with urgency. Ability to quickly understand and adapt to changes in the business environment Demonstrated enthusiasm, accountability, and a commitment to high-quality work Highly adaptive and comfortable navigating complex and ambiguous situations Creative problem-solver who thrives in dynamic circumstances Strong focus on maintaining strategic priorities and delivering results Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex topics clearly to diverse, global audiences Proactive communicator, skilled at influencing and facilitating discussions across all organizational levels and geographies Strong business acumen and understanding of both company and client business models Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to influence and build credibility with senior leaders across a federated organization Team-oriented, collaborative, diplomatic, and flexible, with proven ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external clients at all levels of management and work on complex issues within cross-functional teams Self-starter who can responsibly advance work and is comfortable making sound, well-informed judgment calls for progress, without needless delays Known for building deep and trusted relationships despite sometimes competing priorities Open-minded and willing to listen to ideas and opinions from others, able to seek new solutions when current processes don't work Additional Information Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department. Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time. Mental/Physical Requirements: This 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. 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 will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code. U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for this position is 200,000 to 320,000 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.

Keywords: Visa, San Mateo , Sr. Director, Data Transformation Program, IT / Software / Systems , San Francisco, California