Strategic Program Manager - Business Development

Visa is seeking a highly motivated Project Manager to support planning and execution of select internal and client-facing strategic projects and events. Reporting to the Director of Project Management in Business Operations, this role requires an experienced Project Manager professional with an ability to flex between the strategic and the tactical, outstanding verbal and written communication skills, high level of energy, integrity and commitment to get things done in a fast-paced and team-oriented development environment.

The role requires collaboration across functions, geographical sub-regions at Visa, working closely with internal and external stakeholders as well as other business partners on a daily basis to ensure delivery of quality of the projects and events in alignment with the expectations of the business and the company.

The role requires a customer-centric focus and a strategic mindset as well as strong engagement and influencing skills working across the organization with senior level stakeholders.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Lead project management and development of Visa’s key event programs (Regional Market Kick-Off, Visa Payments Forum and Senior Client Council), ensuring they align with the region’s strategic objectives - directing all aspects of the event life cycle including project management, site selection, contracting, budgeting, attendee management, logistics, vendor management, integration of innovation and technology, program implementation, onsite management and post event reconciliation.

• Partner with other business planning functions to formulate event strategies and content that aligns with Visa’s strategic priorities.

• Act as a content and logistics consultant to Business Development Leaders across the region organizing strategic annual discussions with Regional Clients. Partnering with the local teams to identify content, build the agenda and providing guidance in terms of logistics and best practices.

• Coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors needed to ensure flawless execution.

• Identify and solve for obstacles, constantly looking for simplification of processes and standardization, when possible, throughout all the initiatives led by the role.

• Develop, maintain, and promote a centralized repository of guidelines, best practices, gantt charts and past deliverables, acting as an event planning Center of Excellence for the rest of LAC, ensuring consistency in approach and execution.

• Ensure proper closure of each project and initiative that includes Closure Report, Budget reconciliation, Project documentation, Learnings and any other Handover Document to initiative owner and release of project resources, if applicable.

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.

Basic Qualifications:

• 5 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 2 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 0 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• 7-10 years of work experience and a Bachelor’s Degree or 6 years of work experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 3 years of experience with a PhD
• At least 3 years of experience in Event Program Management, Project Management experience or in a similar role leading and executing initiatives.
• Must possess a passion for events and in-depth understanding of how events engagement bolsters brand, drives regional and global business strategy, supports business objectives, and aligns with the overall marketing & communications strategy of a global organization.
• Solid understanding of project and resource management techniques, methodologies and best practices.
• Creative approach to development of event concepts – “think outside the box” – with a desire to constantly innovate and improve all event aspects.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship management skills, particularly with senior executive level stakeholders.
• Willing to challenge the status quo and look at things from a different angle.
• Proactively bring forward new ideas and look for innovative solutions that help simplify processes.
• Demonstrate leadership skills; experience in effectively managing resources and modelling leadership behaviors.
• Self-directed personality that takes a proactive, hands-on role in problem solving, decision-making, creating new procedures and innovating new ways to enhance existing processes.
• Strong customer orientation; look to deliver impactful and beneficial meetings for clients and attendees with a focus on quality.
• Driven, self-starter with an ability to prioritize projects in a deadline driven environment.
• Strong communication skills in both English and Spanish. Discretion combined with poise and professionalism in all communications.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Knowledge of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project).
• Team player with a positive attitude and dedication to client service and user experience.
• Solid planning and excellent organizational skills.

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 a new hire into this position is 112,500.00 to 163,050.00 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.