Director, State & Local Government Affairs

Reporting to Visas Head of State and Local Government Affairs the Director of State and Local Government Affairs will help shape and manage regional (multi-state) and local engagement with third-party organizations policymakers and community partners on legislative and regulatory issues in support of Visas public policy issues.

The Director State and Local Government Affairs is responsible for managing state and local legislative and regulatory issues in the Eastern half of the United States. This job will be based in Washington D.C. or Atlanta Georgia and report to Visas Head of State and Local Government Affairs. The Director will help shape Visas external engagement with third party organizations policymakers and influencers in support of the Companys policy agenda. The Director will also work with Visas North America business leadership to drive community engagement with elected officials third party groups and other external stakeholders. The position requires a deep understanding of state legislative and political affairs. Ideally candidates will have both U.S. state-level government relations experience (with a preference for candidates having done multi-state work) as well as a background in the financial services payments or technology industries.  

Essential Functions:

• Build strategic and long-term relationships with state legislators state executive branch officials and staff and local officials.

• Engage with third-party policy groups trade associations and political organizations.

• Manage consultants in support of Visas government relations priorities.

• Monitor and track proposed legislation and communicate possible effects relative to Visas priorities.

• Represent Visa at political and industry functions.

• Plan and coordinate meetings between Visa executives and elected officials to discuss legislative issues.

• Prepare briefing documents to support Visas public policy engagement.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

Qualifications :

Basic Qualifications:
10 or more years of work experience with a Bachelors 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
10 years of substantive experience in multi-state government relations legislative affairs and advocacy.
Expert understanding of legislative and regulatory processes and experience analyzing complex legislation regulation and business planning documents.
Deep understanding of state lobbying and ethics compliance. Strong integrity personal character and commitment to ethical conduct.
Ability to exercise good judgment in setting priorities and interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong collaborator with the ability to work in partnership internally and with cross functional teams to achieve shared objectives.
Ability to develop and execute strategic plans to advance policy objectives.
Superior oral and written communication skills.
Goal driven able to function independently to meet deadlines and achieve results.

Preferred Qualifications:
12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelors 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
Proven experience developing and maintaining strategic relationships with legislative and executive branch officials and working with local communities.
Background in the financial services payments and/or technology industries. Other highly regulated industries will be considered.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Teams (Excel PowerPoint Word and SharePoint) with demonstrated experience developing PowerPoints and briefing documents for an executive audience.

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.

Visa will accept applications for this role until at least July 25 2025.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is 166600 to 256000 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.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time