Senior Director, Global Brand Head of Design

Job Description

We’re looking for a Visionary Global Head of Design to join our Global Brand Creative Studio and lead us in our continued mission to build the iconic brand of VISA. The ideal candidate will be a strategic design leader with a proven track record of leading highly successful, award‑winning, global design teams—either within advertising agencies or at brand‑side internal creative studios. A strong portfolio of work is a must.

The candidate must have a passion and a background in visual design systems that can work globally across every touchpoint, regardless of scale, and must have led a global visual brand refresh and implemented the visual system across multiple touchpoints, languages and countries. They should have a portfolio that demonstrates how design can influence culture and be part of cultural conversation, and be ahead of trends including AI. They must also be able to build, hire, and mentor a talented team and be ready to roll up their sleeves to do design work when necessary.

What You’ll Do

• Be part of the Creative Studio leadership team, shaping the vision and operating model for the Global Creative Studio.
• Lead by example, inspiring others with clear guidance in craft and demonstrating skill sets across design, concept and implementation.
• Act as a thought leader on trends, products and applications to move the team forward.
• Build and maintain key relationships with senior Marketing executives, driving a cohesive brand across all touchpoints.
• Ensure the Global Creative Studio delivers best‑in‑class capabilities and partnership across all regions, instilling a culture of collaboration.
• Consistently deliver crafted creative design solutions for the VISA brand ecosystem on a global scale.
• Innovate and stay ahead of design tools, trends and capabilities to keep VISA future‑forward.
• Influence and inspire teams worldwide with beautifully crafted and strategic creative design.
• Guide photoshoots, art‑directing and capturing assets with a high level of craft.

Build Relationships

• Lead, inspire and manage both internal and external agency partners in creative design, execution and production.
• Ensure external agencies become an extension of the team, fostering radical collaboration, deep trust and mutual respect.
• Provide thought partnership to business partners at regional and global levels, making recommendations to improve scope.

Build upon a Culture that Fosters Remarkable Creativity

• Contribute to an environment that nurtures creativity by providing inspiration, thought leadership and mentorship.
• Maintain a culture where people love to work, flourish and take pride in their contributions.
• Support the development of remarkable ideas across marketing touchpoints that resonate with audiences and drive cultural conversation.
• Influence consensus on direction, priority and decision‑making within scope.
• Ensure quality output in all creative work.

Qualifications

• 12 years of work experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 10 years with an Advanced degree (e.g., Masters/MBA/JD/MD), or a minimum of 5 years with a PhD.
• Highly skilled at using all design programs necessary (e.g., Photoshop, Figma, InDesign, After Effects).
• 15‑18 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree or 12 years with an Advanced Degree.
• Deep agency‑side or client‑side experience working with or at global brands.
• Thought leader of highly successful creative, brand development and multichannel marketing campaigns.
• Experience leading campaigns that have driven outsized business results and won industry recognition.
• Experience working and living in multiple countries, managing teams across geographies.
• Excellent people‑leader with proven ability to manage teams, influence outcomes in matrixed organizations.
• Strong executive presence with highly effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong planning, organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Resourceful with a strong sense of accountability and results‑oriented drive.
• Ability to initiate and drive opportunities independently across multiple complex projects with strategic implications.

U.S. Applicants Only

The estimated salary range for this position is $186,800 to $332,300 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job‑related factors such as knowledge, skills, experience and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity.

Visa offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off and Wellness Program.

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. It will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, and 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 qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.