Manager, Government Affairs and Policy

Our Purpose

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary

Manager, Government Affairs and Policy

Overview:
The Manager of Government Affairs and Policy (GAP) will support Mastercard’s strategic engagement on cybersecurity and emerging technology issues globally. This role will anchor the cyber policy portfolio across research, writing, executive support, and cross-functional alignment—and will play a key role in shaping how Mastercard tracks and communicates trends at the intersection of cyber, tech, and geopolitics.
This Washington, D.C.–based role sits within the Office of Government Engagement (OGE) and reports directly to the Government Engagement Head and Chief of Staff to the Chief Government Affairs and Policy Officer.


Role:
• Draft briefers, talking points, backgrounders, op-eds, blog posts, and presentations to support cyber-related internal and external engagements.
• Prepare executive communications and meeting materials for advocacy efforts, policymaker briefings, and senior leadership updates.
• Conduct policy research and analysis on global cyber developments, risks, and regulatory trends relevant to Mastercard’s operations and strategy.
• Track cyber policy initiatives and legislative activity across key markets; provide timely updates and insights to internal stakeholders.
• Distill research findings into actionable insights and explore ways to communicate them visually or through other strategic formats.
• Maintain a curated content library on cybersecurity and emerging tech issues to support Mastercard’s global messaging efforts.
• Provide project management support for internal initiatives and external engagements involving government institutions, industry groups, and multilateral stakeholders.
• Coordinate logistics and briefing materials for external meetings, site visits, and major forums involving Mastercard executives and partners.
• Collaborate across Mastercard teams (e.g., GAP, Law, Communications, Technology) to ensure consistency and alignment of cyber policy messaging.
• Support Mastercard’s engagement with consultants, trade associations, think tanks, and third-party groups advancing digital and cyber policy agendas.

All About You:
• 4-8 Years of experience in cyber policy, tech policy, geopolitical risk, or adjacent fields in government, private sector, or think tanks.
• Exceptional writing and editorial judgment; ability to produce polished, concise, executive-ready content under tight deadlines.
• Strong research and synthesis skills, with the ability to turn complex issues into actionable insights.
• Demonstrated project coordination and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Understanding of the global policy landscape around cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and data governance.
• Interest in the intersection of geopolitics, cybersecurity, and the global digital economy—including how public policy shapes private sector operations and competitiveness.
Business approved net new role

Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role. In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process or during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.

Corporate Security Responsibility

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;

• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;

• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and

• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.

In line with Mastercard’s total compensation philosophy and assuming that the job will be performed in the US, the successful candidate will be offered a competitive base salary and may be eligible for an annual bonus or commissions depending on the role. The base salary offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Mastercard benefits for full time (and certain part time) employees generally include: insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance); flexible spending account and health savings account; paid leaves (including 16 weeks of new parent leave and up to 20 days of bereavement leave); 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time, 25 days of vacation time and 5 personal days, pro-rated based on date of hire; 10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays; 401k with a best-in-class company match; deferred compensation for eligible roles; fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities; eligibility for tuition reimbursement; and many more.

Pay Ranges

Washington, District of Columbia: $151,000 - $241,000 USD