Data and AI Policy Senior Manager

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

The Global Data Office

Data is the engine of Visa’s innovation and growth. Our ability to responsibly harness data—across products, services, operations, and client solutions—will define our future. The Global Data Office (GDO) plays a central role in unlocking this value on behalf of consumers, businesses, and communities. Guided by Visa’s Data Values and AI Principles, the GDO is committed to the trusted, ethical, and effective use of data and AI technologies.

Led by Visa’s Chief Data Officer, the GDO coordinates high-impact, enterprise-wide initiatives spanning data strategy, policy development, critical investments, and marketplace execution. The office partners closely with the Chief Privacy Officer, Technology, Legal, Risk, and all global lines of business to embed data governance and innovation across the company. As AI and data-driven capabilities become increasingly embedded in Visa’s operations, the GDO is expanding its Data & AI Governance function to ensure regulatory alignment, operational excellence, and responsible innovation.

We are actively seeking leaders who are passionate about shaping the future of data. Whether developing global standards, strengthening data governance, or enabling regulatory readiness, GDO team members are empowered to lead with trust—ensuring that Visa’s use of data continues to reflect our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible stewardship of information across the enterprise.

Role Description

As data and artificial intelligence become increasingly embedded in Visa’s products, services, internal operations, and client solutions, the Global Data Office (GDO) is expanding its Data & AI Policy and Governance function to ensure responsible, compliant, and effective use of these technologies. The Senior Manager, Data & AI Policy and Governance, will play a pivotal role in shaping and operationalizing Visa’s global standards for data and AI use, aligning with evolving regulatory frameworks and internal risk policies.

This role is ideal for a T-shaped professional who will act as a Policy business partner to initiative owners on the development and deployment of advanced data and AI systems. The individual will be responsible for helping navigate the risks related to managing the lifecycle and security of these systems, ensuring they meet both business and compliance requirements. Additionally, the role involves a broad understanding of data governance, regulatory policy, and risk management to effectively oversee the integration of technical solutions within the organizational framework.

This position will help define and implement Visa’s global Data & AI Standards, support regulatory readiness, and collaborate across legal, privacy, risk, and technology teams to embed trust and accountability into the design and deployment of data-driven systems.

Primary responsibilities:

• Shape and evolve Visa’s enterprise-wide Data & AI policies, standards, frameworks, and playbooks, ensuring alignment with Visa’s Data Use Principles and global risk posture. This includes supporting the integration of Data & AI governance into a unified policy framework.
• Partner with the Global Privacy Office (GPO), Government Engagement (GE), Legal, and Risk teams to monitor, interpret, and incorporate evolving regulatory requirements—such as the EU AI Act—into Visa’s internal Data & AI policies and control frameworks.
• Support the implementation of governance controls across the Data & AI lifecycle, including Visa’s data and AI review assessments, Model Risk Management, and red teaming for generative AI and LLMs. Collaborate with GDO, Privacy, Risk MRM, Technology, Data Science, and Identity Solutions teams to ensure effective execution.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of risk monitoring programs, including fairness, explainability, and performance assessments, to ensure responsible and compliant AI deployment.
• Engage with technical stakeholders to understand implementation challenges and opportunities and adjust policy guidance accordingly to ensure practical adoption and operational alignment.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on Data & AI Policy in internal working groups, cross-functional steering committees, and industry forums, providing strategic input and leadership continuity.
• Lead or contribute to internal training, awareness, and capability-building efforts to embed responsible Data & AI practices across the enterprise.

Technical Capabilities and Expectations:

• Strong understanding of modern data architecture, including data pipelines, data engineering practices, metadata management, and data governance tooling across cloud and hybrid environments.
• Ability to analyze and map data flows across complex, distributed systems, identifying data sources, transformations, and endpoints to ensure alignment with governance, privacy, and AI policy requirements.
• Technical fluency across the AI lifecycle, from data ingestion and feature engineering to model development, validation, deployment, and post-deployment monitoring—especially in regulated or high-risk contexts.
• Familiarity with machine learning infrastructure and tooling, including model lifecycle management platforms (e.g., MLflow, SageMaker, Vertex AI), and experience with model documentation, versioning, and auditability is a plus.
• Experience working with data quality, lineage, and observability tools, and understanding how these integrate with broader risk and compliance frameworks.
• Comfort engaging with engineering, data science, and product teams to translate policy requirements into technical controls, and to evaluate the feasibility and impact of proposed governance mechanisms.

Strategic and Functional Excellence

• Proven ability to distill complex, technical, or regulatory topics into clear, actionable guidance—tailored for diverse audiences including product managers, engineers, and senior executives.
• Experience translating legal and regulatory requirements into practical implementation frameworks, such as playbooks, standards, and control mechanisms, with sufficient technical depth to engage engineering and data science teams.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability, with a demonstrated ability to follow through on commitments and drive outcomes independently and collaboratively.
• Meticulous attention to detail and quality, especially in written deliverables, policy documentation, and stakeholder communications.
• Highly adaptive and resilient, comfortable navigating ambiguity, shifting priorities, and evolving regulatory landscapes in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Creative and systems-oriented thinker, capable of identifying scalable solutions and anticipating downstream impacts across technical and organizational domains.
• Disciplined in maintaining strategic focus, with the ability to prioritize effectively and avoid distraction in a complex stakeholder environment.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to synthesize and present nuanced issues clearly and persuasively to global, cross-functional audiences.
• Proactive communicator and facilitator, skilled at leading discussions, building consensus, and influencing across geographic, cultural, and functional boundaries—both virtually and in person.
• Strong business acumen, with a solid understanding of Visa’s business model, client ecosystem, and the strategic role of data and AI in enabling growth and trust.
• Stakeholder Management
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a diplomatic and flexible approach. Proven ability to build strong, trust-based relationships across levels, functions, and geographies—even when navigating competing priorities.
• Self-starter with sound judgment, capable of advancing work independently while knowing when to escalate or seek alignment. Comfortable making informed decisions that balance progress with precision.
• Known for building credibility and influence, even in complex or ambiguous environments. Able to earn trust through consistency, empathy, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Open-minded and inclusive, actively seeking diverse perspectives and welcoming feedback.
• Willing to challenge assumptions and explore new approaches when existing processes fall short.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Basic Qualifications:
8 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor Degree or at least 5 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 2 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• 9 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor Degree or 7 or more relevant years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 3 or more years of experience with a PhD
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in teams professionally working with data and AI/ML, such as Data Science, Business Intelligence, Product management or technology build, model risk, or similar.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional projects.
• Working knowledge of global data and AI regulatory frameworks, including GDPR, the EU AI Act, NIST AI Risk Management Framework, and emerging standards from OECD, ISO, or national authorities.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical and regulatory concepts into actionable guidance for diverse audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in English, both written and verbal. Additional language skills are preferred.

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 159,100.00 to 230,900.00 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.