Director, Experiential Marketing & Partnerships

Company Description

Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

At Visa, you'll have the opportunity to create impact at scale — tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world. Join Visa and do work that matters — to you, to your community, and to the world.

Progress starts with you.

Job Description

Visa is seeking a strategic leader and cultural specialist to drive Visa’s Asia Pacific experiential marketing and sponsorship initiatives within Lifestyle passion pillar. The Lifestyle pillar spans emerging youth culture trends such as anime and fandom to fashion and luxury, travel, culinary, wellness and cultural experiences. 

Based in Singapore, this role will be responsible for securing and activating partnerships that resonate with priority audiences - from affluent consumers to Gen Z, elevating Visa’s cultural relevance and delivering measurable business impact. 

The Director will drive strategic planning, cultural insight development, and partnership activation, working across a matrix organisation with global, regional, and local teams.  

This position requires a versatile leader who can navigate seamlessly between strategic vision, product development and commercialisation, and operational execution - encompassing production oversight, project management, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to inspire and educate internal and external stakeholders. 

Job Description & Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Sponsorship Development:

• Define the strategic vision for all Lifestyle partnerships across AP, ensuring cultural relevance and alignment with Visa’s brand objectives. 
• Identify and secure high-value sponsorship opportunities across the Lifestyle and cultural ecosystems that engage priority audiences (Gen Z, affluent consumers, B2B)  
• Develop integrated sponsorship platforms and activation strategies that deliver tangible ROI and marketing effectiveness. 
• Serve as a cultural authority, leveraging insights to drive property identification, creative concepts and experiential programs, inspiring the value of lifestyle-based marketing which resonates across diverse markets.  
• Drive financial efficiencies through contracting and commercialisation. 

Governance & Stakeholder Management:

• Lead sponsorship processes and governance across AP Marketing and adjacent functions (Legal, Risk, Comms). 
• Ownership of contract negotiations and comfortably represent numerous stakeholders and ensure compliance with Visa’s standards. 
• Act as the primary liaison between global teams, AP hub, and local markets, ensuring alignment and seamless execution. 
• Develop and scale best practice frameworks, playbooks, and delivery tools for markets to execute Lifestyle partnerships with excellence. 

Experiential Marketing & Activation:

• Partner with Visa Design Studio and agency teams to develop creative concepts, visual identity systems, and integrated campaigns across digital, social, and experiential channels. 
• Oversee large-scale activations at major lifestyle and cultural events, experiences and initiatives, ensuring flawless execution and premium brand experiences. 
• Drive innovation in experiential marketing, leveraging emerging trends and technologies to enhance consumer engagement. 
• Lead executive communications and reporting. 

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

Qualifications

• 15 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Proven background and expertise in Lifestyle related industries with a strong understanding of cultural trends and consumer behaviour and cross-market nuances in APAC.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives and manage complex stakeholder relationships in a matrix organisation.
• Proven track record of driving revenue and financial efficiencies through contracting and commercialisation.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to travel regionally and globally.
• Proficiency in English required (additional Asian languages a plus).
• Proficient in Microsoft 360.

Success Factors:

• Ability to translate lifestyle and cultural insights into impactful brand strategies and experiential activations. 
• Skilled at balancing big‑picture strategic thinking with operational rigour and flawless execution. 
• Passionate about getting close to culture and emerging youth trends and creating meaningful experiences for diverse audiences. 
• Comfort navigating fast‑paced cultural shifts and identifying opportunities early. 

Additional Information

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.