Director, Business Development, AI Strategic Partnerships

About Us
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

The Director, Business Development is responsible for developing Visa’s strategic relationships across the AI ecosystem. This role will work directly with leading AI model labs, AI platforms, infrastructure providers, developer ecosystems, and emerging technology companies to identify new opportunities for growth, product innovation, and long-term strategic advantage.

The role sits at the intersection of partnerships, product, and emerging technology. Successful candidates will possess strong commercial instincts, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a deep curiosity for how AI is reshaping industries, consumer experiences, and digital commerce.

The individual will serve as the relationship lead for a portfolio of strategic AI partners, including category-defining companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and other leading AI platforms. Responsibilities include developing and executing commercial partnerships, influencing product strategy, identifying investment opportunities, and helping Visa understand where AI is creating meaningful new opportunities across commerce and payments.

This is an opportunity to join Visa’s Global Growth team and work directly with many of the companies defining the next generation of technology. The team’s mandate is simple: identify where AI is creating meaningful change and build the partnerships that position Visa at the center of those opportunities.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Business Development

• Lead Visa’s commercial and product relationships with a portfolio of strategic AI companies, including model labs, AI platforms, infrastructure providers, developer ecosystems, and emerging technology leaders.
• Build relationships with founders, executives, investors, and technical leaders across the AI ecosystem to identify opportunities relevant to Visa’s long‑term strategy.
• Structure and execute commercial partnerships that accelerate product innovation, drive adoption, and create new sources of growth.
• Develop deep expertise across the AI landscape, including model providers, agent platforms, developer ecosystems, infrastructure providers, and emerging technology trends.

Product Partnerships & Solutioning

• Identify opportunities where Visa can partner with AI companies to develop new products, customer experiences, and commercial capabilities.
• Work closely with product, engineering, and regional teams to bring partnership concepts from idea through launch.
• Translate emerging technology trends into actionable product and business opportunities for Visa.

Thought Leadership

• Provide market intelligence and ecosystem insights that help guide Visa product strategy and investment priorities.
• Represent Visa across the AI ecosystem and establish trusted relationships with leading technology companies and investors.
• Help identify and sponsor strategic investment opportunities alongside Visa Ventures.

Visa requires at least 3 days in office, expectations of these days will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager. 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 10 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s 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
• Significant experience in partnerships, business development, product, strategy, venture capital, or adjacent roles within technology, AI, software, platforms, or financial services.
• Demonstrated track record of sourcing, negotiating, and executing complex strategic partnerships.
• Strong understanding of the AI landscape, including model providers, AI applications, infrastructure providers, developer tools, and emerging platform trends.
• Experience working with senior executives and influencing decisions across large organizations.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and storytelling skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate independently in fast-moving and highly ambiguous environments.

U.S. Applicants Only

The estimated salary range for this position is $192,300.00 to $ 307,600.00 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.

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 protect veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the EEOC guidelines and applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.