Director, Government Affairs & Policy – Ireland

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

Director, Government Affairs & Policy – Ireland

Director, Government Affairs & Policy – Ireland leads Mastercard’s government affairs and public policy strategy in Ireland, owning relationships with policymakers, regulators, and key external stakeholders at national and EU levels. Responsible for shaping policy positions, influencing legislative outcomes, and aligning government engagement with business priorities, including support for the Dublin Tech Hub.

Key Responsibilities:
• Strategy & Leadership: Define and deliver the Government Affairs and Policy strategy for Ireland, aligned with regional, EU, and global priorities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and manage senior relationships across government, regulators, trade associations, and third-party partners; represent Mastercard externally.
• Policy Development: Monitor regulatory trends and develop proactive and reactive policy positions; lead consultation responses, research, and thought leadership.
• Business Partnership: Advise and brief senior leadership (Country Manager, Tech Hub, European leadership) on policy developments impacting growth and risk.
• External Engagement Programs: Oversee stakeholder engagement plans, events, and communications to advance Mastercard’s policy objectives.
• Internal Alignment: Ensure consistent messaging and coordination across Government Affairs, Legal, Communications, and business teams.
• Resource Management: Manage external consultants and vendors, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective support.

Experience & Skills:
• Strong background in government, public policy, or corporate affairs (Ireland/EU focus preferred)
• Deep understanding of Irish and EU political and legislative processes
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and shape policy outcomes
• Excellent written, verbal, and strategic communication skills
• Highly organized, collaborative, and able to operate in fast-paced environments
Preferred: Experience in financial services, fintech, or payments policy; familiarity with EU institutions and multinational environments.

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.