Marketing and Communications Associate, Launch Program 2027 - United States

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
Marketing and Communications Associate, Launch Program 2027 - United States
Why join Mastercard's Launch Program?
Over the course of this 18-month program, you'll build specialized expertise through hands-on experience, structured learning, and mentorship from industry leaders. You'll work on real business challenges, applying your skills to projects that create meaningful impact.
Along the way, you'll deepen your knowledge of Mastercard's business, collaborate with teams across the organization, and develop the technical, analytical, and professional capabilities needed to accelerate your career. By the end of the program, you'll have a strong foundation in your chosen field and the confidence to continue to grow here at Mastercard.
About the team
Mastercard's Marketing and Communications teams play a critical role in advancing the company's goal of becoming a top five global brand while driving business growth. Through industry-leading strategic thinking, innovative marketing, and impactful communications, the team helps strengthen Mastercard's reputation, deepen customer and partner engagement, and create competitive advantage across global markets.
As a Launcher, you will gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment at the intersection of marketing, brand, and communications. Whether supporting marketing strategy, content development, research and insights, brand engagement, or communications initiatives, you will contribute to shaping how Mastercard connects with customers, partners, employees, and communities while helping deliver world-class experiences that drive business success.
What you'll do
As a Launcher in Marketing or Communications, you may:
Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Sales, Product, Marketing) and external partners to identify joint marketing opportunities, develop compelling content, deliver impactful marketing initiatives and execute initiatives that elevate Mastercard's brand visibility and drive business growth
Monitor performance metrics and providing insights to optimize future activities
Support the development and execution of marketing strategies and create engaging content tailored to digital-savvy audiences across various platforms.
Conduct research and help develop strategic frameworks to inform marketing decisions, leveraging AI tools to analyze trends, uncover insights, and enhance overall marketing effectiveness.
Gain hands-on experience in corporate communications, content development, media relations, and digital storytelling.
Support the daily operations by writing clear, concise, and compelling content tailored to specific audiences and communication channels.
Contribute to storytelling initiatives that support Mastercard's business strategy, brand reputation, and thought leadership.
What we're looking for
Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or accelerated Master's degree with an anticipated graduation date between December 2026 and June 2027
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint
Familiarity with AI-powered tools, digital platforms, and emerging technologies; willingness to leverage new technologies to enhance productivity and creativity.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including content creation, storytelling, editing, and message development tailored to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data and insights to inform recommendations.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
Innovative mindset with intellectual curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo while taking thoughtful risks.
Interest in the evolving digital landscape, including fintech, payments, digital partnerships, social media, and emerging consumer trends.
Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, resilience, and the ability to thrive in dynamic and ambiguous environments.
Passion for marketing, communications, brand building, and Mastercard's mission to power economies and empower people.
This role is not eligible for Mastercard's work authorization sponsorship. As such, candidates must be eligible to work in the United States, now as well as in the future, without employer sponsorship. For example, students or recent graduates in the United States on an F1 visa (including those with CPT or OPT authorization) are not eligible for this role.
Please submit your unofficial transcript with your application.
Base Salary: $84,000/year
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. Mastercard benefits for interns generally include: 56 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time; jury duty leave; and on-site fitness facilities in some locations.