Manager, Center for Inclusive Growth (Research & Insights)

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

Manager, Center for Inclusive Growth (Research & Insights)Overview

The Center for Inclusive Growth is the social impact hub at Mastercard. The organization seeks to ensure that the benefits of an expanding economy accrue to all segments of society. Through actionable research, impact data science, programmatic grants, stakeholder engagement and global partnerships, the Center advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center’s work is at the heart of Mastercard’s objective to be a force for good in the world.

Role:

The Research & Insights team falls under the Center’s Global Programs team and drives the Center’s programmatic strategies and initiatives across three pillars – small business growth, financial health and ‘tech for good’ - to meet the inclusive growth needs of today and innovate towards the inclusive growth needs of tomorrow.

The Insights team serves as the research and learning arm of the Center. We see around the corner anticipating emerging trends that are relevant to Mastercard and society. In partnership with researchers and think tanks, we produce rigorous research and lift up learning from across our grant portfolio for internal and external stakeholders. The role will help transform research and portfolio learning into actionable insights, tools, and knowledge products that strengthen program strategy, inform stakeholders, and amplify the Center's impact across Mastercard and the broader inclusive growth ecosystem.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager on the Research & Insights team to accelerate learning – connecting insights, surfacing trends and driving impact across our global programs. This role will be responsible for scoping and managing a research portfolio and shaping the Center’s thought leadership and internal learning infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have strong stakeholder and program management experience and the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

This role will report to the Vice President, Research & Insights.

Key Responsibilities:
• Scope research agenda on inclusive growth topics and manage research partner outputs and deliverables.
• Cultivate relationships with researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders to elevate the Center's thought leadership and identify opportunities for collaboration and influence.
• Support and, where appropriate, lead external engagement opportunities, including speaking engagements, panel discussions, roundtables, media interviews, and partner convenings.
• Shape and develop thought leadership that synthesizes research findings, programmatic learning, and emerging trends into compelling narratives for policymakers, practitioners, private-sector leaders, and civil society audiences.
• Partner with Mastercard colleagues across regions and functions to translate research findings into actionable insights that strengthen programs, partnerships, products/services, and ecosystem engagement.
• Support regional and global events where needed to elevate key findings from research and insights portfolio. Curate content for stakeholders on key topics.
• Coordinate with team on reporting on a bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Actively participate in global team projects and represent research team in cross-team forums.
• Embrace urgent or unexpected projects with enthusiasm and rigor.

All about You:
 Comfortable presenting research findings and thought leadership to diverse audiences, including senior executives, external partners, policymakers, practitioners, and industry stakeholders.
 Experience synthesizing complex research, evaluation findings, or programmatic learnings into actionable recommendations, executive communications, or thought leadership products.
 Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple work streams and stakeholders simultaneously.
 Extreme attention to detail and a commitment to excellence, particularly in writing and editing.
 Demonstrated experience in partnership development, planning, execution, and managing stakeholders professionally.
 Familiarity with global development issues, technology, philanthropy, or grantmaking.
 Understanding of program evaluation and M&E approaches for grantmaking organizations a plus.
 Comfortable using AI-enabled tools to streamline workflows, synthesize information, and enhance the quality and efficiency of work products. Eager to explore emerging technologies and share best practices that strengthen team effectiveness and learning.
 Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to create compelling content across digital channels.
 Positive attitude, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to go above and beyond in a calm and professional manner. Ability to respond quickly and efficiently to urgent requests.
 Low ego and a flexible approach to tasks, including logistical support around key Center convenings.
 Excellent executive stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
 Master's degree in public policy, economics, international development, political science, business, or a related discipline preferred. Strong candidates will bring experience in strategy consulting, philanthropy, research, public sector, or international development environments.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 View email address on aiapply.co 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.

Pay Ranges

New York City, New York: $136,000 - $223,000 USDWashington, District of Columbia: $130,000 - $214,000 USD