Associate Specialist, Communication, Launch Program 2026 – Purchase, NY

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

Associate Specialist, Communication, Launch Program 2026 – Purchase, NYWe believe that opportunity is for all of us.
This is Mastercard Launch.
Who is Mastercard?
Mastercard is a technology company in the global payments business. We connect consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses worldwide and enable them to use secure and convenient electronic forms of payment. Mastercard is a driving force at the heart of commerce, enabling global transactions and bringing insight into the payments process to make commerce faster, more secure, and more valuable to everyone involved. As a critical link among financial institutions and millions of businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide, Mastercard provides services in more than 210 countries and territories. You find more information on

Mastercard Launch
There are some skills you can teach. And some you can inspire. Mastercard Launch gives recent graduates both—immersing emerging talent in an 18-month journey where they will challenge the status quo, engage in meaningful and practical sessions, drive Decency and Belonging, our mission to be a Force for Good and be the ultimate catalyst for personal and professional growth. The Launch program is for change makers, those who dare to be greater and who wish to make a real impact on the world. We invite you to bring your passion, share your talent and make the most of this truly Priceless experience.
What it is
A permanent opportunity but dedicated to an 18-month program that educates, inspires personal growth, and builds professional confidence to create a Priceless career with Mastercard. Launch will include development opportunities such as: Professional skills learning; Networking and career conversations

Make an impact as an Associate Specialist, Communication
The Global Communications team at Mastercard is responsible for evolving, promoting, and protecting the company's reputation across internal and external audiences. As a Launcher you will play a key role in supporting Mastercard's mission to deliver world-class payment experiences by helping shape how we communicate with the world.

This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in corporate communications, content development, media relations, and digital storytelling. The Launcher will support the daily operations of Mastercard's communications team by writing clear, concise, and compelling content tailored to specific audiences and communication channels. The Launcher will contribute to storytelling initiatives that support Mastercard's business strategy, brand reputation, and thought leadership.

The ideal candidate is a motivated and proactive individual who thrives in a collaborative, in-person work environment. As a Launcher, you bring a strong sense of initiative, a desire to learn, and a passion for contributing to a team. You're energized by face-to-face collaboration, sharing ideas, and building relationships both virtually and in the office. You actively seek out opportunities, embrace new challenges, and are excited to be hands-on in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.

Program Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or accelerated graduate program graduating between Winter 2025 to Spring 2026

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, PPT)

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with attention to detail and audience awareness

• Strong project management skills

• Ability to partner across the organization and with external partners

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in ambiguous situations; excels in collaborative team environments.

• Well planned, organized & structured to manage time & work effectively

• A collaborative team player with a passion for communications and a curiosity about the tech and payments industry

Application Process:

• Submit your application (resume and unofficial transcript)

• If eligible, you will receive an invitation for a digital interview; this includes answering pre-recorded interview questions

• If recommended further, receive invitation for final round interview(s); you will have the opportunity to meet with us virtually to learn more about our business and culture

Compensation: $42.85/hr

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.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 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.

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