Director, Network Underwriting and Operations

Circle is a financial technology company at the epicenter of the emerging internet of money, where value can finally travel like other digital data - globally, nearly instantly and less expensively than legacy settlement systems. This ground-breaking new internet layer opens up previously unimaginable possibilities for payments, commerce and markets that can help raise global economic prosperity and enhance inclusion. Our infrastructure - including USDC, a blockchain-based dollar - helps businesses, institutions and developers harness these breakthroughs and capitalize on this major turning point in the evolution of money and technology.
What you'll be part of:
Circle is committed to visibility and stability in everything we do. As we grow as an organization, we're expanding into some of the world's strongest jurisdictions. Speed and efficiency are motivators for our success and our employees live by our company values : High Integrity, Future Forward, Multistakeholder, Mindful, and Driven by Excellence. We have built a flexible and diverse work environment where new ideas are encouraged and everyone is a stakeholder.
What you'll be responsible for:
Circle is seeking a Director, Payments Network Operations to lead the team responsible for onboarding and monitoring financial institutions (FIs) within the Circle Payments Network. This leader will drive the governance and eligibility framework for the network, ensuring its scalability, security, and compliance as it grows. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in payments, banking relationships, and operational excellence to enable seamless network expansion.
What you'll work on:

• Leading and scaling the Payments Network Operations team, driving efficiency, risk management, and exceptional partner experiences.
• Overseeing the end-to-end onboarding process for new financial institutions, ensuring a seamless and compliant integration into the Circle Payments Network.
• Owning and continuously refining the governance and eligibility framework, adapting policies to support network growth and evolving regulatory requirements.
• Establishing and optimizing workflows, monitoring processes, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure smooth network operations and partner adherence.
• Partnering with Circle SMEs across product, legal, risk and compliance teams to ensure the eligibility framework and operations promote trust in the network and incorporate industry best practices.
• Leveraging data and technology, including AI, to streamline onboarding, monitoring, and governance processes, enhancing efficiency and scalability.

What you'll bring to Circle:

• 12+ years of experience in payments, financial services, or banking operations, with a strong understanding of FI onboarding, monitoring, governance, and compliance.
• 5+ years of experience managing and leading teams.
• Proven track record of building and scaling operational teams, particularly in high-growth, technology-driven environments.
• Deep knowledge of payments networks, financial institution partnerships, and regulatory considerations impacting digital assets and cross-border transactions.
• Exceptional cross-functional leadership, comfortable navigating complex regulatory, risk, and technical challenges.
• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making and process optimization.
• Passion for financial innovation and blockchain technology and excited to drive industry transformation through Circle's solutions.

• Familiarity with generative AI models (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) and prompt development

• Experience/familiarity with Slack, Apple MacOS and GSuite.

Circle is on a mission to create an inclusive financial future, with transparency at our core. We consider a wide variety of elements when crafting our compensation ranges and total compensation packages.
Starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to: relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation ranges may differ for candidates in other locations.
Base Pay Range: $190,000 - 242,500
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at Circle. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Additionally, Circle participates in the E-Verify Program in certain locations, as required by law.
Should you require accommodations or assistance in our interview process because of a disability, please reach out to [email protected] for support. We respect your privacy and will connect with you separately from our interview process to accommodate your needs.
#LI-Remote