Director of Merchant Services

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington seeks a Director of Merchant Services to lead enterprise payment acceptance and PCI-DSS compliance across campus operations. You will set strategy, oversee merchant services operations, governance, and risk management while partnering with IT, Finance, and governance teams.

Leadership of a cross-functional team, management of third-party services, and strong communication with senior stakeholders are essential to align payments with institutional goals and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and five years of experience in merchant services or related fields.
• Three+ years of management experience leading staff and enterprise programs.
• Two+ years of PCI-DSS compliance leadership and vendor oversight.
• Experience with payment processing, vendor management, and risk governance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the University’s merchant services strategy and governance.
• Lead cross-functional teams, manage third-party services, and ensure PCI-DSS compliance.
• Communicate findings and progress to senior leadership with data-driven reports.

Skills

Merchant services

PCI-DSS compliance

Payment processing

Vendor management

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, or related field

Tools

Salesforce

MS Office Suite

HTML editing

Job description

Job Description

team. Reporting to the Vice President of University Business Services (UBS), the Director of Merchant Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University of Washington's enterprise merchant services program. This position is responsible for establishing, directing, and executing the University's payment acceptance, merchant services operations, payment technology governance, and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance program.

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) has an outstanding opportunity for a Director of Merchant Services to join their Office of Merchant Services (OMS) team. Reporting to the Vice President of University Business Services (UBS), the Director of Merchant Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University of Washington's enterprise merchant services program. This position is responsible for establishing, directing, and executing the University's payment acceptance, merchant services operations, payment technology governance, and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance program. The Director serves as the University's primary authority on merchant services and payment acceptance activities, ensuring the secure, efficient, and compliant processing of payment card transactions across academic, healthcare, administrative, research, and auxiliary operations. The position directs the development, implementation, and oversight of institutional policies, standards, operational procedures, and risk management practices governing payment acceptance activities. Working collaboratively with University leadership, Information Technology, Finance, Treasury, Procurement, Internal Audit, and business stakeholders, the Director develops and advances innovative payment solutions that support evolving business needs while protecting the University's financial interests, safeguarding payment card data, and ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy Development (30%)
• Leadership / Program Management (60%)
• Administration (10%)

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, or a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in merchant services, financial operations, payment processing, compliance, business operations, or related fields, to include at least three (3) years of management experience leading professional staff and enterprise-wide programs or complex operational programs, and two (2) or more years of experience leading a Level 1 or Level 2 organization's PCI-DSS compliance effort. Equivalent education and experience may substitute for minimum qualifications.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), PCI Professional (PCIP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Project Management Professional (PMP), or similar credentials.
• Management of third party services that are required by PCI-DSS, such as overseeing ISA and QSA work.
• Operational experience with payment processing, merchant acquiring, financial services, vendor management, and operational governance, including development and management of bank/credit card awareness & training for merchant account holders development and implementation of technical PCI compliance solutions and controls.
• Ability to interpret complex operational, financial, compliance, and performance data and communicate findings through verbal and written reports. Working knowledge of network security, system architecture, and technical controls relevant to PCI-DSS compliance and payment security.
• Strong leadership, organizational development, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills, including customer-facing experience in an IT, audit, or compliance environment.
• Excellent ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels of an organization, including both business and technical audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to pull cross-functional teams together to determine short-term and long-term objectives and set priorities. Demonstrated experience in working with diverse groups and teams; create a culture of inclusion and equity throughout the team while supporting the overall culture of FPB.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects/tasks simultaneously; Ability to evaluate systems and be able to develop solutions for compliance issues.
• Understanding of information security and risk management concepts/practices. Ability to interpret and articulate PCI-DSS security requirements.
• Proficient working knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, Power Point), html editing, etc.
• The candidate must be analytical, detail oriented, possess strong data management and technical skills, as well as superior customer service and organizational skills.

Desired

• Professional certification in information security, audit, or risk management, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), or PCI Professional (PCIP).
• Experience working with Salesforce or similar customer relationship management, workflow management, or inventory management systems.
• Experience supporting web-based applications, e-commerce environments, or web development technologies.

About The Team

• Financial Stewardship & Operations
• Institutional Analytics & Decision Support
• Budget, Policy & Strategy
• University Business Service
• Real Estate

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum

$95,400.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$180,000.00 annual

Benefits

Other Compensation

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.