Director, Student Financing
Finance - Columbia, Maryland (Hybrid)
Location
Columbia, Maryland (Hybrid)
Department
Finance
Employment Type
Full-Time
Minimum Experience
Mid-level
Compensation
$125,000-160,000 commensurate with experience
We’re seeking a Director, Student Financing to spearhead our efforts in identifying, securing, and managing funding opportunities that enable more students to afford their education. This is a strategic and operational leadership role, bridging partnerships, funding program administration, and student experience design.
About Us
With over 17+ years of experience, IronCircle is one of the leading global tech education, training, and service providers sending thousands of learners to new and exciting careers, serving and developing tech-related ecosystems.
In 2018, IronCircle entered the US market via a university partnership model and have successfully partnered with colleges and universities to train the next generation of industry professionals. Unique to our program, TDX Arena is an AI-fueled powerhouse learning platform that helps learners apply concepts learned in class to real-world situations.
With over 50,000 cybersecurity alumni worldwide, IronCircle is highly experienced at delivering the most effective accelerated cybersecurity training and educational programs.
Position Overview
The Director, Student Financing will lead IronCircle’s initiatives to expand and optimize funding pathways for students enrolled in our partner universities’ online certification and bootcamp programs. This leader will:
- Identify and secure diverse funding sources in partnership with IronCircle and our university partners.
- Oversee and strengthen vendor partnerships with financial institutions, government programs, and nonprofit organizations.
- Equip internal and partner teams with the tools, training, and knowledge to guide students through complex funding options.
- Ensure that the application process for loans, payment plans, and specialized funding programs (e.g., VA Education Benefits, WIOA, Department of Rehabilitation) is seamless and student-centered.
Responsibilities
Funding Source Development & Management
- Research, evaluate, and secure funding opportunities for alternative credential programs, including federal, state, private, and nonprofit sources.
Negotiate and manage vendor partnerships with lenders, payment plan providers, and other funding agencies. - Maintain expert knowledge of funding regulations and compliance requirements for certifications and bootcamps.
University & Partner Enablement
- Collaborate with partner universities to help them secure eligibility for funding programs that can be applied to IronCircle-delivered certifications.
- Guide universities through the application processes for programs such as VA Education Benefits, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, and Department of Rehabilitation resources.
- Advise partners on compliance, documentation, and best practices for sustaining funding eligibility.
Student Experience Design
- Map and optimize the student journey for applying to and securing multiple funding sources.
- Work with Product, Operations, and Student Support teams to streamline the process for loans, payment plans, and specialized funding.
- Ensure clear communication materials, digital resources, and counseling tools are in place to support students at every step.
Training & Enablement for Internal Teams
- Develop and deliver training to student success teams, enrollment advisors, and partner liaisons on available funding options and application processes.
- Create reference materials, toolkits, and process guides for ongoing team use.
Experience/Skills
Required:
- 8+ years of experience in higher education, EdTech, workforce development, or a related field, with a focus on student funding, financial aid, or partnership development.
- Deep knowledge of funding programs for alternative credentials, including private loans, payment plan structures, Veterans Affairs Education Benefits and state-run funding programs (e.g. WIOA, Department of Rehabilitation).
- Proven success in negotiating and managing vendor or institutional partnerships.
- Experience designing and optimizing student-facing processes for financial aid or funding applications.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex funding details into clear, actionable guidance.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with online education program operations and the needs of nontraditional learners.
- Experience working with universities on funding eligibility applications for non-degree programs.
- Background in compliance and regulatory requirements for educational funding.
Competencies & Attributes
- Strategic Thinker: Able to align funding strategies with company and partner goals.
- Collaborative Leader: Skilled at cross-functional teamwork with universities, vendors, and internal teams.
- Operational Excellence: Process-oriented with an eye for efficiency and scalability.
- Student-Centric Mindset: Committed to removing barriers to access and ensuring a seamless student journey.
Values
- Passion is our driver.
- Excellence is how we deliver.
- People are our focus - learners and employees.
- Change creates opportunity - we embrace change.
- Learning never stops and neither do we.
Our Offer
Competitive benefits package includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Paid Time Off, Lunch Catered for in-office work days.
Your Success is our Success
If you're a driven, collaborative person who thrives on breaking new ground and inspiring others to do the same, you’ll feel right at home here. We’re looking for someone who's passionate, high-performer and pushes boundaries in pursuit of something bigger.
You’re a self-starter with a “ready to make an impact on day one” mindset—confident in your ability to add real value from the start and grow with us over the long term. If that sounds like you, we think you’ll be a perfect fit.
At our core, we're more than just a company—we're a close-knit team on a mission to change lives through the power of education. We work hard, we play hard, and we deeply value each person’s contributions toward our shared goals. We can’t wait to welcome the next game-changer to our team. (Yes, we mean you.)
Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) Statement
We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, we comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.