Director, Product Strategy & Engineering

Nelnet Business Services (NBS), a division of Nelnet, Inc., provides payment technology, education services, and learning management solutions to education and faith-based organizations, serving more than 1,300 higher education institutions, 11,500 K-12 schools, 3,500 churches, and millions of individual students, families, and supporters across the globe. Our culture of service enables us to form long-lasting and trusted partnerships, while our focus on creativity and innovative solutions empowers our customer communities to thrive.

As a Nelnet company, the perks at NBS go beyond our benefits package. You’re part of a community, invested in you as an individual and united by our mission to create opportunities for people where they live, learn and work.

The Director of Product Strategy is responsible for defining the product vision and ensuring products adequately support the strategic mission of the company, based on internal and external stakeholder input. This position evaluates product ideas, collects and analyzes market and competitive intelligence, and supports product launch and marketing activities. The Director is the principal evangelist for Nelnet Campus Commerce (NCC) products and services and is accountable for their alignment with the strategic goals of the company, as well as clients’ stated and anticipated business priorities. This position defines requirements for new and enhanced products, develops and maintains the product roadmap, and works in as a liaison between customers, IT and Implementation on all product related initiatives. As a leader, the Director contributes to the growth of NCC.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. • Develop and maintain a product vision and strategy for our business lines.

• Set up the tools and frameworks that enable Venture Factory and BUs to move faster.
• Manage, maintain and carry out the Product and technology Roadmap.
• Own product management and development for early-stage ventures
• Manage product lifecycles from concept to end-of-life activities.
• Conduct market research, trend-spotting and strategic planning activities, including gathering and analyzing intelligence on competitors’ products and services; collaborating internally and externally (with clients) to develop, champion and extend a product and service vision; and articulate plans for achieving the vision.
• Identify strategic product opportunities and drive definition of next generation products based on in-depth knowledge of the needs within the marketplace and extensive direct customer interaction.
• Conduct in-depth market, industry and competitive analysis as it relates to product positioning.
• Manage our Product Client Advisory Board.
• Participate in and provide support for all pricing related decisions.
• Directly manage a product team responsible for the product/service development, implementation and management of the entire lifecycle.
• Collaborate with key internal stakeholders to ensure technical specifications are achieved when bringing a product/service or enhancement to market.
• Provide support to the internal teams as new and enhanced products/services are delivered to the market.
• Build and maintain status as a cross-functional leader, internally and externally evangelizing products/services in the portfolio.

EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s Degree in a business related field or equivalent experience.

EXPERIENCE:
1. Minimum of 5 years of direct Higher Education experience, preferably coming from a college or university position.
2. Experience with emerging technologies and technology trends.
3. Experience with managing product team members and executing a strategic plan around SaaS based product offerings.
4. Experience with payment processing, banking and finance is preferred.

COMPETENCIES – SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:
1. Team player with strong leadership, motivational and organizational skills.
2. Effective skills in forecasting, monitoring and adjusting staffing requirements.
3. Ability to lead meetings and committees within NBS and Nelnet.
4. Customer focused, results driven self-starter.
5. Strong written and oral communication skills.
6. Ability to identify and articulate go-forward product vision for company expansion and growth.
7. Excellent prioritization skills with the ability to and manage multiple concurrent projects.
8. Knowledgeable in the preparation of reports pertinent to area of responsibility with the ability to effectively deliver presentations as needed.
9. Proven skills in handling stressful situations and meeting deadlines.
10. Analytical with strong problem solving skills.
11. High degree of proficiency with computer applications (primarily MS Office products).
12. Flexibility to adapt quickly to new situations, programs, and services.

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: LINK.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402-486-5725 or corporaterecruiting@nelnet.net.

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.