Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities.

The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work.

As a Program Manager, you will lead large-scale, strategic initiatives that span multiple interrelated projects, ensuring alignment with business goals and delivering measurable impact. You’ll own the program vision and roadmap, coordinate cross-functional teams, and drive execution across timelines, budgets, and dependencies. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker and collaborative leader who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about delivering results through structured program oversight and stakeholder engagement.

Nelnet believes in a hybrid work environment that accommodates both in-office and remote work. The standard hybrid work schedule for this position typically includes in-office work with some flexibility to work from home. This is subject to change, based on manager discretion.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Manager, you will lead and coordinate large-scale, cross-functional programs that drive strategic business outcomes. You’ll oversee multiple related projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, managing dependencies, and delivering results on time and within budget.

Strategic Leadership

• Own the overall program vision, roadmap, and alignment with business strategy.
• Define and oversee all dependencies required to achieve program goals.
• Monitor progress across projects to ensure milestones are met and benefits are realized.
• Manage the overall program budget and ensure financial accountability.
• Facilitate cross-team discussions to resolve dependencies and remove roadblocks.

Business Alignment & Collaboration

• Engage with stakeholders across departments (e.g., IT Delivery, Infrastructure, Processing Operations, CXC, Marketing) to ensure program efforts align with business needs.
• Interface with managers, directors, and executives to coordinate activities and gain support.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, unity, and constructive collaboration across all levels.
• Provide transparent reporting on program progress, risks, and alignment with business objectives.

Risk Management & Problem Solving

• Identify, evaluate, and proactively mitigate risks that could impact program success.
• Engage leadership early to address potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Track risks throughout the program lifecycle and adjust plans as needed.
• Drive conversations to closure, define next steps, and ensure follow-up tasks have clear ownership.

Execution & Delivery Oversight

• Track deliverables across all projects within the program and ensure alignment with timelines and scope.
• Establish metrics and goals to measure process success and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Review and contribute to technical project plans and implementation strategies.
• Support project teams in planning and delivering short-term goals (e.g., sprint and increment objectives).
• Ensure consistent execution within established enterprise standards and SDLC governance.

Communication & Reporting

• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, adapting style to match stakeholder needs.
• Provide regular updates and insights to stakeholders through management reporting.
• Establish and maintain client or vendor relationships as needed.
• Monitor systems, analyze issues, and coordinate corrective actions with internal teams and external partners.

Team Oversight

• May directly oversee workstreams or with assigned workstream owners (e.g., Testing Coordinator, Project Manager).
• Responsible for individuals matrixed to the program in terms of communication, task management, and issue resolution.

Education
Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Information Technology, or a related field—or equivalent experience.

Experience
3 to 8 years of experience in the software development industry, with demonstrated expertise in delivery lifecycle management and program-level coordination.

Requirements

• Ability to travel as needed to support program activities, stakeholder engagement, and team coordination.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Core Competencies

Program Delivery & Technical Leadership
Applies skills and knowledge effectively using expertise and sound judgment to solve problems and drive informed decisions.

• Demonstrates curiosity and a commitment to learning, applying new skills and insights to complex challenges.
• Leverages technical and business acumen to make strategic, evidence-based decisions.
• Maintains accurate documentation to support transparency and accountability.

Results, Accountability & Customer Focus
Delivers quality outcomes through personal accountability and a strong commitment to serving all customers—whether end users, business partners, teammates, or internal teams.

• Applies Agile practices to deliver business value efficiently.
• Takes ownership of commitments and proactively resolves issues.
• Builds trust through responsiveness, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Effectiveness through Communication & Collaboration
Builds strong working relationships and communicates effectively to achieve shared goals.

• Fosters inclusive dialogue and values diverse perspectives.
• Communicates with clarity and purpose across teams and stakeholders.
• Navigates conflict constructively and promotes team cohesion.

Innovation & Adaptability
Drives progress by embracing change, exploring new approaches, and applying creative thinking to improve outcomes.

• Applies an Agile mindset to navigate uncertainty and drive iterative improvement.
• Demonstrates resilience and openness to new ideas.
• Experiments with purpose and challenges assumptions to find better ways of working.

Annual compensation range for this role is $105,000 - $135,000 depending on experience.

This position requires work in support of the Company’s contract with the United States Department of Education (“ED”). As such, the United States Government requires that any applicant for this position must complete United States Government security clearance. Effective June 1, 2018, ED has informed Nelnet that security clearance applications for foreign nationals are not being accepted or processed. In light of this direction from ED, Nelnet will be unable to hire applicants without United States citizenship for such positions.

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.