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.

This strategic program lead will drive NDS Consumer’s entry into new markets and oversee scalable growth initiatives. The role blends strategic foresight, market intelligence, and cross-functional leadership to shape the future of our consumer servicing business.

Market Expansion Strategy

• Conduct deep market research to identify underserved segments and emerging opportunities.

• Analyze competitive landscapes and consumer trends to inform entry strategies.

• Develop multi-year market expansion roadmaps aligned with NDS Consumer’s business goals.

Growth Program Oversight

• Design and oversee programs that support scalable growth, including new product/service offerings, partnerships, and operational models.

• Define success metrics and track performance across initiatives.

• Collaborate with Finance, Ops, and IT to ensure resource alignment and execution readiness.

Strategic Planning & Vision

• Craft long-term strategic plans for consumer servicing evolution.

• Align program goals with enterprise OKRs and transformation initiatives.

• Present growth strategies and market insights to executive leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Client Services to ensure cohesive execution.

• Facilitate workshops and planning sessions to align teams on strategic priorities.

• Act as a connector between innovation efforts and operational capabilities.

Innovation & Opportunity Development

• Identify and validate new service models, digital capabilities, and partnership opportunities.

• Lead pilot programs and proof-of-concept initiatives to test market viability.

• Recommend go-to-market strategies and positioning for new offerings.

Salary Range: $90-130k

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree required in one of the following fields:

• Business Administration

• Marketing

• Economics

• Data Analytics

• IT or Engineering

• Strategy or related discipline

Preferred:

• Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) with a focus on strategy, market development, or business growth.

• Certifications in Program Management (PgMP, PMP) or Data Analytics can be a strong plus.
  

EXPERIENCE:

Market Expansion Strategy

• 5–7+ years in market research and competitive analysis, with proven ability to identify underserved segments and emerging trends.

• Experience developing multi-year market expansion roadmaps and aligning them with organizational goals.

• Familiarity with consumer behavior analytics and segmentation strategies.

Growth Program Oversight

• Demonstrated success in designing and managing scalable growth programs, including new product/service launches and partnership models.

• Strong background in defining success metrics and tracking performance across multiple initiatives.

• Experience collaborating with Finance, Operations, and IT for resource planning and execution readiness.

Strategic Planning & Vision

• Strategic planning experience at an enterprise level, including aligning initiatives with OKRs and transformation goals.

• Ability to present complex growth strategies and market insights to executive leadership and influence decision-making.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Marketing, Client Services) to deliver cohesive execution.

• Skilled in facilitating workshops and planning sessions to align stakeholders on priorities.

Innovation & Opportunity Development

• Experience identifying and validating new service models, digital capabilities, and partnership opportunities.

• Hands-on involvement in pilot programs and proof-of-concept initiatives to test market viability.

• Knowledge of go-to-market strategies and positioning for new offerings.

Competencies & Skills

• Strategic thinking and systems-level problem solving

• Strong data analysis and market research capabilities

• Executive communication and stakeholder alignment

• Program management and cross-functional leadership

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for action

Success Measures

• New market entry milestones achieved

• Growth in consumer servicing volume and revenue

• Operational scalability and efficiency improvements

• Stakeholder satisfaction and cross-functional engagement

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.