Consumer Loan Servicing Product Strategy Director

NelNET; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 126,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA and FSA

Paid time off

401K with match

Student loan repayment

Life insurance

AD&D insurance

Employee assistance program

Stock purchase plan

Tuition reimbursement

Incentive pay

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Wellness program

Job summary

Nelnet seeks a Director, Product Strategy IT to shape the product and technology roadmap for consumer loan support. You will lead a product team across lifecycle stages and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions aligned with business goals.

You will manage the annual department budget, build staffing plans, and foster a collaborative hybrid work environment based in Lincoln, NE. Ideal candidates have 8+ years in product/IT planning and a strong leadership/AI track record.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field; MBA preferred.
• 8+ years experience with 5+ years in a management role; governance and IT planning experience.
• Experience with product or IT planning and technology strategy; consumer lending/finance preferred.
• Strong AI literacy and practical use of AI-enabled tools in day-to-day work.

Responsibilities

• Define strategic product and technology plans for consumer loan tech support.
• Develop and maintain product vision and roadmap for the business line.
• Lead a product team responsible for development and lifecycle management.

Skills

AI literacy

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Negotiation

Customer focus

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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.

The Director, Product Strategy IT assists in defining the product and technology strategy for technical support products and services, based on internal and external stakeholder input. Leads and delivers successful project results through functional and product teams. This position evaluates product ideas, defines requirements for new and enhanced products, maintains the product and technology roadmap, and works as a liaison between internal and external stakeholders on all product and technology related initiatives. The Director is accountable for alignment with the strategic goals of the company and for the performance and development of the team.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in defining strategic product and technology plans for consumer loan technical support, aimed at striking an optimum balance of technology opportunities and business goal alignment & investment.
• Cascade into long- and short-range plans, setting clear and concrete objectives.
• Develop and maintain the product vision and strategy for the business line; manage, maintain, and carry out the product and technology roadmap.
• Manage product lifecycles from concept to end-of-life activities.
• Conduct market research, trend-spotting, and planning activities, including emerging technologies, to identify product opportunities based on internal and external stakeholder input.
• Define requirements for new and enhanced products and collaborate with key internal stakeholders to ensure technical specifications are achieved when bringing a product, service, or enhancement to market.
• Directly manage a product team responsible for product and service development, implementation, and management of the entire lifecycle.
• Oversee performance and development of product strategy team who are responsible for the results produced by a direct report team as well as a large matrix team of technology professionals.
• Develop and maintain annual staffing and staff development plans; forecast, monitor, and adjust staffing requirements. Establish measurable and achievable results for members of staff. Connect associates and their work to larger processes that impact customers.
• Attract and retain the best people. Lead a team of diverse individuals and leverage their skills for optimal results. Structure resources to enable reasonable work/life balance.
• Develop and maintain the annual department budget, and participate in and provide support for pricing-related decisions.
• Promote close collaboration with all technology providers, internal and external, and work as a liaison between internal and external stakeholders on product and technology initiatives.
• Provide support to internal teams as new and enhanced products and services are delivered to the market.
• Lead meetings and committees, and act as a personal champion of company goals.
• Provide regular reporting to peer organizations, company directors, and the board.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. To be considered, candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Nelnet believes in a hybrid work environment that accommodates both in-office and remote work. This model promotes a positive work-life balance and culture, enabling in-person collaboration when possible while also providing benefits associated with remote work. The standard hybrid work schedule includes a 24/16 hour (in-office/work-from-home) split for associates that reside within 30 miles of an office. This is subject to change, based on manager discretion.

This role is currently open to candidates living within 30 miles of our Lincoln, NE office location.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a business-related field (MBA preferred) and/or commensurate experience.

EXPERIENCE

• 8+ years of experience, including 5+ years in a management position. Experience should include product or IT planning, governance, and system development.
• Experience managing product team members and executing a strategic plan around technology-based product offerings, with experience in emerging technologies and technology trends.
• Experience with consumer lending, banking, and finance is preferred.
• Working knowledge of AI: practical experience using generative AI and AI-enabled tools in day-to-day work (such as research, analysis, drafting, documentation, and prototyping), with an understanding of their capabilities, limitations, and risks and a commitment to responsible use. Deep AI or data science expertise is not required.

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS

• Strong knowledge of project management, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain working relationships with all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally to drive the planning and implementation of strategies and projects and use resources productively.
• Demonstrated success managing technical teams and producing results; strong leadership, motivational, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaborative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and deliver effective presentations.
• Good negotiation and persuasion skills.
• Customer focused, results driven self-starter with proven skills in handling stressful situations and meeting deadlines.
• AI literacy and AI-enhanced productivity (working knowledge).
• High degree of proficiency with computer applications (primarily MS Office products).
• Flexible and motivated to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to new situations, programs, and services.

Annual compensation for this role starting at $140,000 depending on experience.

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: Benefits & Perks - Nelnet Inc.

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 Talent Acquisition at 402-486-5725 or [e-mail].

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

We may use automated or artificial intelligence enabled tools to assist with the initial review of applications, such as identifying relevant skills or experience. These tools are used to support human review and do not make hiring decisions. A recruiter reviews applications and determines which candidates move forward in the hiring process. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Pre-Use Notice: Automated Tools in Hiring