CyberSecurity Senior Analyst

Nelnet, Inc.; Centennial (CO); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Job summary

Nelnet, Inc. is seeking a senior risk management professional to lead information security initiatives, drive risk assessments and remediation, and align cybersecurity practices across IT, security, audit, compliance and operations. You will collaborate with leadership to reduce risk and strengthen controls.

The role requires 4–6 years in risk management, a bachelor’s in IT, and relevant certifications. Hybrid work is offered in a flexible, security-conscious environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or related field required.
• Certification in Risk Management or info security (CISA/CISSP/CISM/GSEC or similar) preferred.
• 4–6 years in risk management or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead information security initiatives, manage risk assessments, and remediation efforts.
• Oversee risk management functions across IT, Security, Audit, Compliance and Operations.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to align cybersecurity practices enterprise-wide.
• Support PCI DSS compliance, audits, and information security program maturation.

Skills

NIST RMF

NIST SP 800-53

GRC tools

Risk management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology

Tools

ServiceNow

Archer

SAP

Logic Gate

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.

Job responsibilities

• Lead information security initiatives that minimize risk and maximize compliance by facilitating risk assessments, managing audit fulfillment and remediation of risks, governing of business data and records, monitoring adherence to information security controls, leading special security initiatives, and coaching and mentoring to improve information security awareness and standards.
• Plan, coordinate, perform and report on work assignments based on risk assessments and priorities established by and under the direction of the IT Risk Manager and other members of the Cybersecurity leadership team.
• Oversee information security risk management functions by leading initiatives with Information Technology, Corporate Security, Audit Services, Compliance, Operations and Operational Risk leadership and associates.
• Coordinate with business unit stakeholders to align cybersecurity practices and priorities across diverse shared services functions, ensuring consistent risk posture enterprise-wide.
• Align with business technology, security, vendor and audit professionals to facilitate risk assessments, respond to audits, examinations, and RFP’s, remediate risks, and improve Nelnet’s risk management program.
• Work with leadership and associates to resolve issues, recommend cost savings, reduce exposure and implement internal controls to reduce risk.
• Identify and research improvements in order to reduce risk, improve compliance with related rules and regulations or ensure efficient utilization of company resources.
• Recommend improvements, develop tactical plans, establish measurable goals, and achieve results.
• Monitor and validate adherence to information security controls and promote risk awareness.
• Maintain knowledge of regulatory standards, contracts and best practices.
• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork and exhibit a positive professional image.
• Actively participate as a senior team member contributing to the growth of IT Risk Management and Nelnet.
• Produce after action reports that provide senior leadership with actionable information.
• Review, assess and provide feedback of technical cybersecurity requirements for new and existing contracts.
• Provide audit support activities for SOC (Type 1 or Type 2) engagements, including the systems, applications, and underlying infrastructure within the scope of the examination.
• Assist with maturation and execution of PCI DSS compliance and testing program.
• Serve as a cybersecurity subject matter resource across multiple shared services functions, ensuring security considerations are integrated into broader operational, risk and compliance initiatives.
• Support additional cybersecurity initiatives and projects as they arise, adapting to evolving priorities within Nelnet environment.

Pay Range

Pay Range for this role is - $85,000 - $130,000k

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, or related field required.
• Certification in Risk Management, CISA, CISSP, CISM, GSEC, or other information security certifications preferred.

Experience

• Four to six years risk management or closely related field.

Competencies – Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Proficient in the NIST SP 800 53 rev 5 and NIST RMF risk management frameworks
• Experience with Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) tools (Service Now, Archer, SAP, Logic Gate, other)
• Exposure and working knowledge of Artificial Intelligence toolsets and applying them to cybersecurity risk management use cases
• Strong research and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently investigate and resolve complex, time-sensitive issues
• Excellent oral, written, negotiation and presentations skills
• Ability to communicate complex concepts
• Self-directed and able to work independently
• Demonstrate aptitude for learning new technologies
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects, and work within critical timelines
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to work within a team environment, skilled at interacting with internal and external personnel
• High degree of literacy in information system processes, PC’s, end-user computing controls, website controls, systems development, infrastructure management, and information security software.

Location and Work Arrangements

This position offers a hybrid work option. Nelnet values flexibility and understands the importance of work-life integration. Our hybrid work environment allows associates Living within 30 miles our Lincon Nebraska office location to work remotely for part of the week, while also fostering collaboration and team connection through in-office presence three days per week.

Visa Sponsorship

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.

Benefits

• 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
• A robust wellness program

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities

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 [e-mail].

Drug Free Workplace

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.

Additional Information

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 You may know Nelnet as the nation’s largest student loan servicer – but we do more than that. A lot more. We’re also a professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payment processor, renewable energy innovator, and K-12 and higher education expert (and that’s just a shortlist). For over 40 years, we’ve been serving our customers, associates, and communities to make dreams possible. EEO Info | EEO Letter | EPPA Info | FMLA Info