Head of Data & AI Strategy

Socket.dev; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 190,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

HSA and FSA

401K matching

Life insurance & AD&D

Employee assistance program

Tuition reimbursement

Performance-based incentive pay

Disability insurance

Job summary

Nelnet is seeking a Managing Director, Data & AI to drive the full data-to-AI value chain. You will align data strategy, governance, engineering, and AI/ML execution across the segment in a unified operating model, reporting to executive leadership and guiding senior teams.

You will shape multi-year roadmaps, coach through directors, and partner with C-suite to deliver trusted, measurable AI-enabled outcomes in a regulated, enterprise environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• 10+ years leading data organizations at enterprise scale, including leadership of other leaders.
• Proven executive-level influence with C-suite and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Owns the segment-wide data strategy, operating model, and multi-year roadmap.
• Unify data engineering, governance, and AI/automation into one operating model.
• Oversee data platform architecture, governance, cost, and roadmap priorities.
• Position governance as a business enabler with policy, quality, and access controls.
• Set AI and automation strategy and oversee adoption and citizen developer programs.
• Lead through directors, coaching senior leaders and building succession depth.
• Translate business objectives into data/AI priorities with executive credibility.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Executive influence

Stakeholder management

Prioritization & decision making

Critical thinking

Team management & growth

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Nelnet is seeking a Managing Director, Data & AI to drive the full data-to-AI value chain. You will align data strategy, governance, engineering, and AI/ML execution across the segment in a unified operating model, reporting to executive leadership and guiding senior teams.

You will shape multi-year roadmaps, coach through directors, and partner with C-suite to deliver trusted, measurable AI-enabled outcomes in a regulated, enterprise environment.