Manager, Partnership Alliances

Nelnet; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelnet is seeking a Manager, Partnerships & Alliances to lead Tier 1 strategic alliances, Tier 2 partnerships, ERP participation, and standalone partner relationships. The role targets revenue growth and requires collaboration with Sales, Implementation, Marketing, Product, Legal, and Operations to execute strategy.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in alliance or channel management within B2B SaaS or higher education tech, plus a Bachelor’s degree.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, education technology, or a related field
• 7+ years of alliance, channel, or partnership management experience in B2B SaaS or higher education tech with revenue accountability
• Experience with partner program design and business case development (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Own Tier 1 strategic alliance relationships with executive sponsorship and growth planning
• Identify and develop new infrastructure-native partner opportunities to expand revenue
• Manage Tier 2 commercial partner relationships including onboarding and co-sell activity
• Lead ERP partner ecosystem participation and certification alignment
• Oversee high-revenue standalone partner relationships and diversification efforts
• Evaluate new partner opportunities based on strategic fit and value
• Own partner channel revenue performance, forecasting, and business case development
• Guide partner program positioning and partner communications with internal stakeholders

Skills

Strategic partnership and alliance

Revenue forecasting and pipeline

Cross-functional collaboration

Partner evaluation

ERP and technology partner ecosystem

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, education technology, or related field

Master’s degree in business administration or related field (preferred)

Tools

REST API integrations

Job description

Nelnet Business Services (NBS), a division of Nelnet, Inc., provides payment technology and education services to more than 1,200 higher education institutions, nearly 12,000 K-12 schools, and millions of individual students, families, and supporters across the globe. Our culture of service enables us to form long-lasting and trusted partnerships, while our focus on creativity and innovative solutions empowers our customer communities to thrive.

The Manager, Partnerships & Alliances owns NCC’s partner channel strategy and commercial performance. This role leads Tier 1 strategic alliances, Tier 2 commercial partnerships, ERP platform participation, and a key standalone partner relationship. The position is responsible for growing partner revenue, identifying new infrastructure-native partnership opportunities, and ensuring partner decisions align with institutional needs, business priorities, and NCC’s partner-neutral approach. This role works closely with Sales, Implementation, Marketing, Product, Legal, and Partnership Operations & Marketing to execute partnership strategy and deliver results.

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 as security clearance is required.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own Tier 1 strategic alliance relationships, including executive sponsorship, joint planning, commitment tracking, and growth strategy.

• Identify and develop new infrastructure-native partner opportunities that expand revenue and strengthen NCC payment workflows.

• Manage Tier 2 commercial partner relationships, including onboarding, co-sell activity, co-marketing priorities, and business reviews.

• Lead NCC’s participation in ERP partner ecosystems, including partner program advancement, certification alignment, and competitive response.

• Oversee NCC’s highest-revenue standalone partner relationship and support diversification efforts to reduce revenue concentration risk.

• Evaluate and qualify new partner opportunities based on strategic fit, institutional demand, integration approach, and operational value.

• Own partner channel revenue performance, forecasting, pipeline reporting, and business case development for partnership investments.

• Guide partner program positioning, sponsorship strategy, and partner-facing communications in coordination with internal stakeholders.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, education technology, or a related field

Preferred

• Master’s degree in business administration, higher education, or a related field preferred

EXPERIENCE

Required

• 7+ years of experience in alliance, channel, or partnership management within B2B SaaS or higher education technology, including revenue accountability and commercial relationship ownership

Preferred

• Experience in higher education payments, financial technology, or campus ERP ecosystems preferred; familiarity with partner program design, business case development, and REST API integrations is a plus

Skills

• Strategic partnership and alliance management

• Revenue forecasting and pipeline analysis

• Cross-functional collaboration and influence

• Partner evaluation and market positioning

• ERP and technology partner ecosystem knowledge

Compensation range for this role is $100,000- $120,000 annually, depending on experience.

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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.

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 [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

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.

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