Portfolio Performance Analyst – Nelnet Financial Services

Nelnet; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelnet seeks a Portfolio Performance Analyst to monitor and analyze consumer and student loan portfolios, translating data into actionable recommendations. You will work with the BI team and stakeholders to shape insights and support strategic decisions.

The role requires strong SQL/Excel skills, Snowflake experience, and the ability to communicate findings to varied audiences. Hybrid work options exist near Lincoln, NE, with visa sponsorship not available.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4–6 years in analytical/finance/business intelligence/portfolio management or related role.
• Strong proficiency in SQL and Excel including data extraction, joins, aggregations, lookups, pivots, trend analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with Snowflake or other cloud data warehouses.
• Practical use of AI tools for analysis, drafting narratives, or automation.
• Attention to detail and problem solving in complex data questions.

Responsibilities

• Monitor portfolio performance to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Develop and present recommendations to management based on analysis.
• Communicate findings clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Build and maintain repeatable analytical frameworks for high‑quality work.
• Extract, organize, and analyze data from multiple sources using SQL/Excel.

Skills

SQL

Excel

Snowflake

AI tools

Data storytelling

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, data analytics, business, statistics, mathematics

Tools

SSMS

Power BI

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 Portfolio Performance Analyst, reporting to the Director of Analytics, monitors and analyzes the performance of consumer loans, student loans, securitizations, and other financial services asset classes, translating complex data into clear narratives and actionable recommendations for leadership. The ideal candidate is naturally curious, enjoys working with data, and thrives in a collaborative environment where identifying trends, surfacing risks, and helping drive strategic decisions define success. This role partners closely with the Business Intelligence team and cross-functional stakeholders to shape portfolio insights that inform business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Monitoring and Analysis: Proactively monitor portfolio performance to identify trends, anomalies, risks, and opportunities, developing a clear understanding of what is changing, why it may be happening, and where deeper analysis is needed.
• Recommendations to Leadership: Develop and present recommendations to management based on portfolio analysis, and stay actively engaged with business partners to help drive follow-through and meaningful outcomes.
• Data Storytelling and Communication: Communicate findings clearly and effectively, using data to tell a compelling story for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Analytical Frameworks: Build and maintain consistent analytical frameworks that enable repeatable, high-quality work and create continuity across the team.
• Data Extraction and Analysis: Draw on SQL, Excel, and modern analytical tools to extract, organize, and analyze data from multiple sources.
• AI and Automation Adoption: Leverage and experiment with AI tools and technologies to enhance productivity, analysis, and insight generation.
• Collaboration: Work with stakeholders across the organization to understand business needs, frame analytical questions, and align analysis to portfolio priorities.
• Partnership with the BI Team: Work closely with the Business Intelligence team, including requesting and refining charts, dashboards, and tables to support analysis and storytelling.
• Data Quality and Availability: Partner with key stakeholders across the organization to improve data quality, reporting efficiency, and data availability.
• Pay Range for this role is - $80,000 - $100,000

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, data analytics, business, statistics, mathematics, or a related field is preferred, but applicable experience in an analytical or business-related role will also be considered.

Required Skills And Experience

• Minimum of 4-6 years in an analytical, finance, business intelligence, risk, credit, portfolio management, or related business role.
• Strong proficiency in SQL and Excel, including data extraction, joins, aggregations, lookup logic, pivot tables, trend analysis, reconciliations, and scenario analysis.
• Hands‑on work with Snowflake or other cloud‑based data warehouses.
• Practical use of AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Claude, or similar) for analytical work, including generating SQL, summarizing datasets, drafting analytical narratives, or accelerating documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to investigate complex data questions and determine practical answers.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous situations, demonstrating resourcefulness and independent judgment to find workable paths forward without requiring step‑by‑step direction.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate analytical findings for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently or collaborate effectively as part of a team.

Helpful Skills And Experience

• Prior work with consumer loans, private student loans, home improvement lending, securitizations, or other credit products.
• Exposure to credit, lending, or portfolio performance concepts such as delinquency, charge‑offs, losses, prepayments, vintage analysis, or repayment behavior.
• Experience communicating analytical findings and recommendations to senior management.
• Working knowledge of Python, R, or similar languages for analysis, validation, or workflow automation.
• Comfort with forward‑looking models, forecasting, or regression analysis for credit loss estimation.
• Familiarity with SSMS, Power BI, or other data analysis and visualization tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work with large, complex datasets.

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.

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.

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