Project Manager II

Nelnet; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

HSA & FSA

401K

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance & AD&D

Employee stock purchase program

Wellness program

Paid time off

Job summary

Nelnet is seeking a Project Manager to plan, coordinate, and deliver initiatives that support business objectives. You will define scope, schedules, and governance while keeping sponsors and stakeholders aligned.

This hybrid role partners with cross-functional teams, manages risks, and communicates progress and decisions. Lincoln, NE area; compensation ranges from $85,000 to $110,000 with strong benefits.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of project management experience coordinating cross-functional projects.
• Experience developing project plans and managing scope, schedules, deliverables, risks, and issues.
• Experience communicating project status and facilitating decisions with project teams, sponsors, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects through the full project lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, delivery, and closeout.
• Develop and maintain project plans that define scope, objectives, milestones, deliverables, dependencies, resources, and timelines.
• Coordinate cross-functional project teams and clarify roles, responsibilities, priorities, and expectations.
• Monitor project performance and communicate progress, risks, issues, decisions, and changes to sponsors and stakeholders.
• Identify, assess, and manage project risks, issues, and dependencies, escalating items that require leadership action.
• Facilitate project meetings, decision-making, and follow-up by preparing agendas, documenting outcomes, and tracking commitments.
• Manage changes to project scope, schedule, resources, and deliverables through established governance and approval processes.
• Coordinate project budgets, resource needs, vendor activities, and related administrative requirements, as applicable.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and reporting to support transparency, accountability, and informed decisions.
• Promote continuous improvement by applying lessons learned, effective practices, and appropriate project management tools and methods.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in business/PM

PMP or CAPM certification

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 Project Manager plans, coordinates, and delivers projects that support business objectives. This role establishes project scope, schedules, deliverables, resource needs, and governance while maintaining visibility to progress, risks, issues, and decisions. The position partners with project sponsors, functional teams, and other stakeholders to align expectations, remove barriers, and support timely, high-quality outcomes. The Project Manager applies consistent project management practices and adapts the approach to the size, complexity, and needs of each initiative.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage projects through the full project lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, delivery, and closeout.
• Develop and maintain project plans that define scope, objectives, milestones, deliverables, dependencies, resources, and timelines.
• Coordinate cross-functional project teams and clarify roles, responsibilities, priorities, and expectations.
• Monitor project performance and communicate progress, risks, issues, decisions, and changes to sponsors and stakeholders.
• Identify, assess, and manage project risks, issues, and dependencies, escalating items that require leadership action.
• Facilitate project meetings, decision-making, and follow-up by preparing agendas, documenting outcomes, and tracking commitments.
• Manage changes to project scope, schedule, resources, and deliverables through established governance and approval processes.
• Coordinate project budgets, resource needs, vendor activities, and related administrative requirements, as applicable.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and reporting to support transparency, accountability, and informed decisions.
• Promote continuous improvement by applying lessons learned, effective practices, and appropriate project management tools and methods.

CRM implementation and go forward strategy post-launch

Annual compensation range for this role is $85,000-$110,000 depending on experience.

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 of an 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.

EDUCATION

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in business, project management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Preferred:

• Project management certification such as PMP or CAPM.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• 3-5 years of project management experience coordinating cross-functional projects or initiatives.
• Experience developing project plans and managing scope, schedules, deliverables, dependencies, risks, and issues.
• Experience communicating project status and facilitating decisions with project teams, sponsors, and stakeholders.

Preferred:

• Experience using project management tools and established project management methods.
• Experience coordinating budgets, resources, vendors, or change activities.

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS

• Project / Program Leadership
• Stakeholder Management
• Risk Management
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Organization & Time Management

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 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