Director, Business Operations

Responsibilities

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• Lead the development and execution of business operations strategy, priorities, roadmaps, and performance measures aligned with organizational objectives.
• Design and continuously improve scalable operating models, governance, workflows, and decision-making processes across functions.
• Oversee the evaluation, implementation, integration, and adoption of business systems, data capabilities, and automation solutions.
• Establish reliable reporting and analytics that provide leaders with clear visibility into operational performance, capacity, risk, and opportunities.
• Lead portfolio planning and prioritization for complex, cross-functional initiatives, balancing strategic value, resources, dependencies, and delivery risk.
• Direct business process optimization efforts that improve quality, speed, customer outcomes, and cost effectiveness.
• Assess new business opportunities and strategic initiatives through research, market analysis, financial and operational evaluation, and implementation planning.
• Build strong partnerships with executive leaders, functional teams, technology partners, and external stakeholders to align priorities and deliver outcomes.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team, setting clear expectations and adapting resources as business needs change.
• Identify and manage operational risks, change impacts, and compliance considerations while promoting accountability and continuous improvement.

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Education

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Required:

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• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations, information systems, engineering, finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

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Preferred:

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• Master’s degree in business administration, operations, strategy, or a related field.

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Experience

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Required:

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• 8 or more years of progressive experience in business operations, strategy and operations, product operations, program leadership, or a related discipline.
• Experience defining functional strategy and leading complex, high-risk, cross-functional initiatives with organization-level impact.
• Demonstrated success designing and scaling operating processes, business systems, analytics, or automation with measurable results.
• Experience leading people, developing talent, and managing work through changing priorities and ambiguity.
• Experience influencing executive and cross-functional stakeholders and translating strategic goals into clear execution plans.

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Preferred:

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• Experience supporting transformation, integration, new business development, or operations in a technology-enabled or multi-business environment.

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Skills

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• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Business Process Modeling & Optimization
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• System Implementation / Integration
• Influence & Executive Presence

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Compensation and benefits

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Annual compensation range for this role is $200,000-$225,000 depending on experience.

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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.

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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. Click here to learn more about our benefits.

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Equal opportunity employer

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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.

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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 corporaterecruiting@nelnet.net.

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Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.

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Use of artificial intelligence in hiring

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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.