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 Strategic Partnership Director is responsible for developing and leading Nelnet Bank’s strategic partnership program.
This position will lead the bank’s strategic partnership business and ensure delivery across key bank functions (e.g. risk, compliance, regulatory readiness, operations, technology, and finance) to grow the business.

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.

Key Responsibilities
1. Program Development & Launch

- Successfully launch Bank’s strategic partnership program

- Define launch and implementation requirements, partner with Compliance, Risk, and Operations to implement controls, testing, and go‑live readiness.

- Stand up compliant operating models across marketing, application, underwriting, fraud, servicing, disputes, credit reporting, and collections.

2. Partner Governance & Third‑Party Risk
- Serve as primary day-to-day partner relationship owner.
- Partner with Third Party Risk Management to conduct due diligence and establish SLAs, KPIs, KRIs, and issue‑management routines.
- Align partnership with Bank’s TPRM framework including monitoring and reassessment.

3. Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Partner with Compliance to ensure adherence to UDAAP, ECOA, FCRA, TILA, GLBA, E‑SIGN, and other consumer‑protection laws.
- Partner with Compliance to integrate program into CMS including monitoring, complaints, marketing review, and training.
- Maintain exam‑ready documentation.

- Ensure adherence to BSA/AML & OFAC compliance

4. Technology, Data & Operational Integration
- Partner with bank technology team to design data flow design, system integrations, reconciliations, and security/privacy controls.
- Manage UAT and operational readiness.

5. Reporting & Executive Communications
- Support bank executive team in delivering reporting for executive leadership and Board committees.
- Track risks, issues, and program performance.

Qualifications
Required:
- 10+ years in consumer lending or bank‑fintech partnerships.
- Experience launching partner‑based lending programs.
- Strong understanding of consumer‑compliance and TPRM frameworks.
- Strong cross‑functional leadership skills.

Preferred:
- ILC or FDIC/state‑regulated partnership experience.
- Certifications such as CRCM, CAMS, PMP.

Success Indicators
- Successful launch with compliant operations.
- Fully documented and exam‑ready program.
- Strong partner governance and KPIs.
- Favorable audit/regulator feedback.

The base annual salary range for this role is $150,000 to $225,000. We offer a highly competitive total compensation package which includes a base salary commensurate with experience, performance-based bonus opportunities, stock awards as part of our long-term incentive plan, and a competitive benefits package that includes health, retirement, wellness programs, and more.

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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: LINK.

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 corporaterecruiting@nelnet.net.

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.