Managing Director, Data & AI

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 Managing Director, Data & AI owns the full data-to-AI value chain, aligning data strategy, governance, engineering, and AI/ML execution through a unified operating model. This role is accountable for setting strategic direction, advancing data readiness, enforcing governance, resolving strategic tradeoffs, and delivering dependable AI‑enabled business outcomes for the segment. In addition, this role contributes to the broader Nelnet data management council.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Data Strategy - Owns the segment-wide data strategy: target‑state vision, operating model, domain ownership, investment sequencing, and multi‑year roadmap; define how the value of data investment is measured and report against it
• Value Chain Unification - Unify data engineering, governance, and AI/automation into a single operating model, with shared intake, prioritization, and delivery cadence; resolve funding and capacity tradeoffs across the chain in favor of end‑to‑end business outcomes
• Data Platform - Oversee the data platform ecosystem: architecture decisions, consumption governance, cost, and roadmap prioritization
• Data Governance - Position governance as a business enabler: policy, lineage, quality, and access practices that accelerate trusted consumption rather than gate it
• AI & Automation - Set strategy for applying AI and automation to business processes; oversee AI democratization, adoption, and the Citizen Developer program
• Leadership - Lead through directors: coach and develop senior leaders, build succession depth, manage performance proactively, foster cohesion, and hold leaders to a high bar in a fast‑moving domain
• Business Partnership - Translate business objectives into data and AI priorities in partnership with C‑suite and senior leadership; build stakeholder relationships and executive credibility to drive adoption

Annual compensation range for this role is $230,000- $250,000. 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

Bachelor’s degree required in related fields

EXPERIENCE

Required 10+ years leading data organizations at enterprise scale, including leading leaders Demonstrated ownership of an enterprise data strategy from definition through multi‑year execution Proven executive‑level influence with C‑suite and business stakeholders Sufficient practical depth in data engineering and data governance to direct and challenge those teams Preferred AI/ML and intelligent automation applied to business processes with measurable outcomes Track record operating in regulated / financial‑services data environments Experience establishing a modern data operating model (data products, domain ownership, or equivalent)

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS

Strategic thinking & planning Executive level influence Stakeholder management Prioritization & decision making Critical thinking Team management & growth

BENEFITS

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.

EEO & INCLUSION

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.

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. EEO Info | EEO Letter | EPPA Info | FMLA Info