Consumer Loan Servicing Product Strategy Director

Nelnet•Lincoln, NE

1d•$140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Product Strategy IT helps define product and technology strategy for technical support products and services based on input from internal and external stakeholders. The role leads project delivery through product and functional teams and evaluates product ideas, defines requirements for new and enhanced products, maintains the product and technology roadmap, and serves as a liaison on product and technology initiatives. The Director is accountable for aligning the work with company strategy and for the performance and development of the team. The position oversees product strategy and delivery for consumer loan technical support, including product vision, roadmaps, lifecycle management, market research, requirements, implementation, and support for products brought to market. It also manages a product team and a larger matrixed group of technology professionals; plans staffing and development; sets measurable staff objectives; and oversees department budgeting and pricing-related support. The Director collaborates with technology providers and internal teams, leads meetings and committees, champions company goals, and reports to peer organizations, company directors, and the board. The position follows Nelnet’s hybrid work model, with a standard 24/16-hour in-office/work-from-home split for associates living within 30 miles of an office, subject to manager discretion. This role is currently open to candidates living within 30 miles of the Lincoln, Nebraska office. Applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a business-related field, or commensurate experience.
At least 8 years of experience, including at least 5 years in a management position.
Experience in product or IT planning, governance, and system development.
Experience managing product team members and executing a strategic plan for technology-based product offerings.
Experience with emerging technologies and technology trends.
Working knowledge of AI, including practical use of generative AI and AI-enabled tools for everyday work such as research, analysis, drafting, documentation, and prototyping; understanding of their capabilities, limitations, and risks; and commitment to responsible use.
Strong project management knowledge and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships at all organizational levels.
Ability to work cross-functionally to plan and implement strategies and projects and use resources productively.
Demonstrated success managing technical teams and producing results, with strong leadership, motivational, and organizational skills.
Excellent interpersonal, collaborative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including preparing reports and delivering presentations.
Negotiation and persuasion skills.
Customer-focused, results-driven, self-starting approach; ability to handle stressful situations and meet deadlines.
AI literacy and working knowledge of AI-enhanced productivity.
High proficiency with computer applications, primarily Microsoft Office products.
Flexibility, motivation to work in a fast-paced environment, and ability to adapt quickly to new situations, programs, and services.
Must already be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.
Must live within 30 miles of the Lincoln, Nebraska office location.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.
Experience with consumer lending, banking, and finance.

Responsibilities

Assist in defining strategic product and technology plans for consumer loan technical support, balancing technology opportunities with business goals and investment.
Translate strategy into long- and short-range plans with clear, concrete objectives.
Develop and maintain the business line’s product vision and strategy, and manage and execute the product and technology roadmap.
Manage product lifecycles from concept through end-of-life activities.
Conduct market research, trend-spotting, and planning, including research into emerging technologies, to identify product opportunities based on stakeholder input.
Define requirements for new and enhanced products and collaborate with internal stakeholders to achieve technical specifications and bring products, services, or enhancements to market.
Directly manage a product team responsible for product and service development, implementation, and lifecycle management.
Oversee the performance and development of the product strategy team, including work delivered by direct reports and a large matrix team of technology professionals.
Develop and maintain annual staffing and staff development plans; forecast, monitor, and adjust staffing requirements; establish measurable staff results; and connect associates’ work to processes that affect customers.
Attract and retain talent, lead a diverse team, use team members’ skills effectively, and structure resources to support reasonable work/life balance.
Develop and maintain the annual department budget and support pricing-related decisions.
Promote collaboration with internal and external technology providers and serve as a liaison on product and technology initiatives.
Support internal teams as new and enhanced products and services are delivered to market.
Lead meetings and committees and champion company goals.
Provide regular reporting to peer organizations, company directors, and the board.