Managing Director, Product Strategy

Nelnet

About The Position

Nelnet Business Services (NBS), a division of Nelnet, Inc., provides payment technology, education services, and learning management solutions to education and faith-based organizations, serving more than 1,300 higher education institutions, 11,500 K-12 schools, 3,500 churches, 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. As a Nelnet company, the perks at NBS go beyond our benefits package. You’re part of a community, invested in you as an individual and united by our mission to create opportunities for people where they live, learn and work. The Managing Director, Product Strategy will be responsible for shaping and executing NCC’s strategic initiatives focused on transforming client engagement through product innovation and relationships within the higher education market. This leader will drive the next generation of AI-enabled, user-centric solutions, foster collaborative partnerships, and champion NCC’s vision both internally and externally. The role requires a visionary who can translate ambitious goals into actionable milestones, inspire teams and clients, and articulate the value and impact of NCC’s products and services.

Requirements

5-8 years of leadership in Ed Tech or Fin Tech, with a track record of delivering innovative, scalable solutions for higher education or financial services.
Deep understanding of institutional workflows, user-centric design, and compliance requirements in education technology.
Demonstrated ability to set strategic vision, manage complex projects, and motivate diverse teams and stakeholders.
Exceptional communication skills, with experience delivering high-impact messaging to clients, partners, and internal audiences.
Experience building collaborative communities and advisory partnerships within the education sector.

Responsibilities

Define, communicate, and drive the vision, strategy, and roadmap for products and services, ensuring alignment with NCC’s mission and market needs.
Lead the development and launch of platforms and products, leveraging AI, analytics, and emerging technologies to deliver functional innovation that meets the evolving needs of our clients.
Build and nurture relationships with higher education institutions, advisory boards, and design partners to co-create solutions, drive adoption and secure NCC’s place in the market as a trusted partner.
Break down strategic goals into clear, measurable milestones and oversee cross-functional execution to ensure timely delivery.
Champion the client experience by implementing personalized, proactive support models and ensuring continuous feedback informs product evolution.
Inspire and mobilize NCC associates to act as brand ambassadors, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and purpose.
Oversee the implementation of compliance-tested features, secure integrations, and streamlined workflows to reduce risk, effort, and barriers for clients.
Deliver compelling messaging to clients and internal teams about the strategic direction and value of our products and solutions, positioning NCC as a leader in higher ed payments market.
Drive strong client engagement through participation in NCC’s Quad community, Campus Connect events, and digital engagement initiatives.
Monitor industry trends, institutional feedback, and performance metrics to inform ongoing product and service enhancements.