Strategic Partnership Director
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- ILC or FDIC/state‑regulated partnership experience.
- Certifications such as CRCM, CAMS, PMP.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Reporting & Executive Communications - Support bank executive team in delivering reporting for executive leadership and Board committees. - Track risks, issues, and program performance.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
No Education Listed
