Director, Business Operations

About the role

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 Director, Business Operations sets the strategy and operating model for a business function or portfolio, translating organizational priorities into scalable processes, systems, and measurable outcomes. This role leads cross-functional planning, operational performance, and continuous improvement while ensuring teams have the data, tools, and governance needed to execute effectively. The director builds organizational capability, guides complex initiatives, and develops leaders to support sustainable growth and business performance.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of business operations strategy, priorities, roadmaps, and performance measures aligned with organizational objectives.
• Design and continuously improve scalable operating models, governance, workflows, and decision-making processes across functions.
• Oversee the evaluation, implementation, integration, and adoption of business systems, data capabilities, and automation solutions.
• Establish reliable reporting and analytics that provide leaders with clear visibility into operational performance, capacity, risk, and opportunities.
• Lead portfolio planning and prioritization for complex, cross-functional initiatives, balancing strategic value, resources, dependencies, and delivery risk.
• Direct business process optimization efforts that improve quality, speed, customer outcomes, and cost effectiveness.
• Assess new business opportunities and strategic initiatives through research, market analysis, financial and operational evaluation, and implementation planning.
• Build strong partnerships with executive leaders, functional teams, technology partners, and external stakeholders to align priorities and deliver outcomes.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team, setting clear expectations and adapting resources as business needs change.
• Identify and manage operational risks, change impacts, and compliance considerations while promoting accountability and continuous improvement.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations, information systems, engineering, finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Preferred

• Master's degree in business administration, operations, strategy, or a related field.

Required

• 8 or more years of progressive experience in business operations, strategy and operations, product operations, program leadership, or a related discipline.
• Experience defining functional strategy and leading complex, high-risk, cross-functional initiatives with organization-level impact.
• Demonstrated success designing and scaling operating processes, business systems, analytics, or automation with measurable results.
• Experience leading people, developing talent, and managing work through changing priorities and ambiguity.
• Experience influencing executive and cross-functional stakeholders and translating strategic goals into clear execution plans.

Preferred

• Experience supporting transformation, integration, new business development, or operations in a technology-enabled or multi-business environment.

Skills

• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Business Process Modeling & Optimization
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• System Implementation / Integration
• Influence & Executive Presence

Pay and benefits

Annual compensation range for this role is $200,000-$225,000 depending on experience.

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.

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: Benefits & Perks - Nelnet Inc

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