Managing Director, Product, SGO

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, SGO will be responsible for shaping and executing strategic initiatives focused on transforming client engagement through product innovation and relationship development within the Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) market. This leader will drive the next generation of AI-enabled, user-centric solutions, foster collaborative partnerships, and champion the organization'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 our products and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, own, and execute a comprehensive revenue strategy that identifies growth opportunities, drives pipeline development, and delivers measurable financial results across product lines and market segments.

• Define, communicate, and drive the vision, strategy, and roadmap for products and services, ensuring alignment with organizational 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 clients.

• Build and nurture relationships with SGOs, K-12 private school systems, advisory boards, and design partners to co-create solutions, drive adoption, and secure the organization's place in the market as a trusted partner.

• Set and manage annual revenue targets; track performance against goals and adjust strategy and resource allocation accordingly to ensure consistent growth.

• 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 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 the organization as a leader in the SGO and K-12 private school market.

• Drive strong client engagement through community events, school outreach, and digital engagement initiatives.

• Monitor industry trends, client feedback, and performance metrics to inform ongoing product and service enhancements.

Annual compensation range for this role is $225,000-$250,000 depending on experience.

This role requires 25-40% travel throughout the US year-round.

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.

Ideal Experience & Qualifications

• 5–8 years of senior leadership experience in Ed Tech, Fin Tech, or a related industry, with a proven track record of delivering innovative, scalable solutions and driving revenue growth.

• Demonstrated success building and executing go-to-market and revenue strategies, including ownership of P&L or revenue targets.

• Deep understanding of K-12 private school workflows, user-centric design, and compliance requirements in technology or financial services.

• Demonstrated ability to set strategic vision, manage complex projects, and motivate diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing without direct authority across product, sales, marketing, and operations.

• Exceptional communication skills, with experience delivering high-impact messaging to clients, partners, and internal audiences.

• Experience building collaborative communities and advisory partnerships within the SGO and K-12 private school space.

Competencies

• Service Excellence

• Problem Solving

• Managing Multiple Priorities

• Decision Making and Critical Thinking

• Leadership

• Strong Written & Oral Communications

• Team Management and Team Building

• Planning: Tactical & Strategic

• Project Management

• Proficiency with MS Office

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: LINK.

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 402-486-5725 or [email protected].

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