Associate, Business Operations

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students.

We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way.

We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other.

This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking “why not?” when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

What You'll Contribute

The Associate, Business Operations will collaborate with the Business Operations team and various cross-functional teams to ensure smooth operations and contribute to process improvements.

What You'll Do

• Assist in the execution of operational processes to ensure efficient and smooth business operations

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather data, analyze operational needs, and contribute to process improvement initiatives

• Contribute to the implementation of strategies to optimize workflow, increase productivity, and enhance operational effectiveness

• Support the development and maintenance of operational documentation, including process manuals and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Assist in resolving operational issues, escalating when necessary, and proposing solutions

• Collaborate with team members to coordinate tasks and projects, ensuring timely completion

• Support the preparation of operational reports and presentations for management review
  

The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job; it is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this role.

What you have

Minimum: Indicate minimum education, skills and experience required.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze data and contribute to process optimization efforts

• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills, capable of managing multiple tasks and deadlines effectively

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams

• Proficiency in using business software and tools, such as Microsoft Office Suite

• Knowledge of operational processes and a desire to learn and grow in the field of business operations

• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment

• Positive attitude, team player mentality, and willingness to take on new challenges

• Support the new school eligibility intake process and ongoing monitoring through:

  • Monitoring our resource box

  • Completing basic fraud check

  • Communicate with prospective school customers via email and/or phone

  • Make initial eligibility determinations

  • Collection and evaluation of documentation

• Support school request for information process as needed, including completing assigned RFx responses with a primary focus on proactive and basic documents.
  

Preferred: Indicate “nice to haves” regarding education, skills, and experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field

• 1-2 years of experience in business operations, process improvement, or a similar role
  

The Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the “essential functions” of a job. A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing the function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

• Competitive base salaries 

• Bonus incentives 

• Generous PTO, Floating Holidays and 12 Federal Holidays observed

• Support for financial-well-being and retirement 401k with employer match

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance and more

• Employer paid short-term/long-term disability and basic life insurance  

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.

• Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs

• Free access to on-site staffed fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (for locations outside Delaware) 

• Confidential counseling support (EAP), Health Advocacy services and Wellness program with financial incentives

• Tuition Reimbursement and Family Scholarship Programs

• Career development and training opportunities

Not the right fit?  Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clicking Introduce Yourself in the top-right corner of the page or create an account to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest!