Senior Program Manager, Global Operations

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 Senior Program Manager, International plays a critical role in supporting the launch, expansion, stabilization, and ongoing success of Nelnet Business Services' international businesses.
Reporting to the Managing Director of International, this role serves as a cross-functional business and operational leader responsible for translating international growth priorities into executable plans and ensuring new and existing markets have the corporate support, infrastructure, processes, and resources needed to operate successfully.
This role will work across business development, operations, finance, technology, product, legal, compliance, HR, and other corporate functions to coordinate complex global initiatives, remove barriers, manage dependencies, and establish sustainable operating models. The emphasis is on program execution and business operational support, rather than direct sales ownership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional programs supporting the launch, expansion, and stabilization of international businesses.
• Translate international growth opportunities into actionable plans with clear milestones, dependencies, decision points, and ownership.
• Coordinate operational readiness across functions including finance, HR, legal, compliance, technology, product, banking, contracting, and operations.
• Identify barriers, risks, and dependencies and drive cross-functional decisions and issues through resolution.
• Establish scalable operating models, governance, reporting, and business rhythms that support sustainable international operations.
• Identify operational gaps and scalability challenges and develop repeatable global processes and playbooks that accommodate local market requirements.
• Serve as a key connection point between international business leaders and corporate functions to align priorities and accelerate execution.
• Support business development and market expansion by assessing operational feasibility, organizational readiness, and requirements for new markets, partnerships, and opportunities.
• Lead strategic programs involving market expansion, partnerships, operational transformation, new capabilities, and integration activities.
• Partner with the Managing Director of International on strategic priorities, business cases, implementation roadmaps, executive updates, and recommendations.

Annual compensation for this role is $143,000 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.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, international business, operations, finance, or a related field required

Experience

• 8+ years of progressive experience in program management, business operations, corporate business development, strategy, international expansion, or related roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional programs with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience supporting new business launches, market expansion, operational transformation, or business stabilization.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to understand commercial opportunities while translating them into operational requirements and execution plans.
• Experience working within SaaS, fintech, education technology, financial services, payments, or similarly complex technology-enabled businesses preferred.
• International business experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting businesses or operations across multiple global regions preferred, particularly:
  • Australia and New Zealand
  • India
  • Singapore
  • Canada
  • Europe
  • Latin America
• Experience navigating the operational, regulatory, cultural, and organizational complexities of conducting business across multiple countries preferred.
• Up to 35% global travel is required

Skills & Competencies

• Global Business Acumen
• Program & Portfolio Management
• Business Operations
• Corporate Business Development
• International Market Expansion
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Operational Readiness & Scaling
• Strategic Thinking
• Executive Communication
• Financial & Commercial Acumen
• Risk Identification & Problem Solving
• Change Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Process Design & Continuous Improvement

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 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