NDS Program Office IT Program Administrator - Cloud Altassian Administrator

Role Overview

At hire, this role owns the technical health and governance of NDS's Atlassian Cloud ecosystem — Jira, Confluence, permissions, automation, and platform configuration. This is not a help desk role; the right candidate is comfortable making architectural decisions and troubleshooting at a system level.

This role is designed to grow. Within the first 30 days, you will begin absorbing the broader IT Program Administrator scope — change management, CMMI process documentation, SDLC process governance.

Nelnet believes in a hybrid work environment. The standard hybrid work schedule includes 24 hours of in‑office work each week for associates that reside within 30 miles of an office.

Annual compensation range for this role is $100,000–$120,000, depending on experience.

• Administer NDS's Atlassian Cloud platform (Jira, Confluence) at a system health and governance level.
• Write and maintain scripts (Python and/or Groovy/Script Runner) and advanced Jira Automation rules to support platform workflows.
• Evaluate and develop cloud‑native automation solutions (Jira Automation, Forge, REST API integrations).
• Partner closely with development teams and leadership to support active products and ensure adherence to standards.
• Perform value‑stream mapping for processes owned within NDS IT.
• Mentor other Atlassian administrators toward cloud platform competency.

• Support and facilitate change management activities associated with process, tool, and governance changes across NDS IT.
• Ensure users have access to the training they need on Program Office tools.
• Document, measure, and improve system and software life cycles to meet business objectives.
• Interpret contractual and regulatory documentation (CMMI, NIST, FSA Contract, RFPs) to identify gaps in life cycles, policies, and procedures.
• Provide clear and concise verbal and written communication tailored to the appropriate audience.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• 2 years of Jira and Confluence administration experience at a system health level.
• Demonstrated experience with Atlassian Cloud.
• Scripting experience:
  Python and/or Groovy (Script Runner); willingness to learn Forge.
• Ability to read and write advanced Jira Automation rules.
• Experience with SSO and identity integration (SAML, SCIM, Okta, Azure AD, or equivalent).
• Experience designing and implementing workflows, dashboards, and Kanban or Scrum boards.
• Familiarity with the full software development lifecycle (SDLC), including Agile or other iterative methodologies.
• Hands‑on experience with AI tools used in a professional setting.

• Experience with AI tools such as Rovo or Claude Code.
• Exposure to AI governance, agentic systems, or AI‑specific SDLC requirements.
• Experience with large‑scale change management initiatives; change management certification (Prosci, CCMP, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of compliance frameworks such as NIST and CMMI.
• Experience with Power BI for reporting and dashboard development.
• Atlassian certification at the cloud administrator level or equivalent.

This position requires work in support of the Company's contract with the United States Department of Education ("ED"). As such, the United States Government requires that any applicant for this position must complete United States Government security clearance. Nelnet will be unable to hire applicants without United States citizenship for such positions.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Generous earned time off.
• 401K/student loan repayment.
• Life insurance and AD&D insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee stock purchase program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Performance‑based incentive pay.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Robust wellness program.

Nelnet is an Equal Opportunity Employer.