Engagement Specialist II

Engagement Specialist II – Overview

Responsible for designing, delivering, and continuously improving onboarding, engagement, recognition, and culture programs that enhance the associate experience across Nelnet. Acts as program owner, balancing day‑to‑day execution with long‑term planning, process improvement, and data‑informed decision making.

• Own end‑to‑end coordination, design, facilitation, and continuous improvement of the onboarding program “New to Nelnet” delivered biweekly.
• Own end‑to‑end coordination, design, facilitation, and continuous improvement of the leadership onboarding program “Circle Up” delivered monthly.
• Create and lead a Shared Services‑specific onboarding program from planning through execution, ensuring consistency with the broader AEX strategy.
• Design a holistic onboarding experience that supports associates through their first six months, incorporating relevant resources, programs, and learning opportunities.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to embed EVP language into the onboarding experience.
• Manage post‑onboarding survey design, distribution and data analysis, using findings to refine the journey.

• Own end‑to‑end delivery of Nelnet’s recognition and giving programs including Nelnet Gives Summer of Service, SERVE, and the Service Award program.
• Drive innovative event, celebration, and campaign concepts aligned with associate needs.
• Own storytelling efforts that spotlight associate achievements and milestones enterprise‑wide.

• Analyze participation, engagement, feedback, and performance data to identify trends and recommend improvements.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting tools for leadership visibility.
• Identify, design, and implement scalable automation solutions across onboarding, engagement, recognition, communications, and reporting.

• Maintain curiosity and knowledge of AI‑powered tools, continuously building expertise as technology evolves.
• Default to AI and automation as first option when designing new programs, communications, or reporting processes.
• Pilot new AI‑enabled workflows with AEX and IT stakeholders and share learnings.

• Serve as a trusted partner to leaders and stakeholders, providing recommendations, resources, and insights.
• Act as a Nelnet culture ambassador, modeling forward‑thinking, detail‑oriented program ownership.
• Partner with Associate Resource Group and Social Committee leaders enterprise‑wide to strengthen connection and belonging.
• Monitor engagement trends, translate insight into recommendations for AEX leadership.
• Facilitate workshops and learning experiences promoting collaboration and connection across teams.
• Coordinate comprehensive enterprise‑wide event logistics, timelines, vendor partnerships, and on‑site execution.
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support organizational goals.

Hybrid work option available: associates within 30 miles of an office may work remotely part of the week, while fostering collaboration through in‑office presence.

• 2–4 years of experience in engagement, events, HR, or associate experience roles, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ownership of programs from concept through measurement.
• Strong project management skills, juggling multiple concurrent programs in a fast‑paced, ambiguous environment.
• Comfort with data gathering, dashboard building, and using data to defend recommendations.
• Demonstrated interest in AI tools and automation, and willingness to continuously learn new platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to flex tone across audiences.
• Creativity and strong collaboration skills, with a track record of innovative event and program concepts.
• Detail‑oriented, forward‑thinking mindset that seeks continuous improvement.

$68,000–$73,000 annually, depending on experience.

• Medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA
• Generous earned time off
• 401(k) with student loan repayment
• Life insurance & AD&D insurance
• Employee…