Manager, Partnership Alliances

Job Overview

Nelnet Business Services (NBS), a division of Nelnet, Inc., provides payment technology and education services. The Manager, Partnerships & Alliances owns NBS's partner channel strategy and commercial performance, leading Tier1 strategic alliances, Tier2 commercial partnerships, ERP platform participation, and a key standalone partner relationship.

• Own Tier1 strategic alliance relationships, including executive sponsorship, joint planning, commitment tracking, and growth strategy.
• Identify and develop new infrastructure‑native partner opportunities that expand revenue and strengthen NBS payment workflows.
• Manage Tier2 commercial partner relationships, including onboarding, co‑sell activity, co‑marketing priorities, and business reviews.
• Lead NBS’s participation in ERP partner ecosystems, including partner program advancement, certification alignment, and competitive response.
• Oversee NBS’s highest‑revenue standalone partner relationship and support diversification efforts to reduce revenue concentration risk.
• Evaluate and qualify new partner opportunities based on strategic fit, institutional demand, integration approach, and operational value.
• Own partner channel revenue performance, forecasting, pipeline reporting, and business case development for partnership investments.
• Guide partner program positioning, sponsorship strategy, and partner‑facing communications in coordination with internal stakeholders.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, education technology, or a related field. Master’s degree (MBA, higher education, or related field) is preferred.
• Experience:
  
  7+ years in alliance, channel, or partnership management within B2B SaaS or higher education technology, with revenue accountability and commercial relationship ownership. Experience in higher education payments, financial technology, or campus ERP ecosystems is preferred.
• Skills:
  
  Strategic partnership and alliance management; revenue forecasting and pipeline analysis; cross‑functional collaboration and influence; partner evaluation and market positioning; ERP and technology partner ecosystem knowledge. Familiarity with partner program design, business case development, and REST API integrations is a plus.

$100,000–$120,000 annually, depending on experience.

• Medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA
• Generous earned time off and 401(k) with 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
• Robust wellness program

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.

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 c Nelnet is a Drug‑Free and Tobacco‑Free Workplace.