Manager, Partnership Alliances

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 Manager, Partnerships & Alliances owns NCC’s partner channel strategy and commercial performance. This role leads Tier 1 strategic alliances, Tier 2 commercial partnerships, ERP platform participation, and a key standalone partner relationship. The position is responsible for growing partner revenue, identifying new infrastructure-native partnership opportunities, and ensuring partner decisions align with institutional needs, business priorities, and NCC’s partner-neutral approach. This role works closely with Sales, Implementation, Marketing, Product, Legal, and Partnership Operations & Marketing to execute partnership strategy and deliver results.

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 as security clearance is required.

• Own Tier 1 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 NCC payment workflows.

• Manage Tier 2 commercial partner relationships, including onboarding, co-sell activity, co-marketing priorities, and business reviews.

• Lead NCC’s participation in ERP partner ecosystems, including partner program advancement, certification alignment, and competitive response.

• Oversee NCC’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.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, education technology, or a related field

• Master’s degree in business administration, higher education, or a related field preferred

• 7+ years of experience in alliance, channel, or partnership management within B2B SaaS or higher education technology, including revenue accountability and commercial relationship ownership

• Experience in higher education payments, financial technology, or campus ERP ecosystems preferred; familiarity with partner program design, business case development, and REST API integrations is a plus

• 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

Compensation range for this role is $100,000- $120,000 annually, depending on experience.

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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.

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…