Director- Commercial Contracts and Legal AI; Lincoln, NE or Denver

Overview

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities.

The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work.

The Director - Commercial Contracts and Legal AI leads the management of the Company’s contracts and development and execution of the Legal Department’s AI strategy, aligning with enterprise-wide digital transformation goals. This role is responsible for contract drafting, review, negotiation, and risk analysis, managing the creation, storage and retention of the Company’s contracts including managing software tools for such tasks, identifying and implementing AI tools to enhance legal workflows, and serves as the primary liaison to enterprise AI governance teams.

This role also supervises junior attorneys and contract managers.

• Enterprise Contracting Excellence:
  Lead initiatives to modernize and standardize client and vendor contract templates across business segments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Procurement, Compliance, IT, and Business Units) to align contract terms with enterprise risk posture and operational needs.
• Support post-M&A integration efforts by harmonizing contract templates, processes, and systems.
• Strategic Legal Support:
  Provide legal guidance on complex commercial transactions, including SaaS, licensing, data privacy, and technology procurement agreements.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments and best practices related to AI, data use, and commercial contracting; advise internal stakeholders accordingly, and review and negotiate contracts including AI provisions with counter parties.
• Contribute to Legal’s knowledge management efforts by developing playbooks, clause libraries, and training materials.
• AI Strategy & Legal Innovation:
  Lead the development and execution of Legal’s AI strategy, ensuring alignment with enterprise-wide digital transformation goals.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement AI tools that enhance legal workflows, including contract review, negotiation, and risk analysis.
• Serve as Legal’s primary liaison to enterprise AI governance and innovation teams, ensuring compliance and collaboration.
• Contracts Leadership & Team Oversight:
  Manage and mentor the Nelnet Business Services contracts management team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the deployment of AI and automation tools within the Legal team including NBS Contracts, to streamline intake, triage, drafting, and approval processes.
• Supervise junior attorneys and legal professionals supporting vendor and commercial contracts, ensuring quality, consistency, and timely delivery.
• Metrics & Continuous Improvement:
  Define and track OKRs to measure the success of the Company’s contracting processes, and the impact of AI tools and process improvements on legal service delivery.
• Champion a data-driven approach to legal operations, using insights to inform resourcing, budgeting, and strategic planning.

Education: Law Degree and admission to bar.

Experience: 5+ years of experience as a commercial contracts attorney with a strong technology-forward mindset, and experience implementing and managing large-scale contract management systems.

• Demonstrated expertise in integrating AI tools into legal or operational workflows.
• Proven leadership experience managing legal teams or contract operations.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience with contract standardization, automation, and enterprise legal operations.