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 Engagement Specialist II is a strategic contributor on the Associate Experience (AEX) team responsible for designing, delivering, and continuously improving onboarding, engagement, recognition, and culture programs that enhance the associate experience across Nelnet. This role serves as a program owner, balancing day-to-day execution with long-term planning, process improvement, and data-informed decision making. The Engagement Specialist II is expected to identify opportunities to scale programs, streamline operations, and improve associate experiences through thoughtful use of technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools. This role partners closely with cross-functional stakeholders, Associate Resource Groups, Social Committees, and AEX team members to create meaningful experiences that strengthen connection, recognition, and belonging across the organization.
This position offers a hybrid work option. Nelnet values flexibility and understands the importance of work-life integration. Our hybrid work environment allows associates within 30 miles of an office to work remotely for part of the week, while also fostering collaboration and team connection through in-office presence.
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.
Onboarding, Pre-Onboarding & Employer Brand
Ownend-to-end coordination, design, facilitation, and continuous improvement ofour onboarding program New to Nelnet(N2N), delivered biweekly, ensuring every session reflects current culture, priorities, and brand.
Own end-to-end coordination, design, facilitation, and continuous improvement ofour leadership onboarding program Circle Up, delivered monthly, adapting content and format based on associate feedback and engagement data.
Create and lead a Shared Services-specificonboarding program from planning through execution, ensuring consistency with the broader AEX onboarding strategy.
Design and continuously improve a holistic onboarding experience that supports associates through their first six months of employment, incorporating relevant resources, programs, and learning opportunities throughout the journey.
Partner withTalent Acquisitionto extend the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) language and feel into the onboarding experience, creating a seamless handoff from candidate to associate.
Managepost-onboarding survey design, distribution, and data analysis, using findings to continuously refine the onboarding journey.
Recognition & Culture Programs
Own end-to-end delivery of Nelnet's recognition and giving programs — including Nelnet Gives Summer of Service, SERVE, and the Service Award program — from concept through execution and measurement.
Drive innovativeevent,celebration, and campaign concepts that keep recognition programs fresh and aligned with associate needs
Own storytelling efforts that spotlight associate achievements and milestonesenterprise wide
Data, Insights & Program Automation
Analyze participation, engagement, feedback, and program performance data toidentifytrends, measure impact, and recommend improvements that strengthen the associate experience.
Develop andmaintaindashboards and reporting tools that provide leadership with visibility into program participation, outcomes, and overall effectiveness.
Identify, design, and implement scalable automation solutions that improve efficiency across onboarding, engagement, recognition, communications, and reporting processes.
AI Enablement & Continuous Learning
Maintain a genuine curiosity forAIandaworking knowledge of AI-powered tools, with a clear commitment to continuously building that knowledge as Nelnet's toolset evolves.
Default toAI and automation asthefirstoption, not an afterthought, when designingnew programs, communications, or reporting processes.
Partner with AEX and IT stakeholders to pilot new AI-enabled workflows for engagement and recognitionprograms andshare learnings across the team.
Leadership & Strategic Partnership
Serve as a trusted partner to leaders and stakeholders by providing recommendations, resources, and insights that enhance associate engagement, connection, and program effectiveness.
Serve as aNelnetculture ambassador, modeling forward-thinking, detail-oriented program ownership.
Partner with Associate Resource Group and Social Committeeleadersenterprise-wide to strengthen connection andbelongingacross all locations.
Monitor trends in engagement, connection-building, and experience design, translating insight into recommendations for AEX leadership.
Facilitate workshops and learning experiences that promote collaboration and meaningful connection across teams.
Coordinate comprehensive eventlogistics, including timelines, planning documents, vendor partnerships, and on-site execution, for enterprise-wide experiences.
Performadditionalresponsibilities as needed to support organizational goals.
Qualifications
2-4 years of experience in engagement, events, HR, or associate experience roles, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated ownership of programs from concept through measurement.
Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple concurrent programs in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
Comfort with data: gathering it, building dashboards from it, and using it to make and defend recommendations.
Demonstrated interest in AI tools and automation, with a willingness to continuously learn new platforms as Nelnet's technology evolves.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to flex tone across audiences and channels.
Creativity and strong collaboration skills, witha track recordof developing innovativeeventand program concepts alongside cross-functional partners.
A detail-oriented, forward-thinking mindset that looks for the next improvement rather than waiting for one to be assigned.
Compensation range for this role is $68,000- $73,000 annually, depending on experience.
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-CW1
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. Click here to learn more about our benefits: LINK
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. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.
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 corporaterecruiting@nelnet.net
Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring
We may use automated or artificial intelligence enabled tools to assist with the initial review of applications, such as identifying relevant skills or experience. These tools are used to support human review and do not make hiring decisions. A recruiter reviews applications and determines which candidates move forward in the hiring process. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Pre-Use Notice: Automated Tools in Hiring
Nelnet is a leading student loan servicer – but we’re even more than that.
We provide payment technology for over 1,300 higher education institutions and 11,500 K-12 schools. We deliver world-class fiber internet, TV, and phone services to residents of Nebraska and Colorado. We help borrowers achieve their educational goals with private student loan and refinance solutions. And we help businesses boost their performance with our cutting-edge technology and trusted expertise.
Each day, over 7,000 Nelnet associates in more than 30 communities across the country work to serve our customers and make their dreams possible. And we’re on the lookout for new people to help us go even further.
