Fast Facts

Nelnet Business Services is seeking a COO for its FACTS Ed Services division to drive operational excellence and achieve strategic goals across educational services.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include collaborating with leadership on strategic planning, optimizing operational processes, ensuring financial stability, and fostering internal and external communication for effective teamwork.

Skills: Candidates must possess strong analytical abilities, exceptional communication skills, and proven experience in operations management within education services.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree in Business Administration or Education and experience managing large-scale operations in related sectors.

Location: The job is based in Lincoln, United States, at the Nelnet Center.

Compensation: $135000 - $150000 / Annually

Nelnet Business Services (NBS), a division of Nelnet, Inc., provides payment technology, education services, and learning management solutions to education and faith-based organizations, serving more than 1,300 higher education institutions, 11,500 K-12 schools, 3,500 churches, 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.

As a Nelnet company, the perks at NBS go beyond our benefits package. You’re part of a community, invested in you as an individual and united by our mission to create opportunities for people where they live, learn and work.

The FACTS Ed Services (FES) COO serves as the central hub for collaboration across FES divisions and associated FACTS companies. A key focus of this position is achieving Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) that align with the overarching strategic vision of FACTS and its affiliated divisions. This role reports directly to the FES Managing Director and is pivotal in fostering alignment between academic and business operations while coordinating with FACTS Sales, Accounting, and Marketing. The FES Director of Operations works closely with FES Leadership to ensure the effective implementation of day-to-day processes and protocols, driving best-in-class education services.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborates with FES and FACTS leadership to ensure all operational activities align with NBS strategic goals and objectives.
• Actively contributes to the FES strategic planning process by working with leadership to develop long-term strategies, identify priorities, and outline key initiatives to achieve organizational goals.
• Partners with FES Directors to optimize all aspects of the organization’s processes, including academic services funded by ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) and professional development services funded by ESSA and Head Start, with specific emphasis on New York City and Puerto Rico offices.
• Supports FES leadership in ensuring organizational functions operate efficiently and effectively as a unified entity.
• Supports the implementation and monitoring of company policies and procedures, ensuring processes are optimized and objectives are consistently met, as evidenced by key results.
• Collaborates with FES Directors to create, maintain, and enhance systems that optimize operational processes, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Works with the Business Operations Director and NBS Accounting to ensure FES operates within its approved financial plan, making necessary adjustments to maintain financial stability.
• Monitors the FES Key Objectives and provides monthly updates for FES and FACTS OKRs in support of the NBS Accounting report and the NBS OKRs.
• Fosters a culture of operational excellence through predictive workforce management, driven by the successful achievement of OKRs.
• Promotes strong internal and external communication and collaboration across teams while empowering employees to contribute to the organization’s success.
• Oversees the production and publication of the FES annual report, incorporating data from academic and business services, along with testimonials from LEAs, schools, and FES associates, to provide a comprehensive view of accomplishments and areas for improvement.
• Serves as a liaison between academic operations, business operations, and other key FACTS divisions (e.g., FACTS sales, NBS marketing, and NBS accounting), ensuring cohesive and effective teamwork across all functions.
• Facilitates regular cross-departmental meetings to identify opportunities for collaboration, address challenges, and ensure alignment of initiatives across divisions.
• Builds and maintains professional relationships with LEAs to expand education services in both public and nonpublic schools.
• Develops and implements a structured process for gathering and addressing feedback from State Education Agencies (SEAs), LEAs, and schools, focusing on outstanding customer service, as well as sophisticated alignment with OKRs.

EDUCATION:

Advanced degree in Business Administration, Education, or a related field preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Proven experience in operations management, preferably within education services or a related sector.

COMPETENCIES – SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage large-scale operations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to forecast, evaluate KPIs, and optimize operational processes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Capacity to balance long-term strategic vision with day-to-day operational demands.
• Proficiency in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting.

Compensation for this position is $135,000 to $150,000.00 depending on experience.

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 orcorporaterecruiting@nelnet.net.

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.