Engagement Specialist II

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   Own   end-to-end coordination, design, facilitation, and continuous improvement of   our 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 of   our leadership onboarding program   Circle Up , delivered monthly, adapting content and format based on associate feedback and engagement data.   Create and lead a Shared Services-specific   onboarding 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 with   Talent Acquisition   to extend the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) language and feel into the onboarding experience, creating a seamless handoff from candidate to associate.   Manage   post-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 innovative   event ,   celebration , and campaign concepts that keep recognition programs fresh and aligned with associate needs   Own storytelling efforts that spotlight associate achievements and milestones   enterprise wide .   Data, Insights & Program Automation   Analyze participation, engagement, feedback, and program performance data to   identify   trends, measure impact, and recommend improvements that strengthen the associate experience.   Develop and   maintain   dashboards 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 for   AI   and   a   working knowledge of AI-powered tools, with a clear commitment to continuously building that knowledge as Nelnet's toolset evolves.   Default to   AI and automation as   the   first   option , not an afterthought, when designing   new programs , communications, or reporting processes.   Partner with AEX and IT stakeholders to pilot new AI-enabled workflows for engagement and recognition   programs and   share 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 a   Nelnet   culture ambassador, modeling forward-thinking, detail-oriented program ownership.   Partner with Associate Resource Group and Social Committee   leaders   enterprise-wide to strengthen connection and   belonging   across 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 event   logistics , including timelines, planning documents, vendor partnerships, and on-site execution, for enterprise-wide experiences.   Perform   additional   responsibilities as needed to support organizational goals.   Qualific