About the position

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 plays a key role in fostering a strong associate experience across Nelnet through connection and recognition initiatives. This role helps cultivate an engaged, welcoming associate community by designing and executing meaningful experiences that reinforce Nelnet’s culture and values. The Engagement Specialist is responsible for planning and delivering high quality events and programs, ranging from enterprise-wide experiences to localized engagement opportunities, that bring associates together to learn from and celebrate one another. The role manages operational logistics, supports strategic initiatives, and consistently delivers experiences with excellence. Success in this role requires strong event and project management skills, creativity, collaboration, and the ability to thrive in fast paced, ambiguous environments. Serving as a culture ambassador, the Engagement Specialist partners with the Associate Experience Team while coordinating and supporting Associate Resource Groups and Social Committees across all locations. Lincoln Nebraska Candidates- This position offers a hybrid work option. Nelnet values flexibility and understands the importance of work-life integration. Our hybrid work environment allows associates living within 30 miles of our Lincoln Nebraska office location to work remotely for part of the week, while also fostering collaboration and team connection through in-office presence three days per week. 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.

Responsibilities

• Supporting Associate Resource Group and Social Committee leaders in organizing activities, planning meetings, and coordinating events that strengthen connection and belonging across all locations.
• Maintaining and improving tools, processes, and reporting systems to provide actionable insights for leadership on connection and engagement initiatives.
• Monitoring trends in engagement and experience design and sharing insights to continuously evolve efforts.
• Facilitating workshops and learning experiences that promote collaboration and meaningful connection across teams.
• Managing communication channels to drive clear, consistent messaging and increase participation in events and programs.
• Coordinating comprehensive event logistics —including timelines, planning documents, vendor partnerships, and on‑site execution—to ensure seamless, high‑quality experiences.
• Developing innovative concepts for events, celebrations, campaigns, and engagement strategies that align with associate needs and organizational goals.
• Supporting recognition efforts through celebrations and storytelling that highlight associate achievements and milestones.
• Performing additional responsibilities as needed to support organizational goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years of experience in event planning, project management, engagement programming, or related fields
• Proven ability to plan and execute events of various sizes with strong attention to detail
• Strong relationship‑building and collaboration skills
• Ability to adapt quickly, troubleshoot, and make effective decisions in dynamic or ambiguous situations
• Creativity in designing engaging, meaningful experiences that foster connection and belonging
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong commitment to creating experiences that strengthen connection and community
• Comfort making timely decisions with limited information and pivoting as needs evolve
• Ability to interpret data and insights to inform program improvements

Benefits

• 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
• a robust wellness program