Business Analyst - Data Science

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 Business Analyst plays a pivotal role in advancing internal AI products that support Nelnet’s agents and borrowers. This individual will collaborate closely with the Data Science team to gather and refine business requirements, coordinate feedback loops with stakeholders, and ensure successful delivery of AI-powered tools. These tools are designed to enhance service experiences and streamline operations. The ideal candidate will bring an analytical mindset, strong communication skills, and a passion for emerging AI technologies. They will help translate complex needs into actionable specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Data Science team and internal stakeholders to analyze and evaluate business systems, processes, and user needs—identifying opportunities where AI-powered tools can improve service to agents and borrowers.

• Lead requirements gathering sessions, conduct process mapping, and perform gap analyses to define current- and future-state workflows that will inform AI product design.

• Collaborate with business partners to define project scope, success metrics, and solution requirements tailored for AI-based internal tools.

• Translate solution designs into clear documentation and test cases, validate output accuracy, and summarize findings for technical and non-technical audiences.

• Help drive agile project execution by assisting with sprint planning, backlog grooming, and time tracking across multiple AI development initiatives.

• Monitor post-deployment performance, collect user feedback, and contribute to the ongoing refinement and enhancement of tools.

• Support change management and end-user adoption through creation of training materials, live demos, and structured feedback loops.

• Serve as a liaison between business users, product owners, the Data Science team, and other technical stakeholders to ensure alignment and shared understanding throughout the development lifecycle.

• Actively participate in stand-ups, sprint reviews, planning meetings, and knowledge-sharing forums to help the team grow and improve continuously.

At this time, we are unable to move forward with candidates that reside in these states:  Alabama, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington.

Nelnet believes in a hybrid work environment that accommodates both in-office and remote work. This model promotes a positive work-life balance and culture, enabling in-person collaboration when possible while also providing benefits associated with remote work. The standard hybrid work schedule includes a 3/2 (in-office/work-from-home) split for associates that reside within 30 miles of an office. This is subject to change, based on manager discretion.

US Citizenship and the ability to obtain a 6C Federal security clearance are required for this role. Some travel may be required.

Annual Salary Hiring Range for this position is $60k - $80k

Experience

• 3+ years in a business analysis, product delivery, or process improvement role - ideally within a technical or data-driven environment.

• Experience identifying, designing, or implementing automation or AI-enhanced workflows.

• Hands-on experience with AI Platforms (ChatGPT, Copilot Studio, etc.) or demonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for rapidly learning and applying these tools.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytics and critical thinking skills and able to improve workflows for operations teams that have both internal and external users.

• Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments - proactively exploring use cases for AI and automation.

• Skilled communicator who can gather requirements from business stakeholders and translate them into functional specifications and AI product features.

• Experience using project m