Director- Structured Finance- Nelnet Bank

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 Director of Structured Finance executes complex financing and investment transactions for the Bank, such as co-sponsorship of securitizations, project finance, specialty finance investments / asset management, and asset-backed securities. Key responsibilities include managing the entire transaction lifecycle from due diligence to closing, performing financial modeling and analysis, assisting in negotiating terms, overseeing credit and risk assessment, and building and maintaining client and investor relationships. The role requires strong financial expertise, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of markets and legal, tax, and regulatory constraints. This position may also participate in strategy planning and development of business plans, products and pricing, including recommendations to help in decision making. In addition, this position must know how all business areas fit together to meet our overall business objectives and represents the Bank in key decisions with multi-departmental decision making and manages project demands of scope, time, cost and quality. They must have knowledge of bank business and industry. Assures compliance with all Bank policies and procedures, as well as, all applicable state and federal banking regulations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead new structured finance deals from inception to closing.

• Perform complex financial modeling of cash flows and debt/equity structures.

• Oversee the loan portfolio purchase and participation process.  Collaborate with Bank Officers to complete required credit and risk analysis.

• Ongoing oversight and reporting of structured finance transactions.

• Assess the creditworthiness and analyze collateral pools and stress tests.

• Oversee the preparation of materials and documentation for complex transactions.  Review and analyze key transaction documents like term sheets and loan agreements.

• Manage project timelines.

• Stay informed about market conditions, regulatory changes, and evolving trends.

• Influence and help improve financial acumen and understanding across Nelnet Bank leadership team.

• Collaborates with other leaders in Nelnet Bank in defining strategy/solutions.  Assist in identifying strategic opportunities to drive long-term, resilient returns. Participates in management decisions.

• Acts as liaison between Nelnet Bank and Nelnet Financial Services Capital Markets team as it relates to complex financial transactions. 

• Assist the Director of Accounting and Finance and the Chief Financial Officer in completing and overseeing other accounting and finance activities including month-end and quarter-end close and reporting.

• Provides ad-hoc financial analysis for senior leadership as required.

• Interfaces with clients, investors, external auditors, and regulators. 

• Contribute to Continuous Process Improvement, including potential changes, improvements and continual self-improvement.

• Participates in strategy with leaders on creating an awesome work environment and recruitment and retention of associates.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree required in in Finance, Accounting or Economics.

• Advanced degree or certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of related structured finance experience, with a proven record of success.

• Financial modeling and cash flow analysis preferred

• Accounting or auditing experience preferred.

COMPETENCIES – SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of structured finance including financial markets, instruments and asset classes.

• Exceptional Excel skills and proficient in other Microsoft and other analytical tools.

• Energy, Drive, and Motivation: Embraces challenges enthusiastically, then executes relentlessly.

• Consistent, High Quality Results: Establishes credibility.

• Effective interaction with all teams:  Earns the respect of o