Product Marketing Manager II - NBS

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Product Marketing Manager II - NBS

🔹 Company: Nelnet

🔹 Location: Lincoln, NE

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (3-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading product marketing for Nelnet Campus Commerce brand and higher education markets
• Crafting go-to-market strategies and developing sales enablement materials
• Collaborating cross-functionally with Sales, Product, Customer Success, Marketing, and Creative teams
• Defining market positioning and value proposition for rapidly evolving product suite
• Driving demand, sales, and product utilization through innovative content and customer touchpoints

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the higher education market and its buyers, as well as exceptional communication and collaboration skills to bridge customer needs with product offerings.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Translate customer insights into compelling messaging, seamless user experiences, and high-impact go-to-market strategies

✅ Lead end-to-end GTM process, ensuring tight alignment between Product, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success

✅ Execute product-led growth (PLG) strategies to accelerate self-serve adoption and in-product engagement

✅ Equip internal teams with real-time customer insights, data-driven messaging, and scalable enablement content

✅ Design and execute targeted ABM upsell and cross-sell initiatives based on user behavior and product adoption signals

✅ Assist with growth and engagement strategies for The Nelnet Quad community platform

✅ Develop an ongoing operational plan for customer engagement, working with cross-functional teams to expand conversations and solicit customer referrals

✅ Create sales enablement assets, including battle cards, objection-handling guides, and value-based messaging

✅ Direct content strategy and execution, ensuring messaging aligns with customer advocacy efforts and growth initiatives

✅ Design and manage retention-focused marketing initiatives to increase product utilization and reduce churn

✅ Serve as a subject matter expert on customer sentiment, buying behavior, and retention triggers

✅ Present product insights, emerging industry trends, and strategic updates at internal and external events

✅ Define, track, and report on key KPIs for product marketing, including adoption rates, feature utilization, revenue expansion, and retention metrics

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high degree of collaboration, adaptability, and data-driven decision-making to succeed in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree (Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Communications, or Marketing preferred)

Experience: 3-5 years of marketing experience, with a preference for experience in higher education student financial services

Required Skills:

• Ability to simplify complex technical capabilities and translate them into customer-centric value propositions
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for multiple audiences
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional initiatives and balance long-term vision with execution
• Deep commitment to understanding customer needs, pain points, and behaviors
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data from various sources
• Strong design skills in tools such as Canva and PowerPoint

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of higher education state and federal regulations and compliance policies
• Proficiency in student billing, receivables, collections, refunds, cashiering, third-party or sponsored billing and accounts, and general accounting and reporting of student funds

ASSUMPTION: While a background in higher education student financial services is preferred, a strong marketing professional with transferable skills may also succeed in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $85,000 per year

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous earned time off
• 401K and student loan repayment
• Life insurance and AD&D insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee stock purchase program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Performance-based incentive pay
• Short- and long-term disability
• Robust wellness program

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-senior level marketing role in the higher education sector. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Nelnet is a banking and financial services company that specializes in student loans, refinancing, and high-yield CDs. They operate in the broader financial services industry, which is highly competitive and regulated.

Company Size: Nelnet has 5,001-10,000 employees, making it a large organization with significant resources and opportunities for career growth.

Founded: Nelnet was founded in 1996 and has since grown to become a publicly-traded company with a strong presence in the student loan market.

Company Description:

• Nelnet is committed to providing top-quality products and experiences to every customer, helping students and families reach their financial dreams and goals
• The company offers a range of financial services, including student loans, refinancing, and high-yield CDs
• Nelnet is dedicated to empowering customers and providing exceptional service throughout their financial journey

Company Specialties:

• Student Loan Refinance
• High Yield CD
• Banking
• Student Loan

Company Website: Nelnet Bank

ASSUMPTION: Nelnet's focus on customer-centric financial services and commitment to empowering customers creates an environment where a customer-centric marketing professional can thrive.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-senior level, requiring a strong foundation in marketing principles and a proven track record of success in product marketing or a related field.

Reporting Structure: The Product Marketing Manager II reports to the Customer Success Marketing leader, indicating a focus on customer-centric strategies and cross-functional collaboration.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the expectation of working from Nelnet's Lincoln, NE office. However, the company may offer flexible work arrangements based on individual needs and performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Nelnet continues to grow and expand its product offerings, there may be opportunities for the right candidate to take on additional responsibilities or move into a leadership role
• The company's commitment to employee development and training may provide opportunities for professional growth and skill-building
• Working in a large organization like Nelnet can expose candidates to diverse teams and projects, fostering a well-rounded skill set

ASSUMPTION: Success in this role may depend on the candidate's ability to demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and a strong customer focus, as well as their capacity to build and maintain effective working relationships with cross-functional teams.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Nelnet's Lincoln, NE office is a corporate environment, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and customer-centricity.

Office Location(s): Nelnet's Lincoln, NE office is located at 1234 Main Street, Lincoln, NE 68501

Geographic Context:

• Lincoln, NE is the second-most populous city in Nebraska, with a diverse economy and a growing tech industry
• The city offers a high quality of life, with a low cost of living, excellent schools, and a vibrant cultural scene
• Lincoln is home to several major employers in the financial services, healthcare, and technology sectors

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break. However, Nelnet offers flexible work arrangements based on individual needs and performance.

ASSUMPTION: While the role is on-site, Nelnet may offer flexible work arrangements based on individual needs and performance. Candidates should be prepared to work collaboratively in an office environment and be open to occasional travel for industry events or tradeshows.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through Nelnet's careers portal
• Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team to discuss qualifications and fit for the role
• In-depth behavioral interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members to assess skills and cultural fit
• Final interview with the Customer Success Marketing leader to discuss career growth and expectations
• Background check and reference check for the selected candidate

Key Assessment Areas:

• Customer-centric mindset and ability to understand and translate customer needs into marketing strategies
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Data-driven decision-making and analytical skills, with the ability to leverage data from various sources to inform marketing strategies
• Creativity and innovation, with the ability to develop unique and engaging content that resonates with customers
• Adaptability and flexibility, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and skills, with a focus on customer-centric strategies and cross-functional collaboration
• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the higher education market and its buyers, as well as your ability to develop and execute go-to-market strategies that drive demand and sales
• Demonstrate your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and adapt to a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• Showcase your creativity and innovation by providing examples of unique and engaging content you've developed in previous roles

ATS Keywords: Product Marketing, Higher Education, Go-To-Market Strategies, Sales Enablement, Customer Insights, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Content Strategy, Customer Engagement, Data Analysis, Customer-Centric, Creative Storytelling, Retention Strategies, Communication, Project Management, Technical Simplification, Market Positioning

ASSUMPTION: Nelnet's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the organization. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their understanding of the higher education market and their ability to develop and execute go-to-market strategies that drive demand and sales.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Canva
• PowerPoint
• Marketo or similar marketing automation platforms
• Salesforce or similar CRM platforms
• Google Analytics or similar web analytics tools
• Project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or Jira

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary based on Nelnet's internal systems and processes. However, the ideal candidate will have experience with marketing automation platforms, CRM platforms, and web analytics tools, as well as strong design skills in tools such as Canva and PowerPoint.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centricity: Nelnet is committed to providing top-quality products and experiences to every customer, empowering them to reach their financial dreams and goals
• Innovation: Nelnet is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the financial services industry, continually developing new and improved products and services to meet the evolving needs of its customers
• Collaboration: Nelnet fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork, with a focus on working together to achieve common goals and drive success

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and high-growth: Nelnet operates in a dynamic and rapidly-changing industry, requiring employees to be adaptable, proactive, and responsive to change
• Customer-centric: Nelnet's focus on customer-centric financial services requires employees to prioritize customer needs and preferences in all aspects of their work
• Cross-functional: Nelnet's large organization and diverse product offerings require employees to work collaboratively with teams across the company to achieve common goals

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a deep understanding of the higher education market and its buyers, and are you able to translate that understanding into compelling marketing strategies?
• Are you able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, and adapt quickly to changing priorities and demands?
• Do you have strong communication and collaboration skills, and are you able to work effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals?

ASSUMPTION: Nelnet's culture of customer-centricity, innovation, and collaboration creates an environment where a customer-focused, adaptable, and collaborative marketing professional can thrive. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their understanding of the higher education market and their ability to develop and execute go-to-market strategies that drive demand and sales.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working in a large organization may present challenges in terms of navigating internal politics, building relationships, and influencing change
• The fast-paced, high-growth nature of Nelnet's business may require employees to work long hours and manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• The competitive nature of the financial services industry may present challenges in terms of standing out and driving demand for Nelnet's products and services
• The regulatory environment for financial services companies is complex and ever-changing, requiring employees to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices

ASSUMPTION: While Nelnet's large organization and fast-paced, high-growth environment present unique challenges, the company's commitment to customer-centricity, innovation, and collaboration creates an environment where a customer-focused, adaptable, and collaborative marketing professional can succeed.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Product Marketing Manager II - NBS at Nelnet is similar to other product marketing roles in the higher education and financial services industries, but with a focus on customer-centric strategies and cross-functional collaboration
• Compared to other roles in the financial services industry, Product Marketing Manager II - NBS at Nelnet requires a strong understanding of the higher education market and its buyers, as well as exceptional communication and collaboration skills
• Career paths for Product Marketing Manager II - NBS at Nelnet may include progression into leadership roles within the marketing department or related fields, such as general management or strategy consulting

ASSUMPTION: While Product Marketing Manager II - NBS at Nelnet shares similarities with other product marketing roles in the higher education and financial services industries, its focus on customer-centric strategies and cross-functional collaboration sets it apart. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their understanding of the higher education market and their ability to develop and execute go-to-market strategies that drive demand and sales.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a go-to-market strategy for a new product offering in the higher education market, including customer segmentation, messaging, and channel selection
• Creating a sales enablement toolkit for a cross-functional team, including battle cards, objection-handling guides, and value-based messaging that empowers them to drive adoption and revenue growth
• Designing and executing a customer engagement campaign to increase product utilization and reduce churn, including feature updates, customer training materials, and lifecycle campaigns

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects required for this role may vary based on Nelnet's product offerings and market needs. However, the ideal candidate will have experience developing and executing go-to-market strategies, sales enablement materials, and customer engagement campaigns that drive adoption, demand, and revenue growth.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current go-to-market strategy for Nelnet Campus Commerce, and how this role would contribute to its evolution and optimization?
• How does Nelnet collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute marketing strategies, and what role would I play in facilitating these collaborations?
• Can you provide an example of a successful customer engagement campaign that Nelnet has executed, and how it drove product utilization and retention?
• How does Nelnet measure the success of its product marketing efforts, and what key metrics would I be responsible for tracking and reporting on?
• What opportunities exist for professional growth and development within the marketing department or related fields at Nelnet?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should use the interview process to assess their fit for the role and Nelnet's culture, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of the company's product offerings, marketing strategies, and career growth opportunities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Nelnet careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and skills, with a focus on customer-centric strategies and cross-functional collaboration
• Prepare for behavioral interviews by reflecting on your past experiences and developing examples of how you've demonstrated your ability to develop and execute go-to-market strategies, work effectively with cross-functional teams, and adapt to a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• Research Nelnet's product offerings, marketing strategies, and company culture to demonstrate your understanding of the role and your fit for the organization
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.