Director- Commercial Contracts and Legal AI

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 youre 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.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Enterprise Contracting Excellence

Lead initiatives to modernize and standardize client and vendor contract templates across business segments.

Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g. Procurement Compliance IT and Business Units) to align contract terms with enterprise risk posture and operational needs.

Support post-M&A integration efforts by harmonizing contract templates processes and systems. Strategic Legal Support

Provide legal guidance on complex commercial transactions including SaaS licensing data privacy and technology procurement agreements

Monitor legal and regulatory developments and best practices related to AI data use and commercial contracting advise internal stakeholders accordingly and review and negotiate contracts including AI provisions with counterparties.

Contribute to Legals knowledge management efforts by developing playbooks clause libraries and training materials.

AI Strategy & Legal Innovation

Lead the development and execution of Legals AI strategy ensuring alignment with enterprise-wide digital transformation goals.

Identify evaluate and implement AI tools that enhance legal workflows including contract review negotiation and risk analysis.

Serve as Legals primary liaison to enterprise AI governance and innovation teams ensuring compliance and collaboration.

Contracts Leadership & Team Oversight

Manage and mentor the Nelnet Business Services contracts management team fostering a high-performance culture focused on innovation accountability and continuous improvement.

* Key participant in the evaluation selection and implementation of enterprise contract management software that will manage the organizations contracts and interface with sales management systems

Oversee the deployment of AI and automation tools within the Legal team including NBS Contracts to streamline intake triage drafting and approval processes.

Supervise junior attorneys and legal professionals supporting vendor and commercial contracts ensuring quality consistency and timely delivery.

Metrics & Continuous Improvement

Define and track OKRs to measure the success of the Companys contracting processes and the impact of AI tools and process improvements on legal service delivery.

Champion a data-driven approach to legal operations using insights to inform resourcing budgeting and strategic planning.

EDUCATION:

Law Degree and admission to bar

EXPERIENCE:

5 years of experience as a commercial contracts attorney with a strong technology-forward mindset and experience implementing and managing large-scale contract management systems.

COMPETENCIES - SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES

• Demonstrated expertise in integrating AI tools into legal or operational workflows.

• Proven leadership experience managing legal teams or contract operations.

• Strong communication collaboration and strategic thinking skills.

• Experience with contract standardization automation and enterprise legal operations.

Compensation range for this position is a base pay of $160000 to $180000 bonus depending on experience.

Our benefits package includes 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 and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: LINK.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race color religion/creed national origin gender sex marital status age disability use of a guide dog or service animal sexual orientation military/veteran status or any other status protected by federal state or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at or.

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.