Data Integration Lead

Nelnet Business Services (NBS), a division of Nelnet, Inc., provides payment technology, education services, and learning management solutions to education and faith-based organizations, serving more than 1,300 higher education institutions, 11,500 K-12 schools, 3,500 churches, and millions of individual students, families, and supporters across the globe. Our culture of service enables us to form long-lasting and trusted partnerships, while our focus on creativity and innovative solutions empowers our customer communities to thrive.

 

As a Nelnet company, the perks at NBS go beyond our benefits package. You’re part of a community, invested in you as an individual and united by our mission to create opportunities for people where they live, learn and work.

The Data Integration Lead is responsible for overseeing the strategy, execution, and quality of data integration processes across systems, platforms, and business units. This role ensures that data flows smoothly, accurately, and securely to support business intelligence, analytics, artificial intelligence, and operational processes. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of technical expertise, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Define data integration strategies and roadmaps aligned with business goals.

• Lead data integration projects from technical planning through deployment.

• Coordinate with business stakeholders, data engineers, architects, and IT teams.

• Maintain project documentation including requirements, design specifications, and test plans.

• Oversee development of ETL/ELT processes to meet integration requirements.

• Integrate data from diverse sources (cloud, on-premise, APIs, databases).

• Ensure data consistency, reliability, and performance across systems.

• Design and implement AI-driven integration solutions where applicable.

• Partner with the Strategic Delivery Lead to refine technical stories.

• Review code, workflows, and integration jobs for quality and best practices.

• Mentor junior team members and foster collaboration across data and business units.

• Implement data quality checks and error handling mechanisms.

• Ensure compliance with data governance, privacy, and security policies.

• Monitor pipelines and resolve data discrepancies in real time.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

• Equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of experience in data integration, data engineering, or related fields.

• Proficiency with ETL/ELT tools and data pipeline orchestration (e.g., Snowflake, SQL, dbt).

• Strong understanding of data modeling, APIs, and cloud data platforms.

• Experience with data governance and compliance frameworks.

• Experience keeping cross-functional technical teams accountable.

• Familiarity with end-user reporting needs.

• Exposure to AI/ML integration in data workflows.

• Knowledge of Agile methodologies and tools like Azure DevOps or Asana.

• Bonus: Experience with Redpanda, Dagster, and DevOps practices.

COMPETENCIES – SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• Strategic Thinking

• Technical Leadership

• Communication & Collaboration

• Problem Solving

• Adaptability

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 402-486-5725 or corporaterecruiting@nelnet.net.

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.