Data Analyst I - Consumer Loan Analytics

Nelnet • Lincoln, NE

22h • $60,000 - $70,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

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. As a Data Analyst you will work together with a closely knit team to leverage our codebase and collective skillsets in SQL, Python, Power BI, and Excel to maintain existing reporting as well as build new solutions for a wide range of Nelnet internal and external customers. Our primary goal is to take care of our customer, we do this by translating large amounts of data into easy-to-digest reports and dashboards which are used to inform decisions across the company. We are a group of lifelong learners passionate about data, leveraging new pieces of code, cutting-edge software, or new approaches to solutions to enhance the quality of our work and elevate our customer experience. We are seeking a Data Analyst who can: Query, clean, and analyze complex datasets using SQL, Python, or similar tools. Identify trends, correlations, and insights to support decision-making. Assemble forecasts to drive recommended actions within the business. Build clear reports and dashboards in tools like Excel and Power BI. Package insights in a clear, compelling narrative for business partners. Monitor data quality and recommend process improvements. Seek opportunities to automate repetitive tasks. Partner closely with business leaders to anticipate and address their data needs. Our ideal candidate: Is detail-oriented, motivated, and curious about data analytics. Has foundational experience with data (coursework, projects, or work experience) and working knowledge of SQL and/or Python. Is comfortable with Excel and reporting tools, with a desire to expand into tools like Power BI. Communicates clearly with both technical and non-technical users, translating data into meaningful stories and solutions. Thrives in a collaborative, customer-focused environment. Enjoys problem solving, approaching challenges with creativity and persistence. Manages multiple priorities while contributing to a culture of learning and improvement. 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. Our hybrid roles have flexibility, based on the team. The standard hybrid work schedule includes 24 hours of in-office work and 16 hours working from home each week for associates that reside within 30 miles of an office. This position may be filled remotely, if the selected candidate resides more than 30 miles from a Nelnet office. We are unable to consider candidates that reside in these states: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington.

Requirements

• Is detail-oriented, motivated, and curious about data analytics.
• Has foundational experience with data (coursework, projects, or work experience) and working knowledge of SQL and/or Python.
• Is comfortable with Excel and reporting tools, with a desire to expand into tools like Power BI.
• Communicates clearly with both technical and non-technical users, translating data into meaningful stories and solutions.
• Thrives in a collaborative, customer-focused environment.
• Enjoys problem solving, approaching challenges with creativity and persistence.
• Manages multiple priorities while contributing to a culture of learning and improvement.
• 4-year college degree preferred or equivalent experience needed
• Prior exposure to data analytics through coursework, projects, internships, or ~1 year of professional experience.
• Technical Ability to extract, manipulate, and query data in database systems (T-SQL, SnowSQL, or similar).
• Familiarity with reporting and dashboarding tools (e.g., Power BI, DAX).
• Exposure to scripting languages such as Python for data manipulation or process automation.
• Understanding of data cleansing, mapping, and transformation concepts (ETL).
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to break down complex problems into manageable parts.
• Enjoys puzzle-solving and approaching challenges with curiosity and persistence.
• Ability to conceptualize business processes and identify data-driven opportunities for improvement.
• Communication & Collaboration Clear oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Customer-focused mindset with a desire to create practical, high-value solutions.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Examples of reporting, dashboarding, or data analysis work are a plus.
• Experience in financial services, student loans, or other regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Query, clean, and analyze complex datasets using SQL, Python, or similar tools.
• Identify trends, correlations, and insights to support decision-making.
• Assemble forecasts to drive recommended actions within the business.
• Build clear reports and dashboards in tools like Excel and Power BI.
• Package insights in a clear, compelling narrative for business partners.
• Monitor data quality and recommend process improvements.
• Seek opportunities to automate repetitive tasks.
• Partner closely with business leaders to anticipate and address their data needs.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level