Director of Business Development - NRE

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.

Nelnet Renewable Energy offers a vast portfolio of solutions to help support businesses, renewable energy consumers, developers, investors, CleanTech and ClimateTech innovators, and educational institutions in meeting their renewable energy goals. As a large, diversified company driven by a purpose to serve, we deliver broad expertise, innovative solutions, financial capital, and established networks to help our customers and partners power a more sustainable future.

Nelnet Renewable Energy is proud to be a Nelnet company. Founded over 45 years ago, Nelnet is a publicly traded (NYSE: NNI), investment-grade company offering a diverse set of solutions across a wide range of markets and industries. Our involvement in renewable energy began in 2018 with a commitment to fund over $142 million for the building of solar energy projects via tax equity financing. Since then, our commitment grew, leading us to develop a new brand, Nelnet Renewable Energy, offering a range of renewable energy solutions. In 2022, we acquired engineering, procurement, and construction firm GRNE Solar, enabling us to offer expert residential, commercial, and small utility-scale installation services.

We are currently seeking a Director of Business Development to lead our Solar EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) business. This new position will play a crucial role in managing and expanding our business development activities across all lines of business. The ideal candidate will oversee a team of sales and marketing professionals, driving our Solar EPC business to achieve higher levels of success. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in renewable energy project finance and development, including expertise in commercial EPC projects.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Craft and execute a strategic business development plan that aligns with Nelnet Renewable Energy's goals, incorporating insights into market trends, competitive landscapes, and customer needs to identify new business opportunities and potential partnerships.

2. Perform rigorous market research to identify potential projects, assess their feasibility, and analyze their financial viability. Stay ahead of industry trends, policy shifts, and regulatory changes to seize opportunities or mitigate challenges.

3. Actively seek out potential clients while nurturing strong, lasting relationships with key decision-makers, stakeholders, and strategic partners to foster business opportunities, execute contracts, and perform contracts in accordance with customer expectations.

4. Lead cross-functional sales/business development team in crafting compelling proposals that balance operational, financial, and commercial considerations, ensuring alignment with client requirements and showcasing Nelnet Renewable Energy's strengths and value propositions.

5. Drive negotiations to secure lucrative agreements and partnerships, working in tandem with legal and finance teams to review and finalize contracts in compliance with pertinent regulations and company policies.

6. Promote a culture of collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing across departments, including engineering, operations, finance, and legal, to secure the resources and information necessary for business development initiatives.

7. Elevate Nelnet Renewable Energy's profile at industry events, conferences, and forums, forging relationships and uncovering leads and partnership opportunities. Stay abreast of industry advancements and emerging technologies.

8. Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of business development activities. Provide comprehensive reports and insights to the executive team, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize performance across various metrics such as revenue growth, "earned" growth (from customer referral or repeat business), client acquisition, and market share.

9. Contribute to the broader growth and operational excellence of Nelnet Renewable Energy by supporting marketing initiatives, enhancing operational procedures, fostering product innovation, and leading team upskilling and development efforts.

**Pay Range for this position is - $140,000 - $170,000 generous incentive package

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, environmental science, or a related field required. Master's Degree or MBA strongly preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in business development or sales or management of solar construction projects.

• A proven track record of strategic planning, market analysis, and executing successful business development strategies, preferably in a leadership capacity.

COMPETENCIES - SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

1. Strong leadership and team management skills.

2. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

3. Deep understanding of the renewable energy market, trends, and technologies, with a focus on Solar EPC.

4. Strategic thinker with the ability to drive growth and expansion.

5. Proficiency in CRM and project management tools.

6. Commitment to Nelnet's mission of advancing renewable energy solutions.

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 an Equal Opportunity Employer, complies with Executive Order 11246, and takes affirmative action to ensure that qualified applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, or 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 or State law or local ordinance.

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.

You may know Nelnet as the nation's largest student loan servicer - but we do more than that. A lot more. We're also a professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payment processor, renewable energy innovator, and K-12 and higher education expert (and that's just a shortlist). For over 40 years, we've been serving our customers, associates, and communities to make dreams possible.

EEO Info (~~~) | EEO Letter (~~~) | EPPA Info (~~~) | FMLA Info (~~~)