IT Project Manager

Job#: 3042321

Job Description:

Are you a technically grounded project manager ready to lead complex software development and cloud transformation initiatives? Nelnet is looking for an experienced IT Project Manager who can seamlessly bridge the worlds of technical execution and strategic delivery within our NDS IT Delivery organization.

In this role, you will lead cross-functional teams through the full lifecycle of application development, cloud migration, and AI-driven projects - from inception through post-implementation. You will work closely with developers, cloud engineers, architects, and business stakeholders, applying your deep understanding of system design, modern development practices, and cloud platforms to keep initiatives on track and deliver measurable business value.

You will apply Agile and hybrid methodologies, proactively manage risks and dependencies, and communicate clearly across all levels - from individual contributors to senior leadership. Critically, you will both use AI tools to drive your own productivity and lead projects where AI capabilities are being built, integrated, or operationalized.

If you thrive at the intersection of technical depth and delivery leadership - and you are energized by the challenge of moving applications to the cloud and harnessing AI to drive outcomes - we want to hear from you.

At this time, we are unable to move forward with external candidates that reside in these states: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington.

Nelnet values flexibility and understands the importance of work-life integration. Our hybrid work environment allows associates living within 30 miles of an office location to work remotely for part of the week, while also fostering collaboration and team connection through in-office presence three days a week.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages and directs project teams to meet project objectives, with a focus on custom software development, system integration, and cloud-based initiatives.
• Leads technical project teams through the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), including application design, development, testing, and deployment phases.
• Manages application cloud migration projects, coordinating across infrastructure, architecture, development, and security teams to ensure successful transitions.
• Champions the adoption of AI tools within the project team to drive team efficiency, and leads projects where AI capabilities are being developed, integrated, or operationalized.
• Reviews, evaluates, and formulates project plans, schedules, and budgets; identifies and negotiates milestones, resource requirements, and tradeoffs to meet project objectives.
• Oversees requirements solicitation, refinement, and definition for assigned projects; ensures technical requirements are clearly understood and traceable throughout delivery.
• Partners with enterprise architects and technical leads to ensure proposed solutions align with organizational standards, cloud architecture patterns, and long-term scalability needs.
• Manages staff and budget resources required to meet changing corporate priorities and project demands.
• Leads problem resolution and decision-making through facilitation, structured troubleshooting, and escalation management.
• Organizes and guides project operations using Agile or hybrid methodologies appropriate to the technical complexity and scope of the work.
• Evaluates and reports project progress in terms of quality, performance, and delivery metrics common to IT and software development projects.
• Works with various departments to coordinate systems testing, deployment, training, and post-implementation support.
• Assesses, tracks, and manages project risks, dependencies, and issues; communicates status clearly and consistently to stakeholders at all levels.
• Bridges the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders, ensuring alignment, shared understanding, and clarity throughout the project lifecycle.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in information science or related field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• PMP or PMI-ACP certification preferred.
• Coursework or certifications in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform) or AI/ML fundamentals are a plus.

EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated experience leading technical project teams comprised of software developers, cloud engineers, architects, QA engineers, and business analysts, preferably in a matrixed organization.
• Hands-on experience managing full-cycle application development
• Experience with application cloud migration projects (lift-and-shift, re-platforming, or re-architecting) is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to use AI productivity tools (such as GitHub Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, or similar) to increase personal and team efficiency in a professional setting.
• Experience leading projects where AI or machine learning capabilities were being built, integrated, or deployed is a significant differentiator.
• Expert-level experience working with Jira, Confluence, SharePoint, and Excel for project tracking, documentation, reporting, and resource management.
• Strong background in software development and technology is required. The ideal candidate will have hands-on familiarity with modern development practices, technical architecture, and a working understanding of IT infrastructure and cloud environments.

COMPETENCIES - SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• Ability to manage projects from inception through successful post-implementation, including lessons learned and transition to support.
• Demonstrated competency in developing effective solutions to successfully resolve diverse and complex business and technical problems.
• Familiarity with modern development practices including CI/CD pipelines, DevOps principles, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and API-driven architectures.
• Demonstrated use of AI tools in a professional project delivery context; ability to coach and encourage team members on AI-assisted workflows.
• Comfort with ambiguity in emerging technology spaces - particularly AI and cloud - where methodologies and best practices continue to evolve rapidly.
• Strong analytical, communications, technical teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Jira, Confluence, and SharePoint; experience with other database utilities and Microsoft technologies preferred.
• Ability to bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders, ensuring alignment and clarity throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assesses and manages project risks, dependencies, and issues with a proactive and structured approach.

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 Nelnet Corporate Recruiting.

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

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Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at

Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

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