Account Executive, Scholarship Tax Credit Payroll Deduction (BenefitEd)

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.

The Account Executive closes employers and multi-employer partner networks onto BenefitEd's payroll deduction platform for the federal scholarship tax credit (Section 25F). Employers pay a platform fee, the greater of a monthly minimum or per-participant fees, so the sale is a benefit that asks for no employer contribution but does carry a fee. The role sells primarily through referral partners such as scholarship granting organizations, dioceses, school associations and FACTS, and sells directly to employers where possible. The Account Executive covers an assigned region and a set of named partner relationships, and an employer referred by a partner belongs to the AE who owns that partner. The Account Executive owns the sale from first meeting through signed agreement and handoff to implementation, and works mostly by phone, video and email with regional travel. The role sells BenefitEd platform services and does not solicit or accept charitable contributions.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Close new employer and network deals in a consultative, multi-stakeholder selling environment.

• Manage a high volume of opportunities, from small schools to large employers, and close them efficiently.

• Deliver demonstrations and presentations to HR, benefits and payroll buyers.

• Build and work a pipeline through referral partners, including joint calls and follow-up on partner introductions.

• Own the assigned partner relationships and run the regular check-ins with those partners.

• Prospect directly into HR, benefits and payroll leaders at schools, nonprofits and private employers.

• Build the business case for an employer-paid fee, including recruiting, retention and a benefit that requires no employer contribution.

• Meet and exceed the annual signed-contract goal.

• Explain the benefit accurately: after-tax payroll deduction, the nonrefundable credit, state participation, and what employers do and do not take on. Refer tax and legal questions to the employee's own advisor and to BenefitEd Compliance.

• Negotiate contract, price and service delivery terms within approved guidelines.

• Create proposals and order forms for prospects and partners.

• Help employers plan how they will introduce the benefit to employees, since participation drives results.

• Use the CRM to keep records of contacts, accounts and opportunities current, and provide accurate forecasts.

• Coordinate with implementation so signed employers reach their first payroll file on schedule.

• Share customer and partner feedback on needs, objections and product gaps with Product and leadership.

• Maintain knowledge of the credit, regulations, state elections, competing offerings and market conditions.

• Use only approved sales materials and follow Compliance guidance on communications.

Pay Range for this role is - $85,000k - commission is involved with this role which would allow this role to earn more

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in business, communications, marketing or a related field, or a combination of education and related experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3 years of B2B sales experience with a record of meeting or exceeding sales goals.

• Experience selling to HR, benefits or payroll buyers, or selling through channel partners or referral relationships. Payroll, benefits or partner-channel selling experience can count as equivalent experience.

• Experience closing multi-stakeholder deals and presenting to groups by web and in person.

• Experience in education, benefits, payroll or payment industry sales is a plus, as is familiarity with school, diocese or scholarship organizations.

COMPETENCIES - SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES

• Proven ability to close new business and build a pipeline.

• Comfort selling in a new, regulated market where rules are still being finalized.

• Ability to explain complex, tax-adjacent benefits clearly and without overpromising.

• Ability to build trust with partners and decision makers and manage shared credit with partners.

• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

• Self-directed, with sound time management in a remote, territory-based role.

• Strong CRM, presentation and Microsoft Office skills.

• Strong follow-up and accuracy.

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: Benefits & Perks - Nelnet Inc.

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 Talent Acquisition at 402-486-5725 or TalentAcquisition@nelnet.net.

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.

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