Sallie Mae to hire 285 with $2 million in state help

Education lender Sallie Mae is looking to create 285 new jobs over the next three years. But first, it says it needs a little help from Delaware state government — in the form of a $2.16 million grant.
According to reports, most of the new positions will be in the company’s customer service department.
“We’re glad Sallie Mae has chosen to significantly expand its operations here in Delaware,” Gov. John Carney said in a statement released earlier this week. “Delaware has an experienced, skilled financial sector workforce that is perfectly suited for this expansion. And we’re proud to support Sallie Mae, and the Delawareans who work there, as the company continues to put down roots here in our great state.”
News of the expansion comes just months after companies, such as HSBC Bank and Barclays, announced they would be closing their Wilmington and Ogletown facilities, and moving hundreds of employees out of state. Officials hope that creating these new positions will allow a talented pool of workers to remain in Delaware.
“We remain focused on helping grow business in Delaware. And at the same time, we continue to work to encourage our existing business partners to be exceptional corporate citizens,” said Cerron Cade, director of the state’s Division of Small Business, Development & Tourism, which administered the grant. “Keeping workers and the economic benefit they create right here in Delaware is a big win for Sallie Mae and the state.”
The Council on Developmental Finance will review the proposal during a meeting Monday morning.