Director, Strategic Partnerships

At 2U, we are all in on purpose. We are motivated by our mission – to eliminate the back row in education – and connected by our shared passion to deliver world-class digital education at scale. As the parent company of edX, the world’s leading online learning platform, 2U powers more than 4,000 online higher education offerings – from free courses to full degrees. Together with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporate partners, we are helping to unlock human potential.

What We’re Looking For:

2U/edX’s global strategic partnerships team is responsible for building a partner ecosystem to deliver best in class learning experiences to clients, and consumers. You will be responsible for building deep relationships with our strategic partners to drive partnership priorities and revenue growth.

We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Director, Strategic Partnerships to lead account management for one of our most important strategic accounts. In this role, you will serve as the primary point of contact, building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, driving growth, and ensuring exceptional client satisfaction. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, leadership, and hands-on execution to deliver value to the client and achieve company objectives.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and will work closely across products and departments across the 2U/edX organisation.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Account and Program Leadership

• Act as the single point of accountability for managing and growing the assigned strategic account.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive account strategy aligned with client goals and company objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and influencers at all levels within the client organization.
• Lead internal matrix teams to ensure accountability to objectives and the overall partnership.

Client Relationship Management

• Proactively engage with the client to understand their business challenges, goals, and opportunities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, providing strategic insights and solutions tailored to the client’s needs.
• Manage regular communication, including meetings, status updates, and performance reviews.

Revenue Growth & Business Development

• Identify and capitalize on opportunities to expand the relationship through cross-selling, upselling, and introducing new solutions.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop proposals and deliver compelling presentations that meet client objectives.
• Meet or exceed revenue, profitability, and growth targets for the account.

Account Operations & Performance Management

• Monitor and manage the delivery of services, ensuring alignment with client expectations and contractual commitments.
• Address and resolve any issues or escalations promptly and effectively.
• Track and report on account performance metrics, ensuring transparency and alignment with the client.

Collaboration & Internal Coordination

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including product, marketing, operations, and finance, to deliver a seamless client experience.
• Advocate for the client’s needs within the organization and ensure internal stakeholders are aligned on account priorities.
• Provide input on product development and innovation based on client feedback and market trends.

Market Insights & Strategy

• Stay informed about industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging opportunities relevant to the client.
• Provide strategic recommendations to both the client and internal teams based on data-driven insights.

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in strategic account management, business development, or client-facing roles.
• Proven track record of managing and growing high-value client relationships.
• Experience working in Education Technology
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence at all levels.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and analytical skills.
• Client-centric mindset with a passion for delivering value and innovation.
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

While this position is open to remote candidates across the U.S., we will prioritize those who live in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area and who are available to come into our Headquarters in Arlington, VA two days a week.

Benefits & Culture

Our global employee base is a diverse collection of innovators, dreamers, and doers working together to transform lives through higher education. We believe that every employee can advance our shared purpose, and that life at 2U should be fun and meaningful. If you’re excited by the opportunity to provide over 40 million learners and counting with access to world-class online higher education, then join us – and do work that makes a difference. #NoBackRow

We offer comprehensive benefits (unique per country) and excellent work/life balance.
Full-time, U.S.benefits include: 

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance, disability, and 401(k) employer match
• Free snacks and drinks in-office
• Generous paid holidays and leave policies, including unlimited PTO
• Additional time off benefits include: volunteer days, parental leave, and a company-wide winter break

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $90,000 - $110,000, with potential bonus eligibility.  Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, budget for the position and cost of labor in the market in which the candidate will be hired.

2U Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At 2U, we are committed to building and sustaining a culture of belonging, respect, and inclusion. We are proud of the steps we’ve taken to bring together an employee base that embodies diverse walks of life, ideas, genders, ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, abilities and other unique qualities. We strive to offer a workplace where every employee feels empowered by what makes us different, as well as by how we are alike. 

2U is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during our recruitment process. If you need assistance or accommodations, please reach out to us at: recruitingaccommodations@2u.com. 

About 2U LLC

For more than a decade, 2U, Inc. has been the digital transformation partner of choice to great non-profit colleges and universities delivering high-quality online education at scale. As the parent company of edX, a leading global online learning platform, 2U provides over 45 million learners with access to world-class education in partnership with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporations. Our people and technology are powering more than 4,000 digital education offerings — from free courses to full degrees — and helping unlock human potential. To learn more: visit 2U.com.

About edX

edX is the education movement for restless learners and a leading global online learning platform from 2U, LLC. Together with the majority of the world’s top-ranked universities and industry-leading companies, we bring our community of over 45 million learners world-class education to support them at every stage of their lives and careers, from free courses to full degrees. And we're not stopping there — we're relentlessly pursuing our vision of a world where every learner can access education to unlock their potential, without the barriers of cost or location. Learn more at edX.org.

Learn more at https://2u.com/careers/
#NoBackRow

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

2U is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants or employees and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, military or veterans’ status, or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. 2U’s equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, job benefits and pay.