Director Learning Strategy

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:

The Director of Learning Strategy leads the strategic development and enhancement of learning experiences across edX's extensive portfolio. Pioneering empirical research-based learning methods and integrating innovative design tools, this role transforms educational delivery on a global scale. The Director articulates and promotes the organization’s philosophy on learning experience and research on learning outcomes, serving as the primary voice of the company’s perspective on pedagogy in high-stakes business development and critical partnerships. This key thought leader advances the field of learning design by mentoring managers and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence across the organization.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Vision and Leadership : Provides visionary leadership by clearly articulating the department's strategic direction and ensuring alignment with broader company goals. Mentors and develops a team of high-level managers, fostering a culture of empowerment, innovation, and accountability.

• People Leadership : Supports a team of high-level individual contributors who liaise directly with university and enterprise partner faculty and leadership as well as allied business functions. Develops tools, rubrics, processes, and other operational supports for the work of direct reports and overall Strategy team.Innovation and Strategic

• Improvement : Encourages and fosters innovation within and across departments, supporting experimentation and the development of new ideas. Builds collaborative relationships with senior executives to promote and implement innovative ideas effectively. Utilizes systems thinking to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency across the company. Drives strategic initiatives that enhance learning design quality, operational efficiency, and product innovation.

• Collaboration with Functional Leaders : Engages in proactive communication with senior leaders to align strategies and operational practices. Establishes and monitors performance metrics to gauge success and drive continuous improvement.

• Program Strategy :  Lead discussions with senior-level university stakeholders during contract phase to drive key decisions on critical program details, ensuring successful staging of implementation and optimal program performance against best practices.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Proven ability to inspire and lead teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Strong understanding of learning design principles and the ability to apply these to create impactful learning experiences.

• Exceptional communication skills, adept at message tailoring to inspire teams and stakeholders.

• Strategic thinker with a robust analytical skill set, able to anticipate market trends and operational needs.

• Deep knowledge of operational and financial aspects of business, with a proven track record of successful budget management and resource allocation.

• Ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years in leadership roles within educational design, strategy, or a related field.

• Extensive experience in managing large teams and complex projects with a significant impact on organizational direction.

• Strong lateral thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.

• A solid track record of innovation and thought leadership in the education sector.

Strong candidates will have a demonstrated record of success working in uncertain environments. The role requires a solutions-oriented approach in a fast-paced environment, as well as a forward-looking focus on improving systemic issues. Successful candidates will be required to understand complex and shifting processes and organisational structures, and function effectively within them. 

Success skills will include: Coaching, mentorship, and leadership skills associated with leading managers of others; operational and vision-translating leadership skills applied to the work of setting out new tools to accomplish work, communicate value, and drive efficiency; comfort with ambiguity and advocacy.

Working Conditions:

• International travel may be required, sometimes at short notice.

• Teamwork is critical to achieving success in this role. You will need to establish strong relationships with leaders across the business.

• Working with global universities requires world-class standards. Learning design approaches need to be evidence-based and rooted in research to impress faculty and school leadership. 

• Online education is an emergent, rapidly-changing field. It’s imperative that this leader has an informed view of online education trends, which involves becoming immersed in reading, publishing, thinking and dreaming all things online education.

Management Responsibilities:

This position will oversee: 

• Senior and Lead Learning Strategists

• Related staff, as needed

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 ($120,000- $150,000) 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.