General Manager, Vice President

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:

We’re seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and strategic leader to serve as the VP/General Manager responsible for a portfolio of 2U’s key university partnerships. This role is responsible for the overall ownership, growth, and success of 2U’s partnerships. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional relationship-building skills, deep business acumen, and a proven ability to drive revenue growth and business results across multiple dimensions.

Key accountability areas include managing partner contracts, driving strong partner sentiment, and ensuring the retention, growth, and health of a degree portfolio. This leader will play a critical role in aligning internal and external stakeholders, identifying new opportunities, and fostering a collaborative, results-driven partnership.

Partner Sentiment

Key Drivers: Strategic Relationship Management, Executive Stakeholder Engagement, Proactive Communication & Resolution, Risk Mitigation

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for partners, building deep, trusted partnerships with Dean/Provost-level and other senior leaders.
• Act as the escalation point for complex issues, ensuring timely resolution and maintaining a high level of partner satisfaction.
• Maintain awareness of partner sentiment through regular check-ins, feedback loops, and proactive communication, driving continuous improvement.

Understand and address partner concerns swiftly to preserve long-term collaboration and satisfaction.

Portfolio Management & Contracting

Key Drivers: Revenue, Strategic Portfolio Management, Lifecycle & Compliance Management, Risk Mitigation & Governance, Negotiating

• Strategically manage the health and performance of the partner's portfolio, with a focus on growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
• Regularly review portfolio metrics and performance data to drive improvements and inform strategic decisions.

Align product offerings with partner strengths and market demand to optimize enrollment and academic quality.

• Own the strategic development, review, and negotiation of partner contracts to ensure alignment with 2U’s business objectives and the partner’s goals.
• Ensure adherence to contractual obligations and manage renewals, amendments, and expansions to support long-term partnership viability.

Mitigate risk by maintaining oversight of compliance and identifying potential contractual challenges early.

Deliver Program Enhancement Strategies

Key Drivers: Strategic Planning & Execution, Revenue Enablement

• Design, implement, and continuously evolve strategies in close collaboration with university stakeholders to unlock sustainable program and revenue growth.
• Lead cross-functional planning efforts, ensuring seamless alignment between program enhancement strategies, partner goals, and internal operational priorities.

Stay ahead of educational trends and competitive dynamics to inform strategic pivots, enabling the timely adaptation of enhancement strategies to meet evolving market demands.Champion and support the execution of strategic revenue-driving initiatives, ensuring internal teams are equipped to land and scale impactful strategies.

• Focus execution on measurable outcomes that enhance the value delivered to partners, supporting long-term institutional success.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in a variety of the field’s concepts, practices and procedures
• 7-10 years’ experience managing external clients/partners and leading large scale internal operations
• Record of success with entrepreneurial approach to building and sustaining effective partnerships and business operations in both dynamic matrix environment and established environment

Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role:

• Confident decision-making abilities and an ability to lead people in order to get results
• Proven success in a matrix management environment
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability work and contribute in a team environment
• Enthusiasm and the ability to thrive in an atmosphere of constant change
• Professional development experience, an eye for internal talent
• Finance acumen (budgets, financial models, etc.)
• Ability to work with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment
• Focused on achieving defined results, and exceeding goals and objectives
• Excellent relationship management skills, preferably with Sr. level external stakeholders
• Strong attention to detail, adherence to deadlines, and excellent follow through
• Ability to think critically and identify potential issues before they arise
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills required
• Excellent listener balanced with ability to challenge colleagues constructively and stimulate the thinking of others

Working Conditions 

If the job requires a person to work in special working conditions this should be stated in the job description. This can be working an abnormal work schedule, travel, etc. 

Physical Requirements

If the job is physically demanding, this should be stated in the job description.  Indicate any physical requirements of the job can be standing for extended periods of time, lifting heavy objects, or working for prolonged periods of time without breaks. 

Management Responsibilities

List by job title any positions to be supervised by this position. Indicate “No Direct Reports” if this position does not manage people. 

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 ($153,200 -$183,800) 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.