Principal Learning Strategist

At 2U, we are all in on purpose. We are motivated by our mission – to make learning limitless– and connected by our shared passion to deliver world-class higher education at scale. As the parent company of edX, a leading online learning platform, 2U powers thousands of  higher education offerings – from free courses to full degrees. Together with our college, university, and corporate partners, we are helping accelerate careers and transform lives. 

What We’re Looking For:

The Principal Learning Strategist is a highly specialized and business-critical role responsible for shaping the strategic vision and execution of 2U’s most innovative and impactful learning initiatives. This role requires unparalleled expertise in pedagogy, learning design, and strategic program development to influence and align cross-functional priorities.

This role serves as a thought leader, trusted advisor, and innovation driver across 2U’s product lines, leveraging advanced academic and professional expertise to craft scalable solutions that address institutional and learner needs. The Principal Learning Strategist will operate at the nexus of learning innovation and organizational strategy, ensuring that 2U remains at the forefront of next-generation education solutions.

Ideal candidates possess a combination of deep subject matter expertise, strategic acumen, and exceptional collaborative capabilities, making them indispensable in shaping the future of 2U’s learning ecosystem.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

1. Strategic Leadership in Learning Design

• Define and lead the implementation of transformative, scalable learning frameworks that set industry benchmarks for innovation and impact.
• Drive strategic decisions regarding pedagogy, program structure, and emergent technology integration, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and market demands.
• Serve as the organization’s foremost expert on learner-centered design, providing thought leadership that informs high-stakes organizational decisions.
• Partner with leadership to identify and address gaps in learning strategy, driving initiatives that maximize learner outcomes and institutional success.

2. Product Development and Innovation

• Spearhead the design of high ROI products and pilot programs with a focus on scalability, market relevance, and workforce alignment.
• Pilot and refine experimental approaches to instructional design and emergent technologies, positioning 2U as a leader in the education technology space.
• Consult with internal and external partners to shape programmatic solutions that meet the needs of diverse audiences and stakeholders.

3. Data-Informed Strategy and Insights

• Harness advanced analytics and labor market intelligence to guide strategic program design and optimize portfolio decisions.
• Establish frameworks for data-driven decision-making across product lines, ensuring that initiatives are grounded in measurable outcomes.
• Provide critical insights and recommendations to leadership, enabling informed decision-making on investments, priorities, and innovations.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Influence

• Operate as a key strategic advisor across business units, ensuring alignment between organizational priorities and learning design initiatives.
• Facilitate integration of cutting-edge pedagogical strategies into cross-functional workflows, acting as a bridge between innovation and implementation.
• Lead cross-functional teams in driving organizational transformation through collaborative, research-driven initiatives.

5. Organizational Culture and Thought Leadership

• Cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, driving strategic alignment across teams and stakeholders.
• Serve as a public-facing thought leader, contributing white papers, research insights, advisory reports, and conference presentations to solidify 2U’s reputation as an industry leader.
• Mentor and coach colleagues across the organization, elevating overall expertise in pedagogy and learning strategy.

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• Advanced degree in Adult Education, Educational Technology, or related fields OR 10+ years of equivalent, high-level professional experience.
• Demonstrated mastery in learning design, strategic program development, and pedagogical innovation.
• Proven ability to lead high-stakes, cross-functional initiatives with measurable organizational impact.
• Strong proficiency in research and analytics, with a track record of data-driven decision-making.
• Expertise in leveraging LMS platforms (e.g., Canvas, edX) and cutting-edge technologies (e.g., AI, VR).
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with a history of influencing senior leadership.
• Deep understanding of accessibility and inclusivity principles in learning design.

Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role Working Conditions

Occasional travel may be required for cross-functional collaboration or external partnerships.

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform typical office functions, including prolonged periods of working at a computer.

Management Responsibilities

No Direct Reports

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 millions of learners and counting with access to world-class higher education, then join us – and do work that makes a difference. 

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 ($111,100 -$125,900), 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

2U partners with the world's top universities and companies to develop and deliver education programs that accelerate careers and transform lives. Through partnerships with the world’s leading colleges, universities, and companies, 2U delivers thousands of online programs to millions of learners worldwide on edX, its global learning platform. From executive education and professional credentialing to master’s degree programs and free, open courses, 2U transforms how top institutions deliver workforce-aligned online education, enabling professionals to advance without pausing their careers. Learn more at 2U.com.

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.