Graphic Designer

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 passionate and motivated Graphic Designer to join our growing creative team. The Graphic Designer is responsible for conceptualizing and designing creative collateral for 2U's portfolio of products and associated brands, spanning diverse digital platforms. This position sits on the design team within the Creative Marketing Group.

The Creative Marketing Group is a full-service in-house agency supporting all marketing efforts across the 2U and edX portfolios of programs and products. As strategic partners with our marketing stakeholders, we seek collaborative solutions to elevate our creativity and drive our business.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

1. Hands-on Execution

• Execute the design of visually captivating and cohesive marketing assets, including brand identity style guides, websites, advertising materials, emails, social media/digital ads, and occasionally print layouts, for 2U's diverse product portfolio and associated brands.
• Ensure visual distinctiveness by actively exploring novel visual solutions that elevate 2U's product portfolio and associated brands.
• Establish and maintain consistent visual identities for 2U's product portfolio and associated brands, ensuring their impactful application across various channels.
• Analyze creative briefs and past performance data to deliver work that aligns with the needs of marketing stakeholders.
• Efficiently manage multiple project deadlines across various programs, ensuring timely delivery and completion of all tasks.
• Present work to stakeholders with persuasive rationales that effectively communicate the creative decisions made and align them with marketing strategies.
• Participate in productive conceptual brainstorming sessions to foster and inspire innovative ideas that drive the creative process forward.

2. Collaboration and Relationship Building

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with the team and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and mutual trust.
• Communicate concepts, ideas, training, and processes clearly and professionally to internal and external team stakeholders.
• Collaborate with UX/UI team members and front-end developers to generate forward-thinking solutions that push the boundaries of our web designs.
• Promote a positive, collaborative relationship between designers and writers.

3. Mentorship

• Act as a mentor for less experienced designers, providing guidance and support.
• Thoroughly review work to ensure conceptual alignment, style consistency, readability/scannability, hierarchy, and adherence to design principles and best practices. Offer strategic and constructive feedback to designers during work reviews and critiques, fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that supports their growth and development.
• Stay informed of industry trends—and regularly share best practices, trends, and new technologies with the team.

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field is required.
• 3-5 years of industry relevant experience

Technical Skills:

• Expert-level skills in Adobe Creative Suite
• Proficiency in Figma
• Solid grasp of design principles, including composition, typography, and color theory
• Familiarity with digital production techniques, such as optimizing graphics for web and mobile platforms.
• Understanding of UX/UI design principles, including wireframing, prototyping, and creating intuitive user interfaces that enhance usability and user engagement.
• Proficiency in developing and maintaining visual brand identities, adhering to style guidelines, and consistently applying brand elements across different marketing materials.
• Proficiency in working with an industry-standard project management system to ensure efficient planning, organization, and execution of multimedia projects
• Proficiency in Google Office Suite for communication, documentation, and collaboration purposes.

Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role:

• Understanding of marketing strategies and stages of the marketing funnel
• Demonstrated breadth of experience and advanced design skills, showcased through a strong portfolio.
• Proven experience collaborating with writers, photographers, multimedia talent, and production artists, as evidenced in your portfolio.
• Confidently present creative concepts and executions to internal teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for conveying design concepts, providing feedback, and collaborating.
• Proven experience in creating and implementing brand guidelines across multiple channels.
• A keen eye for branding aesthetics and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong conceptual and problem-solving abilities.
• Future-focused and purpose-driven mindset.
• Ability to thrive under pressure, meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• Skilled in collaboration, actively seeking and incorporating feedback and direction.
• Excellent prioritization, multitasking, and organizational skills.
• High emotional intelligence (EQ) to navigate and collaborate effectively within a dynamic team and diverse stakeholder environment.

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, ZA benefits include: 

• 2 complimentary Getsmarter short courses per year
• Subsidised medical aid with Discovery Health Medical Scheme
• 4% 2U contribution towards Discovery Life Pension Fund and Group Risk Benefit
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous leave policy including time off to volunteer for non-profit organization, study leave, sports leave and a company-wide festive season break

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 Inc

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, Inc. 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. 

2U is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from South African citizens who are members of designated groups who may contribute to Employment Equity within the workplace and the further diversification of ideas. In this regard, the relevant laws and principles associated with Employment Equity will be considered when appointing potential candidates. We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. 2U requires that you submit a copy of either your identity document or your passport and any applicable work permit if you are a foreign national, along with an updated curriculum vitae.