VP, General Manager

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:

We’re seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and strategic leader to serve as the VP/General Manager across a number of 2U's key partner portfolios within its Alternative Credentials Business. 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 (as measured by NPS), and ensuring the ongoing growth and health of alternate credential portfolios. This leader will play a critical role in aligning internal and external stakeholders, identifying new opportunities, and fostering a collaborative, results-driven partnership.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Partner Net Promoter Score

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.

Revenue and Pipeline Sales 

Own accountability for revenue growth and performance across alternate credential partner portfolios.

Monitor financial health and revenue-driving metrics across all partner portfolios to ensure consistent, sustainable growth.

Leverage data to identify opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and optimizing ROI.

Lead the identification, development, and closing of new product opportunities together with partner leadership. Work collaboratively with BD to drive net new partner opportunities.

Collaborate cross-functionally to support business development activities, ensuring alignment with market trends and partner goals.

Drive pipeline growth through strategic insight into competitive positioning and academic innovation.

Portfolio Management & Contracting 

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 Growth Lever Framework (GLF) Strategies 

Work with the overall Partnerships org and cross-functional teams to design, implement, and continuously evolve GLF strategies in close collaboration with university stakeholders to unlock sustainable program and revenue growth.

Lead cross-functional planning efforts, ensuring seamless alignment between GLF strategies, partner goals, and internal operational priorities.

Stay ahead of educational trends and competitive dynamics to inform strategic pivots, enabling the timely adaptation of GLF approaches 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 GLF programs.

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

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

Bachelor's degree required; Master’s preferred

Demonstrated expertise and capability to drive strategy and growth  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

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 $164,000 - $192,600, 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.