[Hiring] VP, Academic Innovation and Strategic Partnerships @2U

Role Description

The VP, Academic Innovation and Strategic Partnerships will serve as a visionary academic lead and a primary driver of cross-product innovation across the 2U Degree and Alternative Credentials business lines. They will lead senior level academic relationships in the edX LOB. This is a senior leadership role with primary responsibility for bridging the gap between edX business strategy and the academic mission of university partners. This role acts as a strategic partner to the VP, Senior General Manager and the broader edX Partner management team, providing senior-level support to cultivate deep institutional relationships. As the primary academic lead in Partnerships, this individual will drive cross-product innovation across Executive Education (EE) and Degree business lines, ensuring that 2U’s offerings remain at the forefront of digital education.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Senior Academic Engagement & Relationship Leadership
  • Executive University Relations: Build and sustain senior-level relationships with edX partners, engaging Provosts, Deans, and faculty to align institutional goals with the edX platform.
  • University Partner Advisory Council Leadership: Lead and facilitate the University Partner Advisory Council for edX, serving as the primary voice for academic collaboration and feedback.
  • Senior Support: Act as a high-level advisor and support for the VP, Snr General Manager and the broader edX Partner management team to resolve complex academic or strategic partnership challenges.
  • Strategy Alignment: Work closely with the edX Director to ensure that business strategies are fully integrated with the strategic priorities of university partners.
• Academic Innovation & Cross-Product Strategy
  • Academic Lead: Serve as the primary academic authority for the edX business line, working within the matrix org overseeing the integrity and innovation of educational offerings.
  • Cross-Product Innovation: Drive innovation across EE and Degree business lines, identifying opportunities for cross-functional synergy and product evolution.
  • Lead Partnerships Liaison: Act as the primary lead for the edX Director regarding partnership strategy and senior partner management.
• Business Development & Strategic Growth
  • New Business Development: Assist in identifying and securing new business opportunities, leveraging academic expertise to build compelling value propositions for potential partners.
  • Growth Strategy: Collaborate with the VP, Sr. General Manager to develop long-term growth plans that balance operational targets with academic excellence.
  • Matrix Leadership: Coordinate with internal functional heads - including Curriculum & Learning Education, Operations and Tech - to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality, innovative academic content.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required; Doctorate or equivalent academic leadership experience preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in Higher Education or EdTech, with a proven track record of managing complex university partnerships at an executive level.
• Deep understanding of academic governance, curriculum innovation, and the evolving digital education landscape.
• Demonstrated success in a matrixed environment, with the ability to influence senior internal and external stakeholders without direct authority.

Requirements

• Ability to synthesize market trends and academic needs into actionable business strategies.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate complex institutional hierarchies.
• Reflective and persuasive communication style suitable for engaging both academic and corporate executives.
• Excellent commercial acumen and strategic judgement, particularly within the EdTech or Higher Ed space.
• Strong financial acumen, including financial models.
• Confident decision-making and the ability to lead people to results.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and listening skills, with proven success in go to market roles.

Benefits

• 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 ($261,900 - 310,500), 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.