Director Learning Strategy

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:

The Director of Learning Strategy leads the strategic development and enhancement of learning experiences across edX's extensive portfolio. Pioneering empirical research-based learning methods and integrating innovative design tools, this role transforms educational delivery on a global scale. The Director articulates and promotes the organization’s philosophy on learning experience and research on learning outcomes, serving as the primary voice of the company’s perspective on pedagogy in high-stakes business development and critical partnerships. This key thought leader advances the field of learning design by mentoring managers and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence across the organization.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Vision and Leadership : Provides visionary leadership by clearly articulating the department's strategic direction and ensuring alignment with broader company goals. Mentors and develops a team of high-level managers, fostering a culture of empowerment, innovation, and accountability.

• People Leadership : Supports a team of high-level individual contributors who liaise directly with university and enterprise partner faculty and leadership as well as allied business functions. Develops tools, rubrics, processes, and other operational supports for the work of direct reports and overall Strategy team.Innovation and Strategic

• Improvement : Encourages and fosters innovation within and across departments, supporting experimentation and the development of new ideas. Builds collaborative relationships with senior executives to promote and implement innovative ideas effectively. Utilizes systems thinking to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency across the company. Drives strategic initiatives that enhance learning design quality, operational efficiency, and product innovation.

• Collaboration with Functional Leaders : Engages in proactive communication with senior leaders to align strategies and operational practices. Establishes and monitors performance metrics to gauge success and drive continuous improvement.

• Program Strategy :  Lead discussions with senior-level university stakeholders during contract phase to drive key decisions on critical program details, ensuring successful staging of implementation and optimal program performance against best practices.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Proven ability to inspire and lead teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Strong understanding of learning design principles and the ability to apply these to create impactful learning experiences.

• Exceptional communication skills, adept at message tailoring to inspire teams and stakeholders.

• Strategic thinker with a robust analytical skill set, able to anticipate market trends and operational needs.

• Deep knowledge of operational and financial aspects of business, with a proven track record of successful budget management and resource allocation.

• Ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years in leadership roles within educational design, strategy, or a related field.

• Extensive experience in managing large teams and complex projects with a significant impact on organizational direction.

• Strong lateral thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.

• A solid track record of innovation and thought leadership in the education sector.

Strong candidates will have a demonstrated record of success working in uncertain environments. The role requires a solutions-oriented approach in a fast-paced environment, as well as a forward-looking focus on improving systemic issues. Successful candidates will be required to understand complex and shifting processes and organisational structures, and function effectively within them. 

Success skills will include: Coaching, mentorship, and leadership skills associated with leading managers of others; operational and vision-translating leadership skills applied to the work of setting out new tools to accomp