Director, Strategic Partnerships

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:

2U/edX’s global strategic partnerships team is responsible for building a partner ecosystem to deliver best in class learning experiences to clients, and consumers. You will be responsible for building deep relationships with our strategic partners to drive partnership priorities and revenue growth.

We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Director, Strategic Partnerships to lead account management for one of our most important strategic accounts. In this role, you will serve as the primary point of contact, building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, driving growth, and ensuring exceptional client satisfaction. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, leadership, and hands-on execution to deliver value to the client and achieve company objectives.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and will work closely across products and departments across the 2U/edX organisation.

 

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Account and Program Leadership

• Act as the single point of accountability for managing and growing the assigned strategic account.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive account strategy aligned with client goals and company objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and influencers at all levels within the client organization.
• Lead internal matrix teams to ensure accountability to objectives and the overall partnership.

Client Relationship Management

• Proactively engage with the client to understand their business challenges, goals, and opportunities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, providing strategic insights and solutions tailored to the client’s needs.
• Manage regular communication, including meetings, status updates, and performance reviews.

Revenue Growth & Business Development

• Identify and capitalize on opportunities to expand the relationship through cross-selling, upselling, and introducing new solutions.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop proposals and deliver compelling presentations that meet client objectives.
• Meet or exceed revenue, profitability, and growth targets for the account.

Account Operations & Performance Management

• Monitor and manage the delivery of services, ensuring alignment with client expectations and contractual commitments.
• Address and resolve any issues or escalations promptly and effectively.
• Track and report on account performance metrics, ensuring transparency and alignment with the client.

Collaboration & Internal Coordination

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including product, marketing, operations, and finance, to deliver a seamless client experience.
• Advocate for the client’s needs within the organization and ensure internal stakeholders are aligned on account priorities.
• Provide input on product development and innovation based on client feedback and market trends.

Market Insights & Strategy

• Stay informed about industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging opportunities relevant to the client.
• Provide strategic recommendations to both the client and internal teams based on data-driven insights.

 

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in strategic account management, business development, or client-facing roles.
• Proven track record of managing and growing high-value client relationships.
• Experience working in Education Technology
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence at all levels.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and analytical skills.
• Client-centric mindset with a passion for delivering value and innovation.
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills wi