Program Director

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:

The Program Director drives portfolio health and service delivery enablement for their assigned program portfolio within our Alternative Credentials business and serves as the primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders in matters related to strategic operational initiatives. This is a partner-facing role that requires the ability to balance multiple projects, priorities, and details while cultivating a trusted relationship with the partner and internal stakeholders within Alternate Credential portfolios. The role drives delivery of partner portfolio strategies, with a focus on revenue generation, portfolio health and service delivery enablement. 

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Stakeholder Management

• Effectively build and own partner relationships at the Assistant Dean level and below, as well as other leadership at and across the partner organisations to ensure portfolio success and to drive strategic operational priorities.
• Effectively build and own internal relationships both above and below Director level.
• Effectively matrix-manage a cross-functional team to ensure portfolio success and drive strategic operational priorities.
• Collaborate closely with Partner Growth and Strategy, Partner Marketing, Legal, Finance, Marketing, Technology, and Operations teams to ensure alignment and success in delivery and planning.

Support Portfolio Growth and/or Overall Efficiency

• Manage internal and external stakeholders to implement the General Manager’s strategic vision for partner portfolio success.
• Enable delivery against post-sale pipeline targets through proactive planning and implementation support.
• Facilitate the implementation of pipeline growth objectives with partners where no General Manager or business development assignment exists.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and efficiency within partner portfolios.
• Think creatively and drive initiatives from inception to implementation.
• Effectively communicate all relevant information to various stakeholders within 2U and with partners.
• Understand complex programs, processes and organizational structures and be able to function effectively within them.

Process Development and Improvement

• Think critically and strategically about current processes, systems and relationships and identify possible issues before they become problematic.
• Influence the management and creation of workflow, processes and documentation between systems and groups.
• Promote scalability and alignment of best practices in recommended changes where possible.
• Drive enablement and collaborate with cross-functional teams in the New Course Development (NCD) process and maintenance process to support partner approvals and planning across both new launches and maintenance cycles.

Project Management

• Collaborate cross-functionally to design project scope, goals and deliverables that support business priorities– update and adapt to changes as needed.
• Set, continually manage and communicate project expectations within internal and external teams.
• Prioritize requests and escalate as appropriate to senior management.
• Proactively identify, troubleshoot, and communicate problem areas.
• Identify and implement recommendations as a result of lessons learned.

Reporting, Budgeting & Revenue/Invoice Reconciliation

• Perform data analysis and compilation for tracking and reporting purposes.
• Compile various reports, PPTs and other materials for reporting portfolio information to various stakeholders, with attention given to ensuring materials are reflective of the appropriate audience.
• Collaborate with Finance and Accounting teams to ensure on-time and accurate supply of partner revenue reports and revenue payments in accordance with contract stipulations.

Other

• Work cross-functionally in support of Partner Portfolio strategies to drive the implementation strategy for partner portfolios over a 12–18 month horizon to meet business requirements .
• Provide feedback to the business on partner strategy and implementation plans.
• Handle or delegate additional operational and administrative tasks as needed.

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• Bachelors degree required
• 6-8 years experience, with roles in operations, project, or program management
• Proven track record in creative problem-solving
• Finance acumen (budgets, financial models, etc.)
• Strong relationship management skills
• Strong project management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite (Slides, Sheets, Drive)

Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role:

• Strong relationship management skills
• Strong project management skills
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to operate independently with little to no direction
• Strong attention to detail while managing multiple priorities
• Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Ability to work with a diverse team
• Ability to achieve defined results
• Comfortable with ambiguity
• Ability to identify and effectively delegate projects/tasks that do not require director-level skill
• Advanced Beginner in Salesforce (or similar CRM system)

Working Conditions 

This role typically works 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM with breaks throughout the day; however, the role may require work outside of normal business hours depending on partner locations, from time to time. Occasional and rare travel may be needed. 

Physical Requirements

This role will primarily be sedentary using a computer, keyboard, and telephone to perform most duties. 

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, 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: [email protected]. 

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.