Manager Financial Planning & Analysis, Special Projects

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:

Summary of Job:

The Finance team at 2U provides strategic financial leadership and analytical support to cross-functional partners across our organization. Our goal is to help maximize the financial performance and operational effectiveness of each department in support of 2U’s mission to expand access to high-quality education. Whether it’s evaluating new initiatives, modeling complex scenarios, or driving process improvement, this role will play a critical role in informing decision-making across the company.

As the Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis – Strategic Projects, you will lead key financial initiatives that span business units, with a strong focus on project-based work that impacts both short-term execution and long-term strategy. You may oversee one or more financial analysts and collaborate across functions to support initiatives such as operational efficiencies, academic product launches, business case development, and cost optimization.

This role requires a balance of deep financial expertise, analytical rigor, and strong cross-functional project management skills. You will work closely with senior finance leaders, department heads, and business stakeholders to develop insights that drive strategy, improve forecasting, and ensure our resources are aligned to our mission.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

FP&A and Strategic Projects 

• Lead and manage, non-routine, strategic financial projects across departments that require financial modeling, scenario planning, and business case development for new or evolving initiatives
• Analyze data sets and reports to present clear, actionable recommendations to senior leadership
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to scope initiatives, define success criteria, and track milestone
• Evaluate performance and adhere to metrics that support long-term planning, resource allocation, and program sustainability
• Ensure that the various reporting systems (Workday, AP) and source data (financial models) are accurate and reconciled
• Continuously enhance financial planning processes and tools to improve agility, accuracy, and visibility
• Special projects across FP&A as assigned

People Management 

• Manage and support the development of 1+ direct reports (Financial Analysts or Senior Financial Analysts)
• Set clear goals, provide coaching and performance feedback, and create growth opportunities
• Promote analytical excellence, strong communication, and structured thinking across your team

Stakeholder Management 

• Maintain strong cross-functional and trust-based relationships with other 2U business units
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders to increase efficiency, support strategic priorities, and ensure strong alignment between finance and the broader organization

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Finance, Accounting or Economics strongly preferred
• 3 - 5 years of experience directly related to the responsibilities required of the position
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic projects or cross-functional initiatives and cultivating and maintaining strong relationships across multiple levels of the organization
• Advanced knowledge and ability with Excel, financial modeling skills; experience with Workday Adaptive Planning, or similar tools
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence without authority

Other Attributes That Will Help You in This Role:

• Analytical thinker with excellent attention to detail
• Self-motivated and able to thrive in a fast paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for improvement and make constructive suggestions for change
• Enthusiasm and the ability to thrive in an environment of constant change

Working Conditions:

• Standard 8-hour workday required with additional hours as needed
• Minimal travel may be required as needed

Physical Requirements:

• The position requires prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.

Management Responsibilities: 

• Financial Analyst
• Senior Financial Analyst

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 over 40 million learners and counting with access to world-class online higher education, then join us – and do work that makes a difference. #NoBackRow

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 ($115,100 - $138,100), 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 LLC

For more than a decade, 2U, Inc. has been the digital transformation partner of choice to great non-profit colleges and universities delivering high-quality online education at scale. As the parent company of edX, a leading global online learning platform, 2U provides over 45 million learners with access to world-class education in partnership with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporations. Our people and technology are powering more than 4,000 digital education offerings — from free courses to full degrees — and helping unlock human potential. To learn more: visit 2U.com.

About edX

edX is the education movement for restless learners and a leading global online learning platform from 2U, LLC. Together with the majority of the world’s top-ranked universities and industry-leading companies, we bring our community of over 45 million learners world-class education to support them at every stage of their lives and careers, from free courses to full degrees. And we're not stopping there — we're relentlessly pursuing our vision of a world where every learner can access education to unlock their potential, without the barriers of cost or location. Learn more at edX.org.

Learn more at https://2u.com/careers/
#NoBackRow

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.