Portfolio General Manager

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 Portfolio General Manager (PGM) will provide leadership and strategic direction to ensure the success of a portfolio of university partners that operate across all 2U products, but with a US and Degree focus. They will manage a team of General Managers, who will be responsible for all aspects of partner and program management, including direction of internal teams across Ops, Marketing and Finance.

In addition, the PGM will play a key leadership role within our Partnerships teams, and by extension the wider 2U business, acting as a real time “market facing” feedback loop into our strategy and operations, while being a key carrier and driver of the strategy, directly to partners, and through their team of GMs.  

The desired candidate must have an entrepreneurial and commercially minded approach to building and sustaining effective partnerships and business strategies and operations.

Key Role and Responsibilities: 

Core Functional Leadership - Strategic Portfolio Management 

• Manage the team of General Managers and University partner relationships, ensuring we have the right relationships in place with senior administration to foster program growth and expansion within the university.
• Effectively build and manage all strategic relationships with a portfolio of University partners - primarily but not exclusively at the Provost and Dean level - and in concert with their team of GMs, who own the day-to-day management on campus.  Act as the strategic owner of the relationship for 2U - with a focus on shaping the future of the partnership, including market responsiveness, business model evolution, service delivery, program enhancement and/or expansion, and related new business opportunities.
• Lead the management of performance (including revenue and product contribution) of 2U operations related to the Partners within the portfolio, and related goals around partner satisfaction, renewal, and growth. In addition, build and leverage relationships across all internal functional areas to maximize results for programs within the portfolio. Measure the performance of the P&L of 2U operations related to the programs within the portfolio, company goals, and establish targets for improvement. In addition, build and leverage relationships across all internal functional areas to maximize results for programs within the portfolio.
• Partner with peer PGM’s, Partnership Leadership team and the University Services team to create consistent practices and approaches across all our partners and products.
• Oversee implementation of strategic plans across the portfolio, including business model, marketing/sales, support services, and content development.

Internal Leadership 

• Member of Partnership Leadership team - setting long-term strategy and annual goals, reviewing business performance, and building and executing on operating plans 
• Collaboration and leadership with key leaders across Ops, Marketing, Tech, and Finance, in support of business and portfolio strategy and partner delivery and satisfaction. 
• Strategic and growth leadership with key stakeholders across Partnerships, including Portfolio Strategy & Product Marketing, University Growth, Business Development, and Partner Operations, and Partnerships Chief of Staff. 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree preferable
• Minimum of 15+ years of experience managing external clients/partners and leading large scale internal operations

Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role:

• Deep experience and understanding of higher education and EdTech, paired with excellent commercial awareness and a desire to shape what’s next in a dynamic and fast-moving space. 
• The desired candidate must have an entrepreneurial approach to building and sustaining effective partnerships and business operations.
• Record of success in building and sustaining effective partnerships with executive level professionals (Dean or Provost in collegiate environment).
• Demonstrated ability to lead people and get results through others.  Proven success in a matrix management environment.
• Confident decision making abilities.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Enthusiasm and the ability to thrive in an atmosphere of constant change.
• Ability to work and contribute in a team environment.

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, 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 ($215,000 - $228,000), 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

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.