General Manager, Senior Director – University Partnerships

We’re seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and strategic leader to serve as the General Manager, Senior Director responsible for a portfolio of 2U’s key university partnerships. This role is responsible for the overall ownership, growth, and success of 2U’s partnerships.

The ideal candidate will bring exceptional relationship-building skills, deep business acumen, and a proven ability to drive revenue growth and business results across multiple dimensions.

Key accountability areas include managing partner contracts, driving strong partner sentiment, and ensuring the retention, growth, and health of a degree portfolio. This leader will play a critical role in aligning internal and external stakeholders, identifying new opportunities, and fostering a collaborative, results-driven partnership. This role is 100% remote.

Partner Sentiment

Key Drivers: Strategic Relationship Management, Executive Stakeholder Engagement, Proactive Communication & Resolution, Risk Mitigation

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for partners, building deep, trusted partnerships with Dean/Provost-level and other senior leaders.
• Act as the escalation point for complex issues, ensuring timely resolution and maintaining a high level of partner satisfaction.
• Maintain awareness of partner sentiment through regular check-ins, feedback loops, and proactive communication, driving continuous improvement.
• Understand and address partner concerns swiftly to preserve long-term collaboration and satisfaction.

Portfolio Management & Contracting

Key Drivers: Revenue, Strategic Portfolio Management, Lifecycle & Compliance Management, Risk Mitigation & Governance, Negotiating

• Strategically manage the health and performance of the partner’s portfolio, with a focus on growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
• Regularly review portfolio metrics and performance data to drive improvements and inform strategic decisions.
• Align product offerings with partner strengths and market demand to optimize enrollment and academic quality.
• Own the strategic development, review, and negotiation of partner contracts to ensure alignment with 2U’s business objectives and the partner’s goals.
• Ensure adherence to contractual obligations and manage renewals, amendments, and expansions to support long-term partnership viability.
• Mitigate risk by maintaining oversight of compliance and identifying potential contractual challenges early.

Deliver Program Enhancement Strategies

Key Drivers: Strategic Planning & Execution, Revenue Enablement

• • Design, implement, and continuously evolve strategies in close collaboration with university stakeholders to unlock sustainable program and revenue growth.
  • Lead cross-functional planning efforts, ensuring seamless alignment between program enhancement strategies, partner goals, and internal operational priorities.
  • Stay ahead of educational trends and competitive dynamics to inform strategic pivots, enabling the timely adaptation of enhancement strategies to meet evolving market demands.
  • Champion and support the execution of strategic revenue-driving initiatives, ensuring internal teams are equipped to land and scale impactful strategies.
  • Focus execution on measurable outcomes that enhance the value delivered to partners, supporting long-term institutional success.

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• A Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures
• 5-7 years’ experience managing external clients/partners and leading large-scale internal operations
• A record of success with an entrepreneurial approach to building and sustaining effective partnerships and business operations in both dynamic matrix environments and established environments

Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role:

• Confident decision-making abilities and an ability to lead people in order to get results
• Proven success in a matrix management environment
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to work and contribute in a team environment
• Enthusiasm and the ability to thrive in an atmosphere of constant change
• Professional development experience, an eye for internal talent
• Finance acumen (budgets, financial models, etc.)
• Ability to work with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment
• Focused on achieving defined results, and exceeding goals and objectives
• Excellent relationship management skills, preferably with Sr. level external stakeholders
• Strong attention to detail, adherence to deadlines, and excellent follow-through
• Ability to think critically and identify potential issues before they arise
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills required
• Excellent listener balanced with the ability to challenge colleagues constructively and stimulate the thinking of others