Partner Marketing Lead

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 Partner Marketing team is responsible for driving marketing value, adoption and growth across a suite of universities and programs. They are a key external and internal marketing stakeholder, laser focused on developing and leveraging effective marketing-forward school partnerships that support, nurture and grow partner marketing engagement to drive impact in the overall business. Reporting to a Senior Director/Director, Partner Marketing, this role builds and leverages effective relationship management to drive marketing strategy and partner engagement. They are accountable for the external relationships for multiple programs and universities, across all business lines, and goaled towards effective partner engagement that directly results in business growth and success. Partner Marketing is responsible for overall program performance of their portfolio through the active engagement with both internal and external stakeholders to drive focused and effective marketing strategies that deliver business results.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Partner Management

• Establishes and upholds productive marketing relationships between 2U marketing and partner institutions within an assigned portfolio of standard complexity. 


• Determines and executes appropriate cadenced communication plan with school stakeholders to ensure effective and efficient brand stewardship that supports the program’s strategic marketing strategy.  


• Engages as a trusted advisor and brand steward with, and for, the partner, leading proactive and productive partner discussions to align objectives, drive growth strategies and create successful outcomes.


• Manages direct, scoped and regular contact with partners to ensure progress against marketing strategies, performance and growth objectives


• Secures partner and/or internal approvals on new projects/initiatives, navigates partner and business requests and feedback, create and manages jira tickets, collaborates on creatives briefs, logs call, meeting and incident reports


• Provides partner with regular performance feedback and reporting


• Goaled with improving/maintaining partner sentiment and increasing go-to-market speed with partner review to support achievement of established business goals

Funnel Management

• Drives marketing narrative with partners and internal stakeholders to support achievement of university and 2U business goals


• Responsible to monitor and track partner funnel and accountable for funnel performance


• Proactively engages internal teams and escalates appropriately to address performance and partner concerns as appropriate against 2U business goals


• Ensures strategic and creative deliverables are aligned with partner brand, strategy and business goals


• Proactively engage with Marketing Strategy to uncover opportunities, trends and insights by vertical to grow and strengthen strategic marketing approach

Internal Partnership

• Works closely and autonomously with each program’s General Manager/Program Management/Director within their portfolio to ensure proper alignment and execution of marketing strategies and program objectives.


• Attend and participate in appropriately cadenced internal meetings (PLTs, etc) and strategy planning


• Secures approvals on new projects/initiatives, navigates partner and business requests and feedback, create and manages jira tickets, collaborates on creatives briefs, logs call, meeting and incident reports


• Maintains and keeps current partner specific “playbook” to document and support continuity of historical context, institutional knowledge and partner relationship nuance.


• Collaborates with internal teams to provide necessary context and insight to drive marketing performance strategy


• Proactively and independently identifies and nurtures growth opportunities with partners and internal stakeholders that advance partner relationship and marketing effectiveness to improve program performance

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• 3-5 years as a Account Manager, Marketing Manager, Communications Specialist, Strategist or similar job function, either in agency, educational, digital marketing or corporate setting


• Bachelor's degree required, MBA or similar a plus


• Client facing agency experience highly preferred

Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role:

• Experience in driving marketing strategy from concept to execution


• Skilled at using data to develop marketing brief and project plan to impact business results


• Skilled at communicating to and influencing internal and external stakeholders


• Experience across a variety of digital marketing tactics


• Background in data fluency, with drive to develop mastery within 2U’s specific business model


• Exposure or interest in lead generation/acquisition marketing a plus


• Solid verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams


• Must be highly organized and have great attention to detail


• Ability to maintain a fun, casual, professional and productive team atmosphere


• Ability to work with diverse teams in a fast-paced environment


• Enthusiasm and the ability to adapt and thrive in an atmosphere of constant change

Working Conditions: 

This role works South African hours from 8am - 5pm SAST.

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.