Research Analyst/Strategist

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:

The Senior Manager of Content Strategy will drive the development and optimization of a market-relevant, career-focused content portfolio. Owning key initiatives, including the evaluation of content opportunities, shaping market-informed strategies, and engaging directly with partners to deliver high-quality offerings that meet evolving learner and industry demands. This role combines strategic thinking, market analysis, and operational execution, empowering you to make impactful decisions independently while contributing to the company’s overarching goals.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Pipeline and Content Opportunity Development

• Identify and cultivate high-impact content opportunities that align with market demand and organizational objectives.
• Evaluate potential content initiatives by assessing their market viability, learner relevance, and strategic fit.
• Engage with current and prospective partners to position initiatives for long-term success.

Market Analysis and Insights

• Conduct in-depth research to identify emerging trends, skill gaps, and growth opportunities.
• Synthesize data from learner insights, industry developments, and competitor benchmarks to inform strategy.
• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations that shape and future-proof the content portfolio.

Partner Portfolio Strategy

• Manage and optimize the content portfolio to ensure it reflects current market needs and learner expectations.
• Assess and prioritize partnership opportunities, aligning them with strategic goals and business priorities.
• Provide partners with strategic guidance and insights to enhance their offerings and maximize impact.
• Design and implement strategies to refresh and expand the portfolio, maintaining relevance and competitiveness.
• Track performance metrics and drive continuous improvement across the portfolio.

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• A Bachelor's degree is required; candidates with a Master's or Ph.D. degree will be considered favorably.
• Approximately 6 years or more working experience in Business Strategy, EdTech, Product Marketing and/or Learning & Development role.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to connect insights from data and craft a compelling narrative.
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proven experience in stakeholder relationship management.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, work under pressure, and thrive in a flexible, independent work environment.

Working Conditions

Overtime is not a requirement of the job but flexibility is required to accommodate US, UK and South African time zones.

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, 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: recruitingaccommodations@2u.com.