Chief of Staff, Partnerships Strategy & Operations

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 Chief of Staff (COS) Strategy & Ops is a highly critical senior leadership role combining strategic planning, project management, and process implementation across a fast-moving business. They will manage strategic projects and operational cadences in support of key business goals related to partner growth, service and satisfaction, in close collaboration with the CPO and other members of the leadership team. This role will be based in our HQ in Crystal City, VA and will require coming into the office at least 2 days a wee

Key responsibilities will include:

Strategic Projects and Planning

The COS will ensure the correct individuals across the org are engaged and that projects are appropriately prioritized and completed. They will also: 

• Partner with the CPO and other functional leaders to support key strategies and operational plans focused on partner growth, service and satisfaction
• Organize strategic planning meetings and operating rhythms across the organization. 
• Coordinate creation of strategic goals, metrics and related tracking
• Proactively identify strategic opportunities to add value, solve problems and address the needs of the business and propose and deliver tangible solutions 
• Provide support and oversight for special projects and initiatives.
• Support CPO on developing internal team cadences, processes and communication, as well other key processes across the organization  
• Generate regular reports and other communications to update executives, department teams, and other internal stakeholders on the progress towards our strategic goals

Meeting Management

• Help structure, prepare for and facilitate recurring meetings for the CPO, including weekly executive team meetings, regular senior leadership team meetings, progress meetings on strategic initiatives, etc. 
• Follow up on initiatives, projects or outstanding items that result from leadership team meetings or events.
• Partner with the CPO and other members of the leadership team to ensure proper reporting and operational dashboards are in place to track and measure progress 

Other

• Work alongside the CPO’s executive assistant and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure appropriate preparation occurs for meetings and events (and that all meetings are necessary and prioritized).

Things That Must Be in Your Background:

• A bachelor's degree (preferably) in Business, MBA highly preferred
• A minimum of of 10 years’ professional work experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership position
• Excellent verbal, written, analytical, organizational and motivational skills
• Experience in project management, communications, and change management
• Experience in development of executive-level briefing, presentations and analysis
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities and tasks concurrently in a fluid environment
• Ability to independently communicate and report initiative and project status to corporate executives
  

Other Attributes That Will Help You in This Role and at 2U:

• Strong work ethic with a “can do” positive attitude
• Strong “EQ” and intuition 
• Highly proactive
• Solid organizational skills with a laser-focused eye for detail
• Impeccable written and oral communication skills
• Poised demeanor when dealing with all stakeholders including CEO, executives, academic leaders, board members
• Flexible and able to multitask, switch priorities as needed within a collaborative environment
• A desire to remain and grow in this role over a number of years

Travel: as needed to support meetings/events

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 ($169,000 - $211,000), 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: [email protected]. 

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.