VP, Academic Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
About the role
What We're Looking For:
The VP, Academic Innovation and Strategic Partnerships will serve as a visionary academic lead and a primary driver of cross-product innovation across the 2U Degree and Alternative Credentials business lines. They will lead senior level academic relationships in the edX LOB. This is a senior leadership role with primary responsibility for bridging the gap between edX business strategy and the academic mission of university partners. This role acts as a strategic partner to the VP, Senior General Manager and the broader edX Partner management team, providing senior-level support to cultivate deep institutional relationships. As the primary academic lead in Partnerships, this individual will drive cross-product innovation across Executive Education (EE) and Degree business lines, ensuring that 2U's offerings remain at the forefront of digital education.
Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:
- Senior Academic Engagement & Relationship Leadership
- Executive University Relations: Build and sustain senior-level relationships with edX partners, engaging Provosts, Deans, and faculty to align institutional goals with the edX platform.
- University Partner Advisory Council Leadership: Lead and facilitate the University Partner Advisory Council for edX, serving as the primary voice for academic collaboration and feedback.
- Senior Support: Act as a high-level advisor and support for the VP, Snr General Manager and the broader edX Partner management team to resolve complex academic or strategic partnership challenges.
- Strategy Alignment: Work closely with the edX Director to ensure that business strategies are fully integrated with the strategic priorities of university partners.
- Academic Innovation & Cross-Product Strategy
- Academic Lead: Serve as the primary academic authority for the edX business line, working within the matrix org overseeing the integrity and innovation of educational offerings.
- Cross-Product Innovation: Drive innovation across EE and Degree business lines, identifying opportunities for cross-functional synergy and product evolution.
- Lead Partnerships Liaison: Act as the primary lead for the edX Director regarding partnership strategy and senior partner management.
- Business Development & Strategic Growth
- New Business Development: Assist in identifying and securing new business opportunities, leveraging academic expertise to build compelling value propositions for potential partners.
- Growth Strategy: Collaborate with the VP, Sr. General Manager to develop long-term growth plans that balance operational targets with academic excellence.
- Matrix Leadership: Coordinate with internal functional heads - including Curriculum & Learning Education, Operations and Tech - to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality, innovative academic content.
Things That Should Be In Your Background:
- Education: Master's degree required; Doctorate or equivalent academic leadership experience preferred.
- Experience: 15+ years of experience in Higher Education or EdTech, with a proven track record of managing complex university