Principal Learning Strategist

2U • Crystal City, TX

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

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 Principal Learning Strategist is a highly specialized and business-critical role responsible for shaping the strategic vision and execution of 2U’s most innovative and impactful learning initiatives. This role requires unparalleled expertise in pedagogy, learning design, and strategic program development to influence and align cross-functional priorities.
This role serves as a thought leader, trusted advisor, and innovation driver across 2U’s product lines, leveraging advanced academic and professional expertise to craft scalable solutions that address institutional and learner needs. The Principal Learning Strategist will operate at the nexus of learning innovation and organizational strategy, ensuring that 2U remains at the forefront of next-generation education solutions.
Ideal candidates possess a combination of deep subject matter expertise, strategic acumen, and exceptional collaborative capabilities, making them indispensable in shaping the future of 2U’s learning ecosystem.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Adult Education, Educational Technology, or related fields OR 10+ years of equivalent, high-level professional experience.
• Demonstrated mastery in learning design, strategic program development, and pedagogical innovation.
• Proven ability to lead high-stakes, cross-functional initiatives with measurable organizational impact.
• Strong proficiency in research and analytics, with a track record of data-driven decision-making.
• Expertise in leveraging LMS platforms (e.g., Canvas, edX) and cutting-edge technologies (e.g., AI, VR).
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with a history of influencing senior leadership.
• Deep understanding of accessibility and inclusivity principles in learning design.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership in Learning Design
• Define and lead the implementation of transformative, scalable learning frameworks that set industry benchmarks for innovation and impact.
• Drive strategic decisions regarding pedagogy, program structure, and emergent technology integration, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and market demands.
• Serve as the organization’s foremost expert on learner-centered design, providing thought leadership that informs high-stakes organizational decisions.
• Partner with leadership to identify and address gaps in learning strategy, driving initiatives that maximize learner outcomes and institutional success.
• Product Development and Innovation
• Spearhead the design of high ROI products and pilot programs with a focus on scalability, market relevance, and workforce alignment.
• Pilot and refine experimental approaches to instructional design and emergent technologies, positioning 2U as a leader in the education technology space.
• Consult with internal and external partners to shape programmatic solutions that meet the needs of diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Data-Informed Strategy and Insights
• Harness advanced analytics and labor market intelligence to guide strategic program design and optimize portfolio decisions.
• Establish frameworks for data-driven decision-making across product lines, ensuring that initiatives are grounded in measurable outcomes.
• Provide critical insights and recommendations to leadership, enabling informed decision-making on investments, priorities, and innovations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Influence
• Operate as a key strategic advisor across business units, ensuring alignment between organizational priorities and learning design initiatives.
• Facilitate integration of cutting-edge pedagogical strategies into cross-functional workflows, acting as a bridge between innovation and implementation.
• Lead cross-functional teams in driving organizational transformation through collaborative, research-driven initiatives.
• Organizational Culture and Thought Leadership
• Cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, driving strategic alignment across teams and stakeholders.
• Serve as a public-facing thought leader, contributing white papers, research insights, advisory reports, and conference presentations to solidify 2U’s reputation as an industry leader.
• Mentor and coach colleagues across the organization, elevating overall expertise in pedagogy and learning strategy.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees