Sr. Manager Partner Referral

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 Sr Manager of Partner Referral is a strategic leader responsible for managing a high-impact marketing channel that supports hundreds of partners and domain strategies, driving over $40M+ in annual revenue across all our products and web assets. This role owns the full partner referral channel, delivering on revenue targets through innovative strategies, strong relationship management, and performance optimization.

Partner referral is a critical business channel where our network of partners generates traffic and leads to our shared products via their web assets. The Sr Manager will collaborate closely with partners to maximize their contribution to the business while ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals. This role requires strategic vision, tactical execution, and the ability to communicate performance and recommendations effectively to both partners and internal stakeholders.

The Sr Manager will also influence channel resourcing and budgeting while leading a small team responsible for the day-to-day execution and performance monitoring of the program. This is an opportunity to shape a growing channel with a direct impact on business success.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Set and Execute the Strategic Vision for the Partner Referral Channel: 
  • Set and communicate a long-term vision for the partner referral program in alignment with organizational goals.
  • Oversee a roadmap for achieving channel growth, optimizing visibility, traffic, and lead generation through partner sites.
  • Drive accountability for delivering on channel revenue targets, ensuring sustained performance and growth.
• Relationship Management and Partner Enablement:
  • Manage relationships with a diverse network of partners, building trust and alignment on shared objectives.
  • Act as a strategic advisor to partners, offering actionable recommendations to optimize their websites and content for mutual success.
  • Work closely with key partners whose contributions are foundational to the business, ensuring their sustained engagement and success.
• Strategic Oversight of Channel Performance and Reporting:
  • Monitor, analyze, and report on channel performance, including traffic, lead generation, and revenue against targets.
  • Provide clear performance insights and recommendations to partners and internal stakeholders, driving transparency and informed decision-making.
  • Use data-driven insights to continuously refine strategies and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Design and Execute Scalable Channel Strategies and Tactics:
  • Develop and implement co-marketing strategies, content optimization plans, and performance improvement initiatives.
  • Leverage innovative solutions to drive incremental growth across hundreds of partner web assets.
• Lead and Influence Resources to Achieve Channel Goals:
  • Manage and mentor a small team focused on channel operations, analytics, and partner engagement.
  • Influence resource allocation and budget planning to meet the strategic needs of the channel.
  • Collaborate across internal teams to secure support and alignment on channel initiatives.

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in partnership marketing, digital marketing, or channel management (5+ years with demonstrated leadership experience).
• Demonstrated success in managing a large-scale channel or partner program, with direct accountability for delivering on revenue targets.
• Proven ability to build and manage strong, collaborative relationships with external partners and internal stakeholders.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills, with experience using Google Analytics and other performance measurement tools.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and execution capabilities, with a focus on delivering measurable business results.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience influencing resource allocation and managing budgets to achieve strategic objectives.
• Familiarity with affiliate marketing and co-marketing strategies (preferred).
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage a large partner network and multiple projects effectively.

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 ($115,000 -$130,000), 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.