Principal Learning Strategist

2U; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 120 000 - 150 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online education provider is seeking a Principal Learning Strategist to shape strategic learning initiatives. The role involves defining innovative learning frameworks, leading product development, and driving data-informed strategies. The ideal candidate has an advanced degree in Education and extensive expertise in pedagogy and learning design. This position offers a collaborative environment committed to educational equity and innovation.

Benefits

Subsidised medical aid

Generous leave policy

EAP benefits

Complimentary courses

Qualifications

• Mastery in learning design and strategic program development.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong proficiency in research and data-driven decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead transformative learning frameworks.
• Spearhead design of high ROI learning products.
• Provide insights for data-driven strategic program design.
• Advise on integration of pedagogical strategies across teams.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Pedagogy expertise

Learning design

Collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Advanced degree in Adult Education or Educational Technology

Tools

LMS platforms (e.g., Canvas, edX)

Emerging technologies (e.g., AI, VR)

Job description

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 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.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• 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.

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• 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.

Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role Working Conditions

Occasional travel may be required for cross‑functional collaboration or external partnerships.

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform typical office functions, including prolonged periods of working at a computer.

Management Responsibilities

No direct reports.

Benefits & Culture

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: [e-mail].

About 2U LLC

For more than a decade, 2U, 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. 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.

Equal Opportunity & Employment Equity

2U is an equal‑opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants or employees and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of 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.

2U is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from South African citizens who are members of designated groups who may contribute to Employment Equity within the workplace and the further diversification of ideas. In this regard, the relevant laws and principles associated with Employment Equity will be considered when appointing potential candidates. We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. 2U requires that you submit a copy of either your identity document or your passport and any applicable work permit if you are a foreign national, along with an updated curriculum vitae.