Research Analyst/Strategist

2U; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to transforming lives through education. As a Senior Manager of Content Strategy, you will lead the development of innovative content portfolios that meet the evolving needs of learners and industries. This role combines strategic analysis and operational execution, allowing you to make impactful decisions that align with the company’s mission. Collaborate with diverse partners to create high-quality educational offerings and contribute to a culture of inclusion and respect. If you are passionate about education and ready to make a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Complimentary Getsmarter short courses

Subsidised medical aid

Pension fund contribution

Employee Assistance Program

Generous leave policy

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• 6+ years in Business Strategy or EdTech roles.
• Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.
• Experience managing stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop content strategies aligned with market demands.
• Conduct market analysis to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage partnerships to enhance content offerings.

Skills

Business Strategy

EdTech

Product Marketing

Learning & Development

Analytical Skills

Stakeholder Relationship Management

Communication Skills

Presentation Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Ph.D.

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 Senior Manager of Content Strategy will drive the development and optimization of a market-relevant, career-focused content portfolio. Owning key initiatives, including the evaluation of content opportunities, shaping market-informed strategies, and engaging directly with partners to deliver high-quality offerings that meet evolving learner and industry demands. This role combines strategic thinking, market analysis, and operational execution, empowering you to make impactful decisions independently while contributing to the company’s overarching goals.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Pipeline and Content Opportunity Development

• Identify and cultivate high-impact content opportunities that align with market demand and organizational objectives.
• Evaluate potential content initiatives by assessing their market viability, learner relevance, and strategic fit.
• Engage with current and prospective partners to position initiatives for long-term success.

Market Analysis and Insights

• Conduct in-depth research to identify emerging trends, skill gaps, and growth opportunities.
• Synthesize data from learner insights, industry developments, and competitor benchmarks to inform strategy.
• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations that shape and future-proof the content portfolio.

Partner Portfolio Strategy

• Manage and optimize the content portfolio to ensure it reflects current market needs and learner expectations.
• Assess and prioritize partnership opportunities, aligning them with strategic goals and business priorities.
• Provide partners with strategic guidance and insights to enhance their offerings and maximize impact.
• Design and implement strategies to refresh and expand the portfolio, maintaining relevance and competitiveness.
• Track performance metrics and drive continuous improvement across the portfolio.

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• A Bachelor's degree is required; candidates with a Master's or Ph.D. degree will be considered favorably.
• Approximately 6 years or more working experience in Business Strategy, EdTech, Product Marketing and/or Learning & Development role.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to connect insights from data and craft a compelling narrative.
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proven experience in stakeholder relationship management.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, work under pressure, and thrive in a flexible, independent work environment.

Working Conditions

Overtime is not a requirement of the job but flexibility is required to accommodate US, UK and South African time zones.

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, 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, 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, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU). 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.