Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Director, Business and Legal Affairs
at 2U
🏢 About 2U
2U is a mission-driven edtech company that powers online education for over 230 universities, including edX, the world's leading online learning platform. Working here means contributing to the mission of eliminating the back row in education and scaling high-quality digital learning to millions of learners globally.
About This Role
As Senior Director of Business and Legal Affairs for Alternative Credentials, you will be the key legal advisor for 2U's fast-growing alt cred products, negotiating high-stakes partnerships and guiding product teams on legal and compliance matters. Your work will directly enable the expansion of non-degree offerings, helping 2U reach new learners and drive revenue growth.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve leading a negotiation call with a university partner, advising product managers on legal implications of a new course feature, and reviewing contract terms for a new alt credential program. You'll also collaborate with other legal team members and business stakeholders to ensure alignment on strategy and compliance.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who 2U Is Looking For
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📝 Tips for Applying to 2U
Tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight specific experience with alternative credentials, online education, or EdTech, as this is a niche area.
In your cover letter, quantify the impact of deals you've negotiated (e.g., contract value, number of partnerships) to demonstrate business acumen.
Research 2U's recent alternative credential offerings (e.g., bootcamps, professional certificates) and mention how your experience aligns with scaling such products.
Emphasize your ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment, as this role is remote and requires self-direction.
Showcase examples where you provided legal counsel that influenced product strategy or business decisions, not just contract execution.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
- Your passion for education and 2U's mission to eliminate the back row. - Specific examples of complex negotiations you've led, especially in technology or education. - Your experience with alternative credential products and understanding of the regulatory landscape. - How you balance legal risk with business goals to drive revenue growth.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review 2U's alternative credential offerings on their website, such as bootcamps and professional certificates, to understand the product landscape.
- → Read 2U's recent press releases and news about their Alt Cred strategy and partnerships.
- → Familiarize yourself with edX's platform and how it integrates with 2U's overall business model.
- → Look into the regulatory environment for online education, including state authorization and consumer protection laws.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not demonstrating enough experience with revenue-generating contract negotiations; this role is heavily deal-focused.
- Underestimating the importance of product knowledge; you must be comfortable advising on product development and strategy.
- Failing to show enthusiasm for 2U's mission; the company culture is mission-driven, so a purely transactional approach won't resonate.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!