Copywriter

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:

We're seeking a passionate and motivated copywriter to join our creative team. This position requires three to five years of experience writing marketing copy, including for SEO-driven web pages, data-driven advertising, scripts, strategic email campaigns, and more. This copywriter sits within our internal creative agency.

The Creative Marketing Group is a full-service in-house agency supporting all marketing efforts across the 2U and edX portfolios of programs and products. As strategic partners with our marketing stakeholders, we seek collaborative solutions to elevate our creativity and drive our business.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Hands-on Execution

• Create original, persuasive copy that promotes and differentiates 2U's portfolio of products and associated brands.
• Manage new program launches and the creation of brand style guides across product and brand collateral.
• Understand and work from creative briefs submitted by stakeholders; meet the project goals as established in the brief while offering creative solutions.
• Establish and maintain the voice, tone, and brand identity for multiple 2U partner programs and associated brands. This includes managing and maintaining all copy assets for multiple programs and brand points, acting as the direct point of contact for all these touch points.
• Manage multiple project deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Translate complex concepts into clear, concise and reader-friendly copy.
• Proofread and edit marketing materials for clarity, style consistency, spelling, and grammar.
• Ensure all marketing content is on-brief and follows 2U compliance and plagiarism standards.

Collaboration and Relationship Building

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with the team and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and mutual trust.
• Communicate concepts, ideas, training, and processes clearly and professionally to internal and external team stakeholders.
• Promote a positive, collaborative relationship between writers and other creatives.

Mentorship 

• Act as a mentor for less experienced copywriters, providing guidance and support through 1:1 sessions to help them build their skills and grow professionally. Offer valuable insights and constructive feedback, and share industry knowledge to empower them in their career development and enhance their capabilities.
• Thoroughly review work to ensure conceptual alignment, style consistency, readability/scannability, hierarchy, and adherence to copywriting principles and best practices. Offer strategic and constructive feedback to junior writers during work reviews and critiques, fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that supports their growth and development.
• Stay informed of industry trends—and regularly share best practices, trends, and new technologies with the team.

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field is required.
• 3-5 years of industry-relevant experience.
• Must know AP and Chicago style and experience using client style guides.
• Proficiency in working with an industry-standard project management system to ensure efficient planning, organization, and execution of creative projects.
• Proficiency in Google Office Suite for communication, documentation, and collaboration purposes.
• Solid interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work on cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for conveying concepts, providing feedback, and collaborating.
• Proven experience in creating and implementing brand guidelines across multiple channels.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong conceptual and problem-solving abilities.
• Future-focused and purpose-driven mindset.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Skilled in collaboration, actively seeking and incorporating feedback and direction.
• Excellent prioritization, multitasking, and organizational skills.
• High emotional intelligence (EQ) to navigate and collaborate effectively within a dynamic team and diverse stakeholder environment.
• Ability to adapt to change in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to drive projects without much oversight.
• Openness to feedback and ability to take direction.

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: [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, 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.