Paid Search Specialist

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 are looking for a Paid Search Specialist to manage the strategy, execution, and performance of paid search marketing campaigns aimed at generating leads across 2U’s global portfolio of degree, boot camp, and executive education programs. This person will be accountable for delivering lead volume and revenue within cost-per-acquisition and ROI targets for an assigned portfolio of accounts with substantial budgets.This role will also have significant involvement in creative testing, media innovation, and automation strategy. The ideal candidate has demonstrated analytical aptitude and is motivated to become an expert in digital marketing.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Manages the strategy, execution, and performance of paid search marketing campaigns aimed at generating leads for a defined portfolio of degree, boot camp, and executive education programs
• Accountable for pacing to budget and delivering lead volume and revenue within cost-per-acquisition and ROI targets
• Develops hypotheses and executes A/B tests to drive business decisions on creative, audience targeting, and platform capabilities
• Uses critical thinking, data analysis, and platform expertise to conduct root cause analysis generate actionable plans to optimize full-funnel volume and cost efficiency
• Performs ongoing keyword discovery, expansion and optimization
• Builds reports to monitor KPIs and communicate performance trends
• Works collaboratively with program-specific marketing stakeholders to optimize performance goals and prioritize work according to business impact
• Proactively identifies opportunities for audience, geography, and channel expansion
• Stays up-to-date on industry best practices and applies them as appropriate

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• 1-3 years experience in paid search media management with experience managing text-based search campaigns as well as PMAX campaigns; DemandGen experience is a plus
• Direct hands-on experience with Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, Search Ads 360
• Experience in Tableau a plus
• Attention to detail and excellent time management skills
• Demonstrated data analysis abilities and data-driven approach to problem solving
• Highly motivated to become an expert in digital marketing and directly manage a complex portfolio of campaigns
• Self-motivated learner and process-based thinker
• Strong business writing skills and ability to produce high quality documents
• Strong interpersonal skills, particularly influencing and listening skills
• Bachelor’s degree or higher

Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role:

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 Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU)

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. 

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.