Compensation Manager

Company: 2U
Location: Arlington
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description At 2U, we are all in on purpose. We are motivated by our mission – to make learning limitless– and connected by our shared passion to deliver world-class higher education at scale. As the parent company of edX, a leading online learning platform, 2U powers thousands of higher education offerings – from free courses to full degrees. Together with our college, university, and corporate partners, we are helping accelerate careers and transform lives. What We're Looking For: The Compensation Manager leads the design and delivery of 2U's compensation programs, ensuring market competitiveness, internal equity, and alignment with business strategy. This role partners with HR and business leaders to guide job evaluations, pay decisions, incentive programs, and retention strategies, and plays a key role in the annual global compensation review process. The Compensation Manager provides data-driven insights and recommendations to senior leadership while ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulations. As a member of the Compensation leadership team, this role helps shape the organization's overall compensation strategy to align with our corporate culture, values, and compensation philosophy in ways that are scalable to accommodate future growth. Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To: The Compensation Manager ensures that pay structures and incentive plans are aligned with Company philosophy to attract, retain and engage top talent. Oversee and maintain components of the compensation framework, such as job architecture, salary structures, etc. Lead the annual compensation review process and compensation planning process for merit, bonus, and promotion with program design, system preparation, testing, training, budget reporting, communications and analytical support. Conduct job evaluations and market reviews plus make recommendations that are equitable and competitive. Participation in relevant compensation surveys and maintain survey data in the compensation evaluation software. Serve as a strategic compensation partner to senior leadership, HR leaders, and the business, acting as a subject matter expert to ensure alignment on compensation practices, programs, policies, budget, and strategy. Partner with the Communications and Learning & Development teams to create and distribute effective materials that enhance the understanding and value of the compensation programs. Ensure compliance with SOX, internal policies, global and local labor laws. Develop and lead training for managers and the broader HR Team on compensation concepts and processes. Manage Pay Equity analysis, FLSA determination. Manage data integrity in the HRIS and compensation systems. Train, coach, mentor, and collaborate with global compensation team members. Help drive process improvements, including automation initiatives and leveraging AI tools in compensation programs. Manage vendors for compensation systems. Perform other duties as assigned. Things That Should Be In Your Background: Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics, HR, or other related field of studies A minimum of 6 years of experience in an HR leadership and Compensation role. Experience managing and/or supporting annual merit and bonus cycles in a complex, global organization Strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyze market data and make informed decisions. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work with individuals at all levels. Sound judgement and confidentiality. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in identifying and solving challenges Experience in Workday and Payfactors a plus 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 millions of learners and counting with access to world-class higher education, then join us – and do work that makes a difference. We offer comprehensive benefits (unique per country) and excellent work/life balance. Full-time, U.S.benefits include: Medical, dental, and vision coverage Life insurance, disability, and 401(k) employer match Free snacks and drinks in-office Generous paid holidays and leave policies, including unlimited PTO Additional time off benefits include: volunteer days, parental leave, and a company-wide winter break The anticipated base salary range for this role is ($140,000 - $155,000), with potential bonus eligibility. Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, budget for the position and cost of labor in the market in which the candidate will be hired. 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: recruitingaccommodations@2u.com. About 2U 2U partners with the world's top universities and companies to develop and deliver education programs that accelerate careers and transform lives. Through partnerships with the world's leading colleges, universities, and companies, 2U delivers thousands of online programs to millions of learners worldwide on edX, its global learning platform. From executive education and professional credentialing to master's degree programs and free, open courses, 2U transforms how top institutions deliver workforce-aligned online education, enabling professionals to advance without pausing their careers. Learn more at 2U.com. 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.

Keywords: 2U, Bethesda , Compensation Manager, Human Resources , Arlington, Maryland