Job details

Lead Communications Representative, 10x

The salary range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Pay Range: $75,300.00 - $109,300.00

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

Job Profile Summary:

The Lead Communications Representative works with WGU Executives to promote the awareness and positive reputation of WGU among key target audiences through effective use of media, engagements, special events, campaigns, content, promotions, and other related activities. The primary focus of this position is to work as a business partner with assigned executives and departments to plan and implement strategies and tactics to build and maintain a positive reputation and gain publicity for activities, programs and events that are happening within the college. These strategies and tactics include thought leadership, publications, speaking engagements, media relations, social media, ongoing media coverage, a robust online presence and social dialogue for WGU online communities. In addition, the position will write and generate relevant content for news, social media, and WGU’s online presence, and may serve as a lead to more junior Communications team members.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Ensure that WGU, its leaders, and entities have positive awareness and reputation through:
Proactive planning that supports reputation enhancement, and working with leaders to understand how their initiatives translate to media, publications, social media, etc.
Content creation, including articles, web copy, press releases, social media content, speeches, presentations, and newsletters which highlights the events, activities and progress of the assigned executives.
Thought leadership initiatives.
Agency and vendor management
Involvement in event planning for the purpose of media coverage
Social media planning and coordination
Securing and coordinating of public appearances and speaking engagements for WGU leaders to generate awareness and interest among thought leaders, employer communities, educators, and prospective students.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

Ability to work effectively with all external audiences as well as WGU executives.
Able to balance priorities in a matrixed organization.
Outstanding writing skills and ability to write effectively for different audiences.
Understanding of and ability to develop relationships with media.
Ability to work independently, conceptualize projects, and manage multiple priorities.
Ability to perform creative writing and related activities such as conducting interviews, research, and editing.
Ability to work calmly and maintain good judgment and poise in a fast-paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environment.
Ability to understand and interpret information accurately.
Ability to communicate accurately and concisely.
Ability to influence others positively.
Ability to initiate creative and innovative promotional ideas.
Demonstrated skill and ability in the use of social media, including Twitter, Facebook, & LinkedIn
Demonstrated skill and ability in the effective use of equipment, computers and other resources for completion of projects such as posters, displays, PowerPoints, etc.
Self-direction and reliability.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and customer service skills.

Competencies:

Organizational Impact:

Responsible for implementing initiatives and projects established by university or department leadership; establishes operational plans for department, function, or office with short-term impact on results.
May deliver input into new processes, standards, or plans that impact overall university or department results.

Problem Solving & Decision Making:

Leverages a systems-thinking approach for improving existing processes and systems within the department using significant conceptualizing, reasoning, and interpretation.
Problems and issues faced are numerous, difficult, and require detailed information gathering and analysis. Typically affect multiple areas or specialties. Problems and issues span a wide range of challenging and unique situations.

Communication & Influence:

Collaborates cross-functionally with parties within and outside of the department and may occasionally communicate with external parties.
May influence others to accept the job area’s views, practices, concepts, and approaches and conduct briefings with leaders within the University or department.

Leadership & Talent Management

Responsible for providing guidance, coaching, and training to other employees in the department, Function, or Office.
Provides direction to project team members, including feedback on performance.
Demonstrates the WGU leadership principles in all aspects of service to students, employees, and partners of WGU.

Job Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

7+ years of related experience with a bachelor's degree, or 4+ years and a master's degree, or a Doctorate or Terminal degree with 2+ years of experience.

Department Specific Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or related field
5-8 years of experience in public relations or related field
Experience writing articles for publication.
Experience supporting, interviewing, or working closely with senior level executives.

Preferred Qualifications:

APR certification preferred.
Master's in communication, PR, or Journalism preferred
Experience in social media
May have broad knowledge of project management.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Disclaimer: This Job Description has been designed to indicate the general nature, essential duties, and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It does not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications that are required of the employee to do this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This Job Description does not constitute a contract of employment and the University may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.

#LI-TK1

#LI-Remote

As an equal opportunity employer, WGU recognizes that our strength lies in our people. We are committed to diversity.

By Western Governors University

To do this, the governors enlisted the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education (WICHE) and the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) to help design the newly envisioned university. Five themes remained central ...

12 jobs

MATCH

Calculating your matching score...

FUNDING

Nonprofit

INDUSTRY

Colleges & Universities

TEAM SIZE

5001-10000

LOCATION

Hybrid, based in Salt Lake City, UT

DATE POSTED