Senior Manager, Strategic Communications - Labs

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.

The salary range for this position 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 position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Job Description

Responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the hiring, training, and continued development of communications staff.
• Conducts regular check-ins to monitor progress, provide feedback and offer guidance and support where needed to ensure staff is fully supported in their role.
• Ensures staff have the tools, knowledge and resources necessary to perform job duties effectively as well as opportunities for professional development.
• Coaches and collaborates on goal-setting and professional development plans.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with WGU policy.
• Implements and adheres to communications budget.

Communications Strategy:

• In collaboration with director, develop and implement a cohesive multichannel communications strategy that aligns with WGU Labs' goals and objectives, including measurable KPIs and performance metrics across owned and earned channels.
• Lead development of initiative, client, and project-specific strategies.

Thought Leadership:

• Create and execute thought leadership campaigns, including OpEds, articles, videos, and other materials that highlight Labs' expertise and research.
• Manage the full lifecycle of thought leadership campaigns, from strategy through to execution of assets.
• Develop compelling messaging matrices and talking points for Labs initiatives.
• Lead efforts to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.
• Stay up to date on industry publications, influencers, and factors impacting WGU, WGU Labs, and the educational ecosystem.

Media Relations and Crisis Communications:

• Manage Labs' PR agency, supporting the development and execution of influencer relations campaigns.
• Manage media relationships, external announcements, and Labs' overall media presence.
• Support media training and messaging for Labs executives.
• Implement crisis communication strategies to protect and enhance brand reputation.

Website Content:

• Oversee website content strategy and execution, drafting compelling content that supports communications goals.
• Coordinate content development and updates, working with cross-functional teams to ensure clarity, relevance, and consistency.

Marketing Materials:

• Manage the development of campaign materials, including collateral, downloadables, graphic design, video, etc.
• Oversee internal creative team to ensure that creative requests are accurate, on time, and on brand

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, WGU Labs leaders, university partners, and external partners.
• Act as a representative for Labs' messaging and brand identity in stakeholder interactions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

This job description includes a general representation of job requirements rather than a comprehensive inventory of all required responsibilities or work activities. The contents of this document or related job requirements may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

• Managerial experience building, supporting, and growing small teams.
• Strong strategic communications background.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Experience working in education, preferably postsecondary, or other research-centered industry.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and meeting deadlines.
• Clearly and persuasively communicate both verbally and in writing with staff and peers.
• Strong strategic analysis skills.
• Understanding of a wide variety of communications disciplines, including public relations, brand management, traditional and digital media, SEO, and content marketing
• Exceptional project management and organization skills.
• Skill and ability to manage multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy and autonomy.
• Effective communication skills with high regard for customer service and capable of adapting your approach towards different situations and stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, a related field, or equivalent experience

Experience

• 7-10 years of experience with a bachelor's degree, or 5+ years and a master's degree, or 3+ years and a doctorate or terminal degree.
• 7 years of experience in strategic communications roles
• Demonstrated track record of managing multiple complex projects at one time.

Experience in lieu of education

Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is the discretion of the hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications

• Client-facing agency experience.
• Industry experience in higher education and/or areas relevant to WGU colleges (e.g., healthcare, K12 education, IT)

Physical Requirements:

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

Position & Application Details

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It's not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.