Senior Project Manager - WGU Academy

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:
 

Grade: Professional 312

Pay Range: $106,700.00 - $165,400.00

Job Description

Senior Project Manager
Salt Lake City, Utah
At Western Governors University (WGU), we’re committed to transforming higher education through innovation and accessibility. Join a team that thrives on collaboration, flexibility, and a student-obsessed mindset. As a Senior Project Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives that impact thousands of learners nationwide.

As a Senior Project Manager, you'll lead complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and WGU’s mission. You’ll mentor project managers, influence change, and deliver results that shape the future of education.

What You'll Do

• Manage all phases of assigned projects, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing
• Develop realistic project plans and schedules that align with organizational priorities and resource requirements
• Monitor and report project status, risks, and milestone achievements to stakeholders and leadership
• Maintain accurate project records and produce timely reports
• Collaborate cross-functionally to promote a positive, student-focused environment
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and training to project managers and associate project managers
• Influence team actions to align with departmental strategies and priorities

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of related experience, or Master’s degree with 4+ years, or Doctorate with 2+ years
• Degree in Engineering, Management, Project Management, or Business Management from an accredited institution
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in large, distributed organizations (500+ employees)
• Proven expertise in Project and Change Management, including theory and implementation
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Proficiency in project management tools and software

Bonus Points if You Have

• PMP certification or equivalent
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean certification
• Experience with Asana, Lucidchart, and Salesforce
• Familiarity with higher education processes and accreditation terms

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 at the discretion of the hiring manager.

What to Expect

At WGU, our mission drives everything we do—including how we hire. Our interview experience is designed to give qualified candidates the opportunity to show their best work through meaningful conversations, practical problem-solving, and authentic collaboration.We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward the candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission. If selected, you’ll hear from a recruiter or hiring manager who will guide you through the process and help you know what to expect at each stage. We aim to communicate decisions promptly and respectfully.Here’s what that typically looks like:
• Introductory call: We’ll walk you through who we are at WGU and learn about your relevant experience
• First phone interview with recrui