Communications Operations Specialist

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 306

Pay Range: $60,300.00 - $90,500.00

Job Description

About the Role:

As a Communications Operations Specialist, you will drive the cross-functional coordination of key initiatives, with a substantial focus on WGU’s conferences and event engagements. You will work closely with WGU’s Social Media, Owned Media, and Earned Media teams—as well as other internal stakeholders—to support the planning and execution of conference engagements, rollout of new initiatives and high-profile announcements, and communications campaigns designed to elevate WGU’s brand and mission. 

What You Will Do:

• Plan logistical support for the Conferences & Events team, including a hands-on approach to managing technical, design, and logistical aspects of conferences and events. 

• Support the university’s executives with high-profile speaking opportunities at national conferences by researching and identifying opportunities, building relationships with conference organizers, and working with support staff to prioritize and pursue speaking engagements. 

• Support leadership in coordinating stakeholder responsibilities on major university-wide initiatives, such as events expansion, high-profile award entries, etc. 

• Responsible for managing the communications team operating processes such as the announcement review committee, the communications team calendar, and executive look ahead, ensuring that projects with multiple stakeholders and multi-team engagement proceed smoothly.

• Assist with the creation of the WGU annual report.

• Research, develop, and expand networks and relationships to support the University’s vision.

• Support cross-functional collaboration by coordinating daily operations and assisting in the development and execution of long-term action plans and goals.

• Manage the completion of follow-up items and deliverables as assigned by senior leadership. 

• Lead by example and models Leadership Principles in all actions; ensures a positive, respectful team environment, fostering collaboration and development.

• Push the boundaries for creativity and innovation that will propel learning, unlearning, and develop innovative solutions consistently.

• Operationalize strategies, principles, and standards to guide organizational business architecture efforts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities You'll Need:

• Ability to work with confidential information and apply maturity and discretion in daily activities.

• A bias for action and the ability to work strategically and collaboratively across departments.

• Well organized with great attention to detail and follow-through.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills – ability to articulate complex concepts and ideas effectively with minimal guidance

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to evaluate data, synthesize results, and identify trends and patterns.

• Demonstrates strong time management skills and the ability to adjust work hours during peak seasons or critical business periods to meet project deadlines and business priorities.

• Excellent prioritization skills and the ability to meet multiple deadline-driven assignments.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions quickly.

• Excellent