Communications Content Manager

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 Communications Content Manager works in Marketing and Communications to promote a positive image of WGU among all the university’s audiences through effective use of content marketing strategies. As part of the External Communications team, the Communications Content Manager works closely with and provides as-needed support to.

The major accountabilities of the position are developing content strategies and managing content that builds the university’s reputation among key audiences. The incumbent has primary responsibility for building WGU’s content marketing strategy, which includes collaborating with marketing technologists to manage WGU’s owned channels and working across teams to create and curate content that will benefit WGU’s key audiences. In addition, as part of the External Communications team, the Communications Content Manager will participate in developing strategies and campaigns to help the university gain positive media exposure and enhance WGU’s position as a thought leader in higher education.  

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Increase awareness and support the growth of WGU nationwide by:

• Leading the efforts to WGU’s owned content channels (website, blogs, newsletters, podcasts, etc.) aimed at higher ed influencers—policymakers, corporate partners, media, and other thought leaders.
• Creating plans and strategies to meet WGU’s content marketing objectives, which include awareness, reputation enhancement, and thought leadership.
• Writing and developing materials.
• Writing for other PR and marketing functions as needed, including press releases, brochures, and emails. 
• Implementing content plans and ensuring that projects are moving forward on schedule.
• Doing research as needed to support this role.
• Participating in development of ideas aimed at boosting WGU’s positive exposure in both online and traditional media.
• Supporting other MarCom projects as needed.
• Effective reporting using data and analytics tools.
• High quality content, both written by incumbent and curated.
• Outstanding writing.
• Development and implementation of creative ideas.
• Effective project management and on-time implementation.
• Positive impact on marketing metrics, such as search ranking, traffic to website, and open rates.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

• Superior writing ability and understanding of nuances of writing for different audiences
• Strategic thinking
• Creativity
• Up-to-date knowledge of the trends, products, and best practices in content marketing and brand journalism
• Understanding of the role of content in building reputation
• Comprehensive knowledge of WGU brand and products as well as key audiences
• Ability to work effectively with all external audiences as well as WGU staff at all levels
• 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 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 
• Display a competent and confident professional demeanor   
• 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