Engagement & Data Strategy Manager

Overview WGU, driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, seeks a data- and engagement-focused professional. The Engagement & Data Strategy Manager is responsible for driving user engagement strategy, strengthening internal and external partnerships, and translating data into actionable insights. This role blends strategic planning, stakeholder activation, data storytelling, and program evaluation to enhance user experience and ensure measurable impact. The position partners cross-functionally to design and execute engagement initiatives, manage grant processes and reporting, and synthesize qualitative and quantitative insights into clear, actionable recommendations.
Responsibilities Develop and execute user engagement strategies that increase participation, satisfaction, and long-term adoption
Activate and manage internal and external partnerships to support program goals and expand reach
Lead grant writing efforts, including proposal development, reporting, and compliance tracking
Design, build, and maintain Power BI dashboards to monitor key metrics and inform decision-making
Translate data insights into compelling narratives and communications for diverse stakeholders
Facilitate and synthesize focus groups and user feedback into clear themes, insights, and recommendations
Partner with cross-functional teams to align engagement initiatives with organizational priorities
Create and manage communication plans to support engagement initiatives and partnership activation
Monitor program performance and continuously optimize strategies based on data and feedback
Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong ability to develop engagement strategies grounded in data and user insights; experience building partnerships and influencing stakeholders across organizations; advanced data visualization and reporting skills (Power BI preferred); excellent written and verbal communication skills, including storytelling with data; ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative inputs into clear recommendations; strong project management and organizational skills, with attention to detail; ability to navigate ambiguity and drive outcomes in a fast-paced environment
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Public Administration, Data Analytics, or a related field
Experience: 5+ years of experience in engagement strategy, partnerships, program management, or related roles; experience with grant writing, reporting, or program funding processes; demonstrated experience building dashboards and leveraging data tools (Power BI strongly preferred); experience facilitating stakeholder discussions, focus groups, or user research
Additional Requirements: Experience in lieu of education; equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of the 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.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations; familiarity with CRM or engagement platforms; experience managing cross-functional initiatives and driving adoption at scale
Travel This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed.
Position & Application Details Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.
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.
In 1997, a coalition of 19 U.S. governors founded Western Governors University with a singular vision: to make higher education more accessible by offering full degree programs online. Today, we’re one of the largest accredited online universities in the U.S.

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