PR and Communications Manager, School of Business, Salt Lake City, UT

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.

Pay Range: $109,900.00 - $170,400.00

Responsibilities

Develops and delivers high-impact messaging on behalf of the SVP of the School of Business and school leadership, including talking points, media statements, conference remarks, and executive communications.

Crafts compelling thought leadership content (blogs, op-eds, panel pitches) that elevate the value of business education and WGU’s offering within the education and workforce landscape.

Prepares briefing materials and provides media preparation for school leaders in advance of interviews, speaking engagements, school summits, All Hands, and external appearances.

Provides onsite strategic support at high-visibility conferences and events to ensure message alignment and brand presence.

Leads media relations strategy for the School of Business portfolio and, working with WGU’s PR firm, proactively identifies pitch stories, secures coverage, and responds to media inquiries.

Monitors industry news and media trends to surface timely opportunities for commentary, brand elevation, and thought leadership.

Builds and maintains relationships with key industry and education journalists, influencers, and media platforms.

Oversees creation of original written and visual content for newsletters, social media, and digital storytelling, including Instagram-style videos, slides, and visual briefings.

Collaborates with internal partners and content creators to maintain and update web content related to the School of Business initiatives.

Sources relevant internal and external data to support storytelling, enhance credibility, and reinforce thought leadership themes.

Serves as the strategic communications liaison between the school team and other university departments to ensure message consistency, visibility, and collaboration.

Leads the development and execution of a comprehensive strategic communication plan for the School of Business, aligned with university priorities and milestones.

Partners with People & Talent, Internal Comms, and school leadership to support employee engagement and recognition efforts within the school.

Partners with the Conferences & Events team to secure and maximize speaking opportunities for school leaders at industry summits and panels.

Tracks communications impact and engagement metrics to inform ongoing strategy and content optimization.

Advises leadership on message framing, audience targeting, and brand positioning in alignment with university-wide communications goals.

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Strengths

Exceptional written and oral communication skills

Understanding of higher education environment

Demonstrated skill and ability with social media and communication tools, including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Microsoft Office

Familiarity with media relations practices

Ability to conceptualize projects and manage multiple priorities

Strategic thinker, with the ability to maintain good judgment in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Detail-oriented, organized, and able to meet deadlines

Displays a competent and confident professional demeanor

Works well in a team environment

Ability to manage shifting priorities in a dynamic environment

Collaborative yet self-directed, committed to high standards, and motivated by continuous improvement and measurable outcomes

Competencies

Ability to work with stakeholders across an organization to collaboratively achieve objectives

Ability to collect and connect pertinent information

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Ability to identify issues, assess impact, and determine appropriate communication strategy

Job Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, marketing, public relations, or related field

Minimum five years of experience in media, public relations, marketing, or communications within a higher education and/or a business environment

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in higher education

Experience working within the business industry

Experience working as a media reporter or public relations practitioner

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.

Physical Qualifications:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Travel Requirements:

Up to 25%

Additional Information
Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours):

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.

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 Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.

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