PR and Communications Manager, Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake, UT - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 106700 - 165400

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

If youre passionate about building a better future for individuals communities and our countryand youre committed to working hard to play your part in building that futureconsider 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: $106700.00 - $165400.00

Job Description

As a PR and Communications Manager for WGU youll work across WGU communications including School of Business School of Education Leavitt School of Health and School of Technology to think big develop and execute communications programs that are designed to bolster WGUs reputation as a leader in accredited affordable accelerated and applicable higher education.

This position will promote a positive image of WGU to the media general public specialized communities employers educators students and prospective students through effective use of media. This role works closely with the Regional Communications PR Marketing Partnerships and Alumni teams at WGU to ensure consistency in brand and message.

The major responsibilities of the position include securing positive ongoing press coverage identifying and developing owned content stories for WGUs internal and external channels driving daily messaging for various leaders potentially managing a PR agency serving as university spokesperson as well as constantly writing and generating content for news social media op-eds blogs and WGU online presence.

Job Profile Summary

The Communications Manager drives strategic internal and external communications for WGUs School of Technology including leadership communications content creation and event support. Reporting to the Director of Academic Communications and serving as an integral member of the Communications team this role is responsible for developing and executing compelling narratives for the School of Technology across traditional and digital media managing public relations efforts and managing internal communications.

The Manager drafts and edits a variety of high-impact communications including speeches press releases talking points internal memos digital content and social media and contributes to the planning and promotion of conferences media outreach and special events.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

Develops and delivers high-impact messaging on behalf of the SVP of the School of Technology 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 technology education and WGUs 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 Technology portfolio and working with WGUs 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 Technology 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 Technology 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:

Bachelors 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 technology environment

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in higher education

Experience working within the technology 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%

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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.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. Its 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

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

Required Experience:

Manager