Director, Strategic Communications Job at Western Governors University
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.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Developing a multi-year university and department strategic communications plan that contributes to core university objectives, particularly related to expanding access to education for strategic audiences like low income, rural, first-generation, and historically underserved learners.- Leading the efforts to develop and implement PR plans and strategies, which include media relations, reputation enhancement/management, and thought leadership.
- Building relationships of trust and collaboration across the Outreach team (Marketing Communications, Regional Operations, Government Relations, etc.) and with cross-university partners, including C-level executives, SVPs, and Communications professionals of all levels across: Office of the President, Office of the Provost, Academic Colleges, WGU Labs, WGU Academy, Shared Services (EdTech, Financial Aid, Advancement, etc.), and other departments.
- Inspiring and developing a team of 8+ communications professionals across the School of Health, School of Education, College of Business, College of IT, 10X Entities (Academy, Advancement, LABS/College Innovation Network, Juvo, University Development), 7 Regions/Government Relations/Strategic Partnerships), Office of the President, Office of the Chief Academic Officer
- Coordinating planning to execute critical Communications initiatives and achieve University growth and cost efficiency targets, including specific audience, geographic market, and academic program goals.
- Contributing to university-wide communications standards and calendars, including for owned social media, content (blogs/newsletters), events, and media engagement opportunities.
- Directing the workflow of the strategic communications department.
- Developing goals and reporting on progress.
- Providing regular reports on department initiatives and accomplishments.
- Supporting other PR projects as needed
Knowledge, Skill and Abilities
- Ability to lead, organize, and motivate a team focused on building awareness and reputation.
- Ability to conceptualize projects, plan work and budget, 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.
- Outstanding writing skills.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and customer service skills.
Job Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
- 10 years specific experience which generally includes a minimum of 5-7 years leading a team
- Demonstration of ability to articulate complex and innovative ideas to influence change.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or equivalent
- Previous experience in leading strategic communications teams in matrixed organization
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Working Conditions
Frequent travel to Salt Lake City, Utah university headquarters and to other locations as required for successful engagement and completion of initiatives.
Frequent travel to Salt Lake City, Utah university headquarters and to other locations as required for successful engagement and completion of initiatives.
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As an equal opportunity employer, WGU recognizes that our strength lies in our people. We are committed to diversity.
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