Regional PR and Communications Manager-Upper Midwest

The salary range for this role 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 role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
 

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:

•   Working across WGU to collaboratively source, develop, and place feature stories on how WGU is powering the future of higher ed learning.
•    Building brand communications programs that demonstrate the university’s ability to have an impact at scale, giving students the opportunity to get accredited, accelerated, affordable, and applicable degrees that improve economic mobility and opportunity.
•   Developing owned content; pitch and secure earned media.
•   Working cross-functionally to plan and execute PR campaigns.
•   Developing and strengthening relationships with key media.
•   Helping manage external PR agencies.
•   Providing strategic counsel to university leaders.

• Developing strategic communications for the region, with an emphasis on media relations.
• Coordinating work of PR/Marketing agencies as appropriate, with the direction of the Sr. Manager, Earned Media & PR.
• Overseeing the coordination of events for media as well as provide messaging for students and alumni to ensure they present WGU properly and are executed well.
• Creating opportunities for placement and pitching of press releases to keep the presence of WGU constantly before the public in a positive manner.
• Conducting interviews, researching, and writing web content as well as copy for earned media articles, print, radio and TV, social media updates, newsletters, or working with WGU departments to obtain such.
• Staying abreast of issues in local markets which involve higher education.
• Utilizing the Meltwater platform for engaging with regional media reporters, monitoring media coverage, following regional media accounts/reporters/social for story ideas and pitching, and responding to media queries for information.
• Representing WGU at media events.
• Coordinating marketing efforts with WGU marketing team.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

• Bias for action and ability to work effectively with all external audiences as well as WGU staff at all levels.
• Outstanding writing skills and ability to write effectively for different audiences.
• Understanding of and ability to develop relationships with media.
• Ability to 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, communicate accurately and concisely, influence others positively, and initiate creative and innovative promotional ideas.
• Display a competent and confident professional demeanor.
• Demonstrated skill and ability in the effective use of equipment, computers and other resources for completion of projects such as posters, displays, PowerPoint Presentations, etc.
• Self-direction and reliability.
• Excellent, collaboration, and customer service skills.

Job Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in public relations, marketing or related field, including internships.
• Advanced level knowledge and skills within public relations, marketing and communications program or professional discipline with understanding of the impact of work on other areas of Higher Education.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

As an equal opportunity employer, WGU recognizes that our strength lies in our people. We are committed to diversity.