Corporate PR and Communications Manager

Western Governors University•Salt Lake City, UT

7d•$106,700 - $165,400•Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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: $106,700.00 - $165,400.00 As a Corporate Public Relations and Communications Manager at WGU, you will partner across the university to bring our mission of creating pathways to opportunity to life through clear, compelling storytelling. Partnering with teams across WGU, you’ll develop and execute communications programs that strengthen our reputation as a leader in accredited, flexible, and workforce-relevant higher education. In this role, you’ll help promote a clear and consistent image of WGU with media, partners, employers, and current and prospective students. You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues across communications, marketing, partnerships, and alumni teams to ensure our messaging is aligned and reflects WGU’s voice and priorities. You’ll lead efforts to secure media coverage, develop stories for WGU’s owned channels, and support day-to-day messaging for university leaders. The role may include managing agency partners and serving as a spokesperson. You’ll also create content across formats, including news, social media, blogs, and opinion pieces. Strong writing skills, sound judgment, and the ability to turn complex ideas into clear, engaging content are key to success. This position requires you to work in office 4 days a week at the WGU headquarters: 4001 South 700 East Salt Lake City, UT 84107.

Requirements

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.
An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience is acceptable.
Knowledge of public relations, marketing and communications programs.
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, PowerPoints, etc.
Self-direction and reliability.
Excellent collaboration and customer service skills.

Nice To Haves

An entrepreneurial spirit, including the ability to work independently and autonomously.
Experience pitching proactive stories to education, technology, health, and business publications.
Outstanding attention to detail, understanding of technology, and ability to communicate complex topics effectively.
Passionate about excellence in writing and verbal communications.
Thrives in a collaborative environment and is willing to roll up their sleeves to get the job done.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
Solid judgment and the ability to respond quickly, yet thoughtfully, to urgent PR matters.

Responsibilities

Build and execute communications plans that support broader strategy, with a focus on media relations.
Build communications programs that highlight WGU’s impact at scale and its role in advancing economic mobility.
Partner cross-functionally with communications, marketing, and other stakeholders to align priorities and campaigns.
Work across WGU to source and shape compelling stories that showcase how WGU is shaping the future of higher education.
Conduct interviews, research, and write content for media, web, social, newsletters, and other channels.
Collaborate with internal teams to develop owned content and support key initiatives.
Pitch stories and secure earned media coverage across key outlets.
Build and maintain strong relationships with media and industry influencers.
Create opportunities for press coverage, including press releases and proactive story placements.
Represent WGU at media events and serve as a point of contact for media inquiries.
Plan and execute PR campaigns in partnership with internal teams and external agencies.
Coordinate the work of PR and marketing agencies, as needed.
Support media-facing events and ensure consistent messaging for participants, including students and alumni.
Use tools like Meltwater to monitor coverage, identify opportunities, and respond to media inquiries.
Stay informed on higher education trends and regional issues to inform strategy and outreach.
Perform other related duties as assigned.