Industry Expert in Residence, Visiting Instructor, Communications

Western Governors University•Bentonville, AR

4d•Remote

About The Position

The Industry Expert in Residence provides students with an applied industry perspective, networking opportunities, professional skill development, and a real-world context connected to specific coursework. This opportunity is a three-month, part-time residency, requiring an estimated 10 hours per month. The role is intentionally structured as a short-term engagement, offering industry professionals a meaningful way to contribute without a long-term commitment.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of designated industry and related professional practice.
Ability to provide clear, practical, industry-aligned feedback to students on work products, portfolios, and professional readiness.
Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage learners effectively in a virtual environment.
Ability to mentor emerging professionals and connect student learning to workplace expectations and career pathways.
Ability to collaborate effectively with program leadership, faculty, and staff in support of student engagement and event delivery.
Comfort working in online environments and using virtual tools to support communication, feedback, and student interaction.
Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related field
Minimum of 3 years Communications industry experience
Minimum of 2 years providing coaching, supporting, and or leading colleagues or students
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 the discretion of the hiring manager.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in relevant field
5+ years of Industry experience
Experience with distance learning or remote coaching/mentoring
Prior Beta or SME contributions to WGU projects
Experience working in an online or remote environment

Responsibilities

Design and deliver engaging one-to-many learning events for students, such as industry talks, skills workshops, portfolio reviews, and Q&A sessions.
Share real-world industry insights and practices, helping students understand current trends, expectations, and career pathways within the field.
Host “day in the life” sessions that provide transparent perspectives on professional roles, workplace environments, and career progression.
Provide constructive portfolio, project, or work feedback to help students strengthen industry readiness and improve the quality of their work.
Develop and facilitate practical skills workshops that allow students to apply industry-relevant tools, methods, and approaches.
Serve as an accessible industry mentor and resource, encouraging student questions and providing guidance about entering and navigating the profession.
Collaborate with faculty and program staff to align residency events with student learning goals and current program priorities.
Create a welcoming, inclusive learning environment that encourages participation from students with diverse backgrounds and levels of experience.
Contribute insights on emerging industry trends that can inform program improvements and student preparation.
Participate in program evaluation and reflection, sharing observations and recommendations at the end of the residency to strengthen future industry engagement initiatives.