PR and Communications Manager

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

Job Description

Job Profile Summary

The Communications Manager drives strategic communications for WGU’s School of Education operations, with a direct focus on elevating the voice and visibility of the Senior Vice President of School of Education. Reporting to the Director of Academics and Ed Tech Communications and serving as an integral member of the Communications team, this role is responsible for shaping and promoting a strong, positive public image of WGU. This includes developing and executing compelling narratives across traditional and digital media, managing public relations efforts, and supporting executive communications.

The Manager conducts in-depth research, 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

• Develops and delivers high-impact messaging on behalf of the SVP of the School of Education 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 SVP’s voice within the education and workforce landscape.
• Prepares briefing materials and media prep for school leaders in advance of interviews, speaking engagements, 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 Education portfolio and, working with WGU’s 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 positioning, 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 school 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 Education operations, 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

• 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 and Adobe products
• Familiarity with media relations practices
• Ability to conceptualize projects and manage multiple priorities
• Strategic thinker, with ability to maintain good judgment in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Detail oriented, organized and able to meet deadlines
• Display 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
 

• Bachelor’s 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 or School of Education environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education

• Experience working within the School of Education 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 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. It’s 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 recruiting@wgu.edu.

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