Edtech.com's Summary

WGU is hiring a Communications Manager. This role involves driving strategic communications for the university's EdTech operations, focusing on enhancing the visibility of the Senior Vice President of Technology. Responsibilities include developing narratives across media platforms, managing public relations efforts, and supporting executive communications. The role also includes conducting in-depth research, drafting high-impact communications, and promoting conferences and special events.

Highlights

Develop and deliver messaging for EdTech leadership.
Craft thought leadership content like blogs and op-eds.
Manage media relations and secure coverage for EdTech initiatives.
Conduct media prep for EdTech leaders and advise on message framing.
Collaborate with the Communications team to ensure brand visibility.
Exceptional communication skills and experience with social media platforms.
Compensation ranges from $88,300.00 to $132,400.00.
Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field required.
Relevant experience in media or public relations is essential.
Full-time position with comprehensive benefits, including bonuses and retirement savings plans.

Communications Manager - Ed Tech Full Description

Communications Manager - Ed Tech

Salt Lake City Office

Full time

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 310Pay Range: $88,300.00 - $132,400.00

Job Description

About the Role

In this role as a Communications Manager, you will drive strategic communications for WGU’s EdTech operations, with a direct focus on elevating the voice and visibility of the Senior Vice President of Technology. Reporting to the Director of Academic and EdTech Communications and serving as an integral member of the Communications team, you will be 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.

You'll also conduct in-depth research, draft and edit a variety of high-impact communications—including speeches, press releases, talking points, internal memos, digital content, and social media—and contribute to the planning and promotion of conferences, media outreach, and special events.

What You Will Do

Develop and deliver high-impact messaging on behalf of the SVP of Technology and EdTech leadership, including talking points, media statements, conference remarks, and executive communications.
Craft compelling thought leadership content (blogs, op-eds, panel pitches) that elevate EdTech’s voice within the education and technology landscape.
Prepare briefing materials and media prep for EdTech leaders in advance of interviews, speaking engagements, and external appearances.
Provide onsite strategic support at high-visibility conferences and events to ensure message alignment and brand presence.
Lead media relations strategy for the EdTech portfolio and proactively identify pitch stories, secure coverage, and respond to media inquiries.
Monitor industry news and media trends to surface timely opportunities for commentary, brand positioning, and thought leadership.
Build and maintain relationships with key industry and education journalists, influencers, and media platforms.
Oversee creation of original written and visual content for newsletters, social media, and digital storytelling—including Instagram-style videos, slides, and visual briefings.
Collaborate with internal partners and content creators to maintain and update web content related to EdTech initiatives.
Source relevant internal and external data to support storytelling, enhance credibility, and reinforce thought leadership themes.
Serve as the strategic communications liaison between the EdTech team and other university departments to ensure message consistency, visibility, and collaboration.
Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive strategic communication plan for EdTech operations, aligned with university priorities and milestones.
Partner with People & Talent, Internal Comms, and EdTech leadership to support employee engagement and recognition efforts within the EdTech division.
Partner with the Conferences & Events team to secure and maximize speaking opportunities for EdTech leaders at industry summits and panels.
Track communications impact and engagement metrics to inform ongoing strategy and content optimization.
Advise leadership on message framing, audience targeting, and brand positioning in alignment with university-wide communications goals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities You Will Need

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.
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

Job Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, marketing, public relations or related field
Minimum five years of experience in media, public relations, marketing, or communications, preferably within a higher education or Ed Tech environment

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in higher education
Experience working within the Ed Tech industry
Experience working as a media reporter or public relations practitioner
Proficient in Spanish

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.

Original Job Description