Communications Content Manager

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Job Profile Summary:
The Communications Content Manager works with communications and marketing to promote a positive image of WGU among the university’s external audiences through effective use of communications content and content marketing strategies. As part of the external communications team, the Communications Content Manager works closely with and provides as-needed support to the social media specialists, the senior communications content manager, designers, and the senior communications representatives .

The major accountabilities of the position are developing content strategies and creating content that builds the university’s reputation among key audiences. The incumbent has primary responsibility for building WGU’s content marketing strategy, which includes collaborating across the organization to create and curate content that will benefit WGU’s key audiences. In addition, as part of the communications team, the Communications Content Manager will participate in developing strategies and campaigns to help the university gain positive media exposure and enhance WGU’s position as a thought leader in higher education.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Increase awareness and support the growth of WGU nationwide by:

• Leading the efforts "to create content for communications channels aimed at thought leaders in higher education, government, industry, philanthropy, and media."
• Creating plans and strategies to meet WGU’s content marketing/brand journalism objectives, which include newsletter subscription generation, conversion, reputation enhancement, and thought leadership.
• Writing for other Communications and Marketing functions as needed, including press releases, brochures, web content, newsletters, videos, presentations, annual reports, and emails.
• Implementing content plans and ensuring that projects are moving forward on schedule.
• Doing research as needed to support this role.
• Participating in development of ideas aimed at boosting WGU’s positive exposure in both online and traditional media.
• Supporting other communications projects as needed.
• Development of effective, high quality content, both written by incumbent and curated.
• Outstanding writing and proofreading.
• Development and implementation of creative ideas.
• Effective project management and on-time implementation.
• Positive impact on marketing metrics, such as search ranking, traffic to website, and newsletter growth.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

• Superior writing ability and understanding of nuances of writing for different audiences.
• Strategic thinking.
• Creativity.
• Up-to-date knowledge of the trends, products, and best practices in content marketing and brand journalism.
• Understanding of the role of content in driving leads and applicants as well as building reputation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of WGU brand and products as well as key audiences.
• Ability to manage agencies and vendors.
• Ability to work effectively with all external audiences as well as WGU staff at all levels.
• Ability to work independently, 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.
• Ability to communicate accurately and concisely.
• Ability to influence others positively.
• Ability to initiate creative and innovative promotional ideas.
• Display a competent and confident professional demeanor.
• Demonstrated skill and ability in the use of social media, including Twitter, Facebook, & LinkedIn.
• 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 communication, collaboration, and customer service skills.

Competencies:
Organizational Impact:

• Works to achieve operational targets within job areas impacting department, function, or office results.
• Work is performed independently on moderately complex projects and assignments with some guidance required for direction and complex tasks. Sets objectives for oneself to meet the goals of projects or assignments.

Problem Solving & Decision Making:

• Responsible for employing adjustments or recommended enhancements to systems and processes to solve problems or improve the job area’s effectiveness while leveraging a systems-thinking approach.
• Problems faced may require an understanding of a broader set of issues and job areas.

Communication & Influence:

• Collaborates with contacts typically within the job area to obtain or provide information requiring some explanation or interpretation.

Leadership & Talent Management

• May provide guidance and assistance to entry-level professionals and/or support employees.
• Demonstrates the WGU leadership principles in all aspects of service to students, employees, and partners of WGU.

Job Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience, or an advanced degree without experience.

Department Specific Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.
• 5 to 7 years of experience in communications or related field, including internships. An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience is acceptable.
• Must be an outstanding writer, speaker, presenter, listener, and team player.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 7 years of experience in communications or related field, including internships.

Physical Requirements:

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

Disclaimer: This Job Description has been designed to indicate the general nature, essential duties, and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It does not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications that are required of the employee to do this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This Job Description does not constitute a contract of employment and the University may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.

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

Job Type: Full-time