"Copywriter- WGU Academy"

Copywriter - WGU Academy

Company: Western Governors University

Job Location: Salt Lake City Office

Category: Publications and Editing

Type: Full-Time

Job Type: Full time

Job Number: JR-024179

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 305 Pay Range: $54,800.00 - $82,200.00

Job Description

About the Role:

As a Copywriter, you will be responsible for writing all types of marketing content for WGU Academy, including content presented on the university's website, email, direct mail, and print campaigns. This position will also take an extensive role in messaging strategy, product marketing campaign strategy, and lifecycle campaign management. The Copywriter is responsible for the copy integrity of marketing communications materials and programs through strategic direction and development of targeted messaging. Ensures copy is consistent with the university's brand standards.

What You'll Do:

• Develop clear, compelling copy for a wide range of marketing channels, including web pages, email campaigns, direct mail, print collateral, lifecycle campaigns, and SEO content.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to understand business objectives, translate them into creative strategies, and explain the thinking behind major marketing campaigns.
• Own the integrity of WGU's brand voice by writing in a consistent style, maintaining tight quality control, and ensuring all copy supports the university's brand standards and positioning.
• Build and maintain deep product knowledge and audience understanding so that messaging is targeted, relevant, and aligned to the needs of assigned business partners.
• Collaborate closely with designers and other creative partners to develop and execute concepts, from interpreting creative briefs through to final deliverables.
• Manage and maintain content for WGU's website and affiliate or vendor sites, incorporating SEO best practices and blog strategy aligned to the university mission.
• Incorporate feedback and required changes from internal reviewers, business partners, and legal and compliance stakeholders while keeping projects moving forward smoothly.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities You'll Need to Be Successful:

• Exceptional writing skills and the ability to produce compelling, accurate, and audience-appropriate copy across digital and print channels.
• Strong collaboration skills, including the ability to listen well, clarify objectives, and build positive relationships with colleagues across departments.
• Proven ability to take complex topics and translate them into clear, engaging, and understandable messaging for diverse audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present and explain creative strategy and copy choices.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with a systems thinking mindset to improve processes and the effectiveness of your work.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and lead multiple projects at once while working independently on moderately complex assignments.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel, and experience working with a monthly content calendar.

What You'll Bring (Minimum Requirements):

• Bachelor's degree and 2+ yrs of copywriting experience, or an advanced degree without experience.
• Writing samples required at time of application

Bonus Points if You Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• 3+ years of copywriting experience
• Openness to exploring and leveraging AI tools to enhance copywriting, ideation, and content development.
• Familiarity with or experience using project management tools to track work, manage timelines, and collaborate with partners.

Work Location/Travel:

• This is a full-time, hybrid role based in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a mix of on-site and remote work. The schedule includes four days per week on-site at WGU's office and one work-from-home day.
• Up to 5% travel for summits, commencements, or other events.

What to Expect:

At WGU, our mission drives everything we do-including how we hire. Our interview experience is designed to give qualified candidates the opportunity to show their best work through meaningful conversations, practical problem-solving, and authentic collaboration.

We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward the candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission. If selected, you'll hear from a recruiter or hiring manager who will guide you through the process and help you know what to expect at each stage. We aim to communicate decisions promptly and respectfully.

Here's what that typically looks like:

• Introductory phone screen (~ 45 minutes): We'll walk you through who we are at WGU, what you'll do in this role, and learn about your relevant experience.
• 2nd round Interview (~ 45 minutes): Dive deeper into your skills and how you'll contribute to the team.
• Final Interview (~ 30 - 45 minutes)

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.

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