Industry Expert in Residence, Visiting Instructor, Communications

Job Description

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.

Primary 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.

This job description includes a general representation of job requirements rather than a comprehensive inventory of all required responsibilities or work activities. The contents of this document or related job requirements may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related field

Experience

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Works primarily from home within the continental United States and is available to travel to meetings as required.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Position & Application Details

Part-time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working less than 30 standard weekly hours): This is a part-time, regular position (classified for less than 30 SWH) that is eligible for vision and mental healthcare; flexible spending account; voluntary life insurance; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and prorated paid holidays and accrued sick time.

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.