📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Copywriter
🔹 Company: Western Governors University
🔹 Location: Salt Lake City Office, Salt Lake City, UT 84107
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (4 days on-site, 1 day remote)
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 23, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days on-site, 1 day remote)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing marketing content for various channels, ensuring brand consistency
- Collaborating with internal and external clients to define business objectives and create effective messaging strategies
- Managing lifecycle campaigns and maintaining product knowledge
- Working with designers to execute creative concepts for major program initiatives
- Writing and managing content for the university's website and email marketing campaigns
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong writing skills, creativity, and the ability to work well with others. The ideal candidate will have experience in copywriting and a strong portfolio showcasing their skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Write marketing content for various channels, including website, email, direct mail, and print campaigns
✅ Collaborate with internal and external clients to define business objectives and create effective messaging strategies
✅ Manage lifecycle campaigns and maintain product knowledge
✅ Work with designers to execute creative concepts for major program initiatives
✅ Write and manage content for the university's website and email marketing campaigns
✅ Ensure copy is consistent with the university’s brand standards and maintains copy integrity
✅ Develop and nurture relationships with university colleagues, particularly in marketing, public relations, and enrollment
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in copywriting and a strong portfolio showcasing their skills. They should also be able to work well with others and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in communications, journalism, or marketing.
Experience: 3+ years of copywriting experience.
Required Skills:
- Exceptional writing skills
- Good collaborator
- Ability to listen well and accurately define and deliver on project objectives
- Ability to take complex topics and convey them in compelling, understandable copy
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage and lead multiple projects at one time
- Proficient in MS Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel
- Writing samples required
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with email marketing platforms
- Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or InDesign)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing their writing skills and experience in copywriting. They should also be comfortable working with various stakeholders and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $54,800.00 - $82,200.00
Benefits:
- Comprehensive dental, vision, and medical benefits
- Paid time off, parental leave, and inclusive family-forming benefits
- Generous retirement and HSA company contributions
- Discounted undergraduate and graduate WGU tuition for employees and their families
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement (4 days on-site, 1 day remote)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for copywriting roles. Benefits are comprehensive and include health, wellness, and education-related perks.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: 1987
Company Description:
- Western Governors University (WGU) is a pioneering online university committed to providing accessible, affordable, and career-focused education for students worldwide.
- Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors, WGU is designed to meet the needs of modern learners, offering competency-based programs that empower students to advance their careers at their own pace.
- With over 300,000 graduates, WGU is recognized as a leader in online education, offering accredited bachelor's and master's degree programs in business, IT, teaching, and healthcare.
Company Specialties:
- Competency-Based Education
- Online Learning
- Workforce-Ready Skills Development
- Business Management & Leadership
- Information Technology & Cybersecurity
- Teacher Education & Licensure
- Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
- Affordable Higher Education
Company Website: https://www.wgu.college
ASSUMPTION: WGU is a mission-driven organization focused on expanding access to higher education and helping students graduate. This role supports the university's mission by creating compelling marketing content that resonates with students and promotes the university's programs.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Creative Director and works closely with various internal and external stakeholders, including marketing, public relations, and enrollment teams.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (4 days on-site, 1 day remote) with the requirement to work in the office 4 days a week at the WGU headquarters.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to Senior Copywriter or Creative Manager roles
- Expanding skills in related areas, such as content strategy or project management
- Potential to work on high-impact campaigns and initiatives that drive student enrollment and engagement
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the marketing and communications department. The ideal candidate will be proactive, innovative, and eager to take on new challenges as the university continues to grow and evolve.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site with a hybrid work arrangement (4 days on-site, 1 day remote)
Office Location(s): WGU headquarters: 4001 South 700 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84107
Geographic Context:
- Salt Lake City is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse economy and a high quality of life.
- The university's headquarters is located in the South Salt Lake City area, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.
- The region offers a range of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban homes, with varying costs of living.
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement (4 days on-site, 1 day remote)
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility while ensuring that the copywriter is available for in-person collaboration and creative sessions with the team and stakeholders.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission and resume review
- Phone or video screening with the Talent Acquisition team
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the Creative Director
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing samples and portfolio review
- Cultural fit and alignment with WGU's mission and values
- Problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects
- Communication and collaboration skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include a portfolio of your best writing samples, showcasing your range and versatility as a copywriter
- Be prepared to discuss your writing process, creative inspiration, and how you approach brand voice and messaging strategy
ATS Keywords: Copywriter, Marketing, Brand Voice, Messaging Strategy, Lifecycle Campaigns, Product Marketing, Creative Concepts, Website Content, Email Marketing, Adobe Creative Suite, Collaboration, Project Management
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's writing skills, cultural fit, and ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Applicants should be prepared to showcase their portfolio and discuss their creative process and approach to copywriting.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with the listed tools and technologies, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to new platforms as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Student-focused
- Innovative
- Collaborative
- Quality-driven
- Inclusive
Work Style:
- Creative and strategic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to feedback
- Results-driven and proactive
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with WGU's mission to expand access to higher education and help students graduate?
- Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously?
- Do you have a strong portfolio showcasing your writing skills and versatility as a copywriter?
ASSUMPTION: WGU values candidates who are passionate about its mission, committed to working collaboratively, and eager to learn and grow in their roles. The ideal candidate will be a strong cultural fit, with a positive attitude and a willingness to take on new challenges.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Balancing the need for creativity with adherence to brand guidelines and messaging strategy
- Working effectively with various stakeholders, including internal and external clients
- Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and maintaining productivity in an on-site environment
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be organized, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. They should also be able to manage their time effectively and prioritize tasks accordingly.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions, such as Content Strategist or UX Writer, in its focus on marketing content and messaging strategy across various channels
- As a copywriter, you will be responsible for creating compelling, on-brand content that drives student engagement and enrollment
- Career path comparison: Copywriter → Senior Copywriter → Creative Manager → Director of Marketing Communications
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the marketing and communications department. The ideal candidate will be proactive, innovative, and eager to take on new challenges as the university continues to grow and evolve.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand style guide and tone of voice guidelines for WGU
- Creating a series of email marketing campaigns to promote specific degree programs or university-wide initiatives
- Writing and designing print materials, such as brochures, flyers, and posters, to promote WGU's offerings and events
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range and versatility of the copywriter role at WGU, showcasing the opportunity to work on high-impact campaigns and initiatives that drive student enrollment and engagement.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the creative process and collaboration style within the marketing and communications department?
- How does this role contribute to WGU's mission and overall student success?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the department and the university as a whole?
- How does the hybrid work arrangement support work-life balance and productivity?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the marketing and communications department, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role, the department, and the university as a whole. They also demonstrate the candidate's interest in the position and their commitment to contributing to WGU's mission and success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include a portfolio of your best writing samples, showcasing your range and versatility as a copywriter
- Prepare for your interview by researching WGU's mission, values, and recent initiatives
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
