📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Digital Marketing Specialist
🔹 Company: Western Governors University
🔹 Location: Salt Lake City Office, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (4 days in office)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 1, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (4 days a week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing paid search campaigns and online media for various audience and degree programs
- Optimizing ad performance and testing on a granular level
- Developing recommendations for new campaigns, audience, and messaging approaches
- Collaborating with internal teams to implement campaign testing and execute strategies
- Providing data insights and actions for formalized reporting
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of digital marketing channels, data analysis, and excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with experience in managing digital campaigns.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Create and manage paid video, display, and paid search campaigns for various audience and degree programs
✅ Optimize and test ad performance on a granular level
✅ Develop recommendations for new campaigns, audience, and messaging approaches that align with WGU’s media KPIs
✅ Partner with internal teams to implement and execute campaign testing
✅ Conduct big data analysis and adjustments based on data
✅ Manager and maintain campaign budget tracking and optimizations
✅ Assist in report building, data analysis, and reviewing analytics for key opportunities
✅ Request creative and assist in ideation of creative concepts and messaging along with WGU creative teams
✅ Implement and manage audience nurturing lists and strategies across multiple digital marketing channels
✅ Assist and collaborate in media planning recommendations
✅ Manage 3rd party relationships with digital and social partners
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a high level of organization, multitasking, and attention to detail. Strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with various internal teams and presenting reports.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: 1-2 years of active management of digital campaigns (social, display, remarketing, etc.)
Required Skills:
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge of digital marketing in social media, display channels, and paid search
- Experience with daily account management across Google Ads and Social platforms
- Self-starter behavior with the ability to work independently
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Excellent communication skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with Google Ads
- Adobe Analytics or Google Analytics experience
- Experience working with an Ad Agency
ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree is required, relevant experience and skills may be considered in lieu of a degree. Preferred qualifications can be learned on the job, but a strong foundation in digital marketing is essential.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $60,300.00 - $90,500.00 per year
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: 40 hours per week, with 4 days required in the office
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the job description and market research. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and skills.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education, specifically focused on online, competency-based degree programs
Company Size: 51-200 employees, which offers a mid-sized company culture with opportunities for growth and collaboration
Founded: 1997, with a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs
Company Description:
- Western Governors University (WGU) is a pioneering online university committed to providing accessible, affordable, and career-focused education for students worldwide
- WGU offers accredited bachelor's and master's degree programs in business, IT, teaching, and healthcare, with a focus on real-world skills and personalized mentorship
- WGU is recognized as a leader in online education, with over 300,000 graduates and a commitment to transforming lives through education, bridging the skills gap, and creating pathways to opportunity in high-demand industries
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's focus on online education and competency-based learning makes it an attractive option for non-traditional students and working professionals seeking flexible, career-focused degree programs.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Early to mid-career, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the marketing department and the organization
Reporting Structure: The Digital Marketing Specialist will report to the Sr. Digital Marketing Manager and collaborate with various internal teams, including college marketing teams
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 4 days required in the office and 1 day remote
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding skills and knowledge in digital marketing and related fields
- Advancing to a senior or management role within the marketing department
- Exploring opportunities in other departments or colleges within WGU
ASSUMPTION: The Digital Marketing Specialist role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in various aspects of digital marketing and contribute to WGU's mission of expanding access to higher education.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation
Office Location(s): 4001 South 700 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84107
Geographic Context:
- Salt Lake City, Utah, is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse economy and a strong job market
- The city offers a high quality of life, with numerous cultural attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a thriving food scene
- WGU's headquarters is conveniently located near public transportation and major highways, making it easily accessible for employees
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break
ASSUMPTION: The office environment at WGU is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with a focus on supporting the success of both employees and students.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference check (if applicable)
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Digital marketing knowledge and skills
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Cultural fit and alignment with WGU's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant digital marketing experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of WGU's mission and how your skills and experience align with the role
- Prepare for interview questions related to digital marketing strategies, data analysis, and problem-solving
- Research WGU's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit
ATS Keywords: Digital Marketing, Paid Search, Social Media, Display Advertising, Data Analysis, Google Ads, Campaign Management, Budget Tracking, Communication Skills, Microsoft Excel, Audience Targeting, Creative Concept Development, Report Building, Optimization, Collaboration, Project Management
ASSUMPTION: The application and interview process at WGU is designed to assess the candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best match for the role and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads
- Social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Adobe Analytics or Google Analytics
- Microsoft Excel
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The Digital Marketing Specialist will be expected to have proficiency in relevant digital marketing tools and platforms, as well as strong data analysis skills.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Student-focused
- Innovative
- Collaborative
- Inclusive
- Excellence-driven
Work Style:
- Data-driven and results-oriented
- Collaborative and team-focused
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Student-centered and committed to WGU's mission
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in digital marketing?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you optimized ad performance based on data analysis?
- How do you approach working collaboratively with internal teams to achieve shared goals?
ASSUMPTION: WGU values a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse student population it serves. Candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to WGU's mission and values, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt, are likely to be a good fit for the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple campaigns and channels simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Keeping up with the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape, necessitating continuous learning and adaptation
- Collaborating effectively with various internal teams, requiring strong communication and project management skills
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that may require flexibility and adaptability
ASSUMPTION: The Digital Marketing Specialist role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in various aspects of digital marketing and contribute to WGU's mission of expanding access to higher education. However, the role also presents challenges that require strong skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional marketing roles, the Digital Marketing Specialist role at WGU focuses heavily on paid online media and data-driven decision-making
- WGU's commitment to online, competency-based education sets it apart from traditional higher education institutions, offering unique opportunities and challenges for marketing professionals
- Career paths in digital marketing at WGU may include advancement to senior or management roles within the marketing department, as well as opportunities to explore other departments or colleges within the organization
ASSUMPTION: The Digital Marketing Specialist role at WGU offers a unique blend of digital marketing experience, data analysis, and collaboration with various internal teams, providing a strong foundation for career growth and advancement within the organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a targeted social media campaign to increase enrollment in a specific degree program
- Analyzing campaign performance data to optimize ad spend and maximize return on investment
- Collaborating with internal teams to create and implement a comprehensive digital marketing strategy for a new college or degree program
ASSUMPTION: The Digital Marketing Specialist role at WGU offers a wide range of projects and initiatives, providing opportunities to gain experience in various aspects of digital marketing and contribute to the organization's mission.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workflow and priorities for this role?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments and teams within WGU?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the marketing department and the organization?
- How does WGU support work-life balance for its employees?
- Can you provide an example of a successful digital marketing campaign at WGU and the strategies that contributed to its success?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, relevant questions during the interview process demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and commitment to understanding the organization's culture and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through WGU's careers page
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant digital marketing experience and skills
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of WGU's mission and how your skills and experience align with the role
- Prepare for interview questions related to digital marketing strategies, data analysis, and problem-solving
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
