📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Regional Marketing Manager, Burr Ridge/Chicago, IL
🔹 Company: Western Governors University
🔹 Location: Chicago Office, IL
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Higher Education, Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-10
🔹 Experience Level: 7+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing regional marketing strategies to drive brand awareness and customer engagement
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize marketing outcomes and enhance regional impact
- Leading operational efficiency initiatives to improve performance and elevate regional marketing effectiveness
- Managing regional marketing budget and ensuring strategic alignment with institutional goals
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead data-driven decision-making by analyzing, synthesizing, and reporting on regional marketing outcomes to measure impact and optimize strategy
✅ Drive operational efficiency and service excellence by developing and leading initiatives that optimize processes, improve performance, and elevate regional marketing effectiveness
✅ Hold full accountability for assigned projects, ensuring strategic execution, alignment with institutional goals, and measurable results
✅ Lead the development and execution of a hyper-local, regional marketing strategy that aligns with the goals of the schools, Academy, and Craft Education
✅ Partner with the Regional VP and other leaders to build a strong team culture while leading marketing strategy development
✅ Leverage expertise to align cross-functional efforts, drive alumni engagement, and enhance community impact
✅ Manage regional marketing budget and lead brand building and lead generation efforts in partnership with central marketing teams
✅ Establish and continually refine geography- and audience-specific messaging that powerfully communicates WGU’s positioning, attributes, and proof points in tailored, culturally appropriate ways
✅ Build and inspire emerging marketing leaders through coaching and mentorship, fostering professional growth and strengthening overall team impact
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and requires strong communication, project management, and leadership skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related field required
Experience: 7+ years of marketing domain experience, including a broad range of tactics and budget management experience
Required Skills:
- Significant client or key stakeholder management experience
- Executive-level communication ability
- Drive and ability to influence others to act without direct reporting authority
- Methodical, systematic, and highly organized
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Deep expertise across a wide range of marketing disciplines
- Innovative and inclined to explore new approaches via constant learning and optimization
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
- Ability to manage time and resources for multiple projects at one time
- Advanced research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data
- Experience operating in a disaggregated marketing model
- Success working across marketing disciplines
- Comfort working as part of a hybrid in-person/remote team
- Proven collaborator with a successful track record of leading complex, cross-functional initiatives
Preferred Skills:
- Media buying experience
- Marketing budget management of $5M+
- Multicultural marketing experience
- Industry experience in higher education and/or areas relevant to WGU colleges
- Master’s degree
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in higher education marketing and a strong background in data analysis and strategic planning are likely to be successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $97,100.00 - $145,600.00
Benefits:
- 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
- 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
- Other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave
Working Hours: 40 standard weekly hours
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a senior marketing role in higher education. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and market conditions.
📌 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
- and Affordable Higher Education
Company Website: www.wgu.college
ASSUMPTION: WGU is a mission-driven organization focused on expanding access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs. This focus is likely to influence the company culture and priorities.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level marketing role with strategic and leadership responsibilities
Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Regional Vice President and collaborates with various cross-functional teams
Work Arrangement: On-site, with some travel required (up to 10%)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a regional vice president or similar leadership role
- Opportunities to expand expertise and skills through cross-functional collaboration and mentorship
- Chance to make a significant impact on the organization's regional marketing strategy and outcomes
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development, as well as the chance to make a significant impact on the organization's regional marketing efforts.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid in-person/remote team
Office Location(s): Chicago Office, IL
Geographic Context:
- The Chicago area offers a diverse and dynamic market for higher education, with a large and growing population of working adults seeking to advance their careers through education.
- The region is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and a thriving tech industry, providing ample opportunities for partnerships and collaborations.
- Chicago is a major hub for transportation, making it an ideal location for regional marketing efforts.
Work Schedule: 40 standard weekly hours, with some flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The Chicago office provides a central location for regional marketing efforts, with easy access to major transportation hubs and a diverse range of potential partners and collaborators.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- On-site or virtual interview with hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Data analysis and interpretation abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Leadership and team management skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with WGU's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to regional marketing strategy and data-driven decision-making
- Demonstrate your ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams and initiatives
- Showcase your understanding of the higher education landscape and WGU's unique value proposition
ATS Keywords: Regional Marketing, Strategic Planning, Data Analysis, Cross-Functional Teams, Higher Education Marketing, Competency-Based Education, Online Learning
ASSUMPTION: The interview process is likely to focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, data analysis skills, and cultural fit with WGU's mission and values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Collaboration and communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on WGU's current tech stack and the candidate's areas of expertise.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Student Focused
- Innovative
- Quality Driven
- Data Informed
- Collaborative
- Inclusive
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Data-driven and analytical
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, data-driven environment?
- Are you comfortable working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to drive strategic outcomes?
- Do you have a proven track record of leading and managing successful marketing campaigns?
ASSUMPTION: WGU values candidates who are student-focused, innovative, and data-driven, with a strong commitment to collaboration and continuous learning.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a regional marketing budget and ensuring strategic alignment with institutional goals
- Balancing the need for data-driven decision-making with the need for agile and responsive marketing strategies
- Navigating a complex, multi-faceted organization with a disaggregated marketing model
- Managing a hybrid in-person/remote team and ensuring effective communication and collaboration
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong strategic planning, communication, and leadership skills, as well as a deep understanding of the regional marketing landscape and WGU's unique value proposition.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Regional Marketing Director or Senior Marketing Manager position in higher education or other industries with a focus on regional marketing strategy and execution
- Unlike other roles, this position requires a strong understanding of competency-based education and online learning, as well as experience working in a disaggregated marketing model
- Career progression in this role may involve advancing to a regional vice president or similar leadership position, with opportunities to expand expertise and skills through cross-functional collaboration and mentorship
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other regional marketing positions, its unique focus on competency-based education and online learning sets it apart from other opportunities in the field.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a regional marketing campaign to drive student enrollment in a specific program or degree pathway
- Conducting market research and analysis to identify regional trends and opportunities for WGU's offerings
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create and implement integrated outreach plans that support key institutional priorities
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and collaborative nature of the role, as well as the importance of data-driven decision-making and continuous learning.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the regional marketing strategy for WGU and how this role fits into its execution?
- How does the regional marketing team collaborate with other departments, such as admissions, student services, and academic programs, to drive student success?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of regional marketing initiatives, and how are they tracked and reported?
- How does WGU support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the regional marketing team, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: These questions help assess the candidate's understanding of the role, the organization's priorities, and the opportunities for professional growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through WGU's careers page
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for the interview by researching WGU's mission, values, and unique approach to higher education
- Be ready to discuss your approach to regional marketing strategy and data-driven decision-making
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of the 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.
