Western Governors University · 11 hours ago
Research Writer (Salt Lake City, Utah)
SLC Metro Area
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$97K/yr - $146K/yr
7+ years expWestern Governors University is committed to expanding access to higher education through innovative online programs. The Research Writer will be responsible for producing compelling content that translates complex research into accessible narratives, driving visibility for WGU Labs and contributing to national conversations on education and workforce development.
Higher Education
No H1B
Responsibilities
Own longform research and editorial content, serving as the lead writer and editor for research-driven assets including OpEds, white papers, website content, and downloadable resources
Create content for LinkedIn, managing content planning, performance analysis, and channel optimization in collaboration with internal teams and shared resources to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and voice
Serve as an editorial partner to researchers and product teams, shaping technical and research-driven insights into compelling, accessible narratives, including research reports, white papers, blog posts, collateral, newsletters, research briefs, and podcasts
Develop internal communications to disseminate findings within WGU, including the internal WGU newsletter and other materials as needed
Ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment. Maintain editorial standards across content types, ensuring that all materials reflect WGU Labs’ POV and align with our larger strategic and research goals
Measure and report on content performance, using key marketing and engagement metrics (e.g., engagement rate, impressions, downloads) to inform content strategy and optimize future efforts
Serve as lead writer and editor for research-driven content, including white papers, reports, op-eds, and blogs
Translate qualitative and quantitative research into clear, persuasive narratives for diverse audiences
Shape content strategy across channels, with a strong focus on LinkedIn thought leadership
Repurpose major research into derivative assets such as blogs, social posts, and newsletters
Collaborate with researchers, product teams, and leaders to ensure editorial integrity and impact
Build and refine editorial processes for consistent, high-quality output
Analyze content performance and optimize strategy based on engagement metrics
Qualification
Required
7+ years of experience in content strategy, editorial leadership, journalism, or research communications
Proven ability to translate complex research and technical topics into accessible stories
Strong editorial judgment and attention to detail
Familiarity with higher education, workforce development, or related fields
Experience managing content workflows and deadlines in fast-paced environments
Fluency in digital content best practices, SEO fundamentals, and analytics
Comfort with CMS platforms, social scheduling tools, and collaborative project systems
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, English, or related field
At least five (5) years of professional experience in content marketing, editorial strategy, or digital communications, preferably in higher education, workforce development, or mission-driven sectors
Proven experience managing owned content channels (e.g., website, blog, social media) to build reputation, audience, and thought leadership
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with researchers, product leaders, or subject-matter experts to produce high-quality content that aligns with organizational strategy
Familiarity with managing or contributing to LinkedIn strategies (newsletter, posts, amplification), using social publishing platforms (e.g., Hootsuite), and optimizing content for engagement
Working knowledge of SEO, analytics, and digital performance metrics, with experience using insights to inform content creation and strategy
Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines across teams
Proficiency with CMS platforms (e.g., Webflow or WordPress), Google Suite, and basic design tools such as Canva or Adobe Express
Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills
Preferred
Experience working with research teams
Background in journalism, policy writing, or research communications
Familiarity with AI-assisted content workflows and ethical guidelines
Benefits
Comprehensive healthcare
HSA and FSA options
Life and disability insurance
Legal assistance and identity protection
Retirement savings plan
Wellbeing programs
Discounted WGU tuition for you and your family
Flexible PTO and Sick time
11 paid holidays
Additional paid leaves, including parental leave
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
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
Company
Western Governors University
Western Governors University focuses on improving lives by creating pathways to opportunity for its students.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
Kauffman Foundation
2025-05-08Grant
Leadership Team
Stephen Herzig
Vice President of Enterprise Solutions
Kacey Thorne
Senior Director, Academic Strategic Initiatives
Recent News
2025-12-02
Company data provided by crunchbase