Design Writer

If you're passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country-and you're committed to working hard to play your part in building that future-consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Job Description

The Design Writer engages WGU Academy students through well-crafted communication, understanding how to best connect with, persuade, and educate readers. The successful candidate is passionate about simplifying complexity and delighting learners as they grow in understanding and confidence. The Design Writer works as a member on agile project teams and applies research-informed strategies and practices to ensure learner engagement, comprehension, retention, and application.

The Design Writer is positioned within Academy's Learning Experience unit with colleagues versed in learning experience design, UX/UI design, rich media, and assessment to craft world-class eLearning. The Design Writer takes a consultative approach to their work, exhibiting the highest level of expertise and knowledge in written communication for learning and power skill development, including scriptwriting for multimedia content. They seek common ground across many other involved roles. Their passion for thoughtful craft, openness to innovative ideas, and energy in pitching expertise and known best practices will serve the Design Writer well in this role. As we strive to provide our students with educational experiences that lead the industry, the Design Writer will help achieve this goal.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develop a unique Academy "voice" used in all products

• Function as primary writer and editor for a cross-functional, agile team developing engaging, effective learning experiences

• Contribute to learning experiences achieving robust student outcomes in power skill development including social emotional learning and emotional intelligence

• Write scripts for animation, video, and audio content

• Craft text for user interface elements such as buttons, menus, and prompts

• Edit and proof externally facing content for tone and correctness

• Write appropriately for Academy's diverse audiences

• Draft multiple rapid prototypes for usability testing, AB testing, iterating based on feedback

• Work closely with subject matter experts to accurately translate industry jargon and complex ideas into well-structured audience-appropriate learning content

• Work closely with Design team to ensure content aligns with learning strategies and objectives

• Assist and edit service delivery and training materials for Student Experience team

• Ensure all work is on time and meets standards of quality, including accuracy, tone, and grammar

• Model WGU's Leadership Principles and Cultural Beliefs

• Develop and maintain a collaborative relationship with all appropriate internal and external stakeholders

• Stay current with trends and research in content best practices, including social emotional learning, learning science, UX/UI, and behavioral economics

• Assist with drafting reports and other internal documents as needed

• Fulfill other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

• Experience writing online content, educational content, and similar work requiring both communication of information and a call to action

• Experience collaborating on internal communications, reports, and training materials

• Ability to take feedback and iterate toward improved learning and engagement

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced, agile environment

• Strong attention to detail and a feeling of ownership over the quality of our learning experiences

• Strong prioritization and time management skills to balance multiple demands

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant field

• 2+ years of experience writing online content and proven success engaging learners

• Heavy consideration given to candidates sharing a strong portfolio of work

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven successful collaboration and work experience with learning and performance teams/education

• Excellent knowledge of adult learning theories, design thinking, and models for learning experience design

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

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Position & Application Details

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.