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 Academic Initiatives Strategist plays a key role in developing and implementing academic initiatives at the University that create opportunities for students and support the university's Key Results. This position collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of academic strategic initiatives. The role is instrumental in analyzing, designing, and implementing solutions that improve student outcomes and contribute to the learn-and-work ecosystem.

Job Duties

Develops and proposes new academic initiatives and programs.Manages specific high-impact initiatives.Implements innovative solutions to advance academic initiatives.Supports change management efforts for cross-functional implementation.Analyzes data and gathers insights into program and student performance. Evaluates program effectiveness and suggest refinements. Contributes to efforts supporting access and completion for underserved populations. Uses data analysis to inform decision-making and strategy refinement.Engages with internal stakeholders across departments. Participates in external partnerships to support initiative goals. Coordinates cross-departmental efforts to enhance student success.Researches current trends in the learn-and-work ecosystem. Develops expertise in areas such as student pathways, skills-based practices, and digital credentialing. Contributes to the university's knowledge base on innovative academic practices.Prepares comprehensive reports and presentations on academic strategies and outcomes. Communicates project status and results to relevant stakeholders.Identifies and researches potential grant opportunities. Contributes significantly to grant proposal writing and development. Assists in managing awarded grants, including budget oversight and reporting.Provides mentorship to inspire and develop colleagues.Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

KSAs

Solid understanding of current trends and challenges in higher education, particularly related to student success and career pathwaysKnowledge of project management methodologies and best practices in academic settingsUnderstanding of data analysis techniques and their application in evaluating academic programsFamiliarity with innovative educational practices, including skills-based learning and digital credentialingKnowledge of grant writing processes and funding opportunities in higher educationStrong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and derive actionable insightsProficient project management skills, including planning, execution, and monitoring of academic initiativesEffective communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey ideas and results to various stakeholdersCollaborative skills to work effectively across departments and with external partnersIntermediate to advanced proficiency in data analysis tools and project management softwareAbility to develop and propose new academic initiatives aligned with institutional goalsCapability to evaluate program effectiveness and suggest evidence-based improvementsAbility to contribute to strategic planning efforts and implement innovative solutionsCapacity to manage stakeholder relationships and facilitate cross-departmental cooperationAbility to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environmentCapability to translate strategic directions into actionable plans and measurable outcomesAbility to mentor junior team members and contribute to a positive team cultureCapacity to balance multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detailAbility to think creatively and propose solutions to complex academic challengesCapability to support change management efforts and promote adoption of new initiatives

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in a related field4 years of relevant, progressive experience in higher education, education technology, or related field.Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is the discretion of the hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree in a related field2 years of skills implementation experience.

Job Description Disclaimer: This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.

#LI-MM1

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:
 

Pay Range: $80,300.00 - $120,400.00

How to apply: apply online

Full-time Regular Positions (FT classification, standard working hours = 40)

This is a full-time, regular position that is eligible for 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; and 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, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

The University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.