Research Writer (Salt Lake City, Utah)

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 Research Writer is a key member of the WGU Labs MarCom team, responsible for shaping and producing compelling longform content rooted in research, innovation, and impact. This role is ideal for a serious thinker and exceptional writer with a deep understanding of postsecondary education, workforce development, or social innovation - and a proven ability to translate complex research and technical ideas into engaging, accessible narratives.

You will lead the creation of research reports, white papers, thought leadership articles, and multi-use content that drives visibility for WGU Labs and elevates our work in national conversations. You will also provide strategic guidance on editorial direction, serving as a key thought partner to internal researchers, product teams, and leaders. This role is highly collaborative and requires editorial rigor, strategic thinking, and a passion for communicating ideas that matter.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Increase awareness and support the growth of WGU Labs nationwide by:
• 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.

About WGU Labs

WGU Labs is an innovation accelerator focused on advancing higher education and workforce development. We partner with mission-driven organizations to design, test, and scale solutions that improve learning outcomes and expand access to opportunity.

About the Team

Our team combines research, product development, and strategic communications to influence national conversations on the future of learning. We thrive on collaboration and creativity, working at the intersection of education and innovation.

As a Research Writer, you will transform complex research into compelling narratives that inform and inspire. Your work will amplify WGU Labs' thought leadership and help shape the dialogue around postsecondary education and workforce development.

What You'll Do

• 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.

What You'll Bring

• 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.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience working with research teams.
• Background in journalism, policy writing, or research communications.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted content workflows and ethical guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Experience in Lieu of Education

Equivalent relevant experience may substitute for educational requirements at the hiring manager's discretion.

Required Work Samples

Candidates must submit:

• 1 long-form thought leadership piece (white paper, research report, or equivalent)
• 1-2 narrative essays or op-eds demonstrating POV and argumentation
• 1 example of translating research or data (brief, blog, report section, or executive memo)
• 1 LinkedIn post or short-form series showing voice, insight, and audience awareness

For each piece, include:

• Target audience
• Your role (writer, editor, strategist, ghostwriter, etc.)
• Goal of the piece
• Evidence of impact (engagement, pickup, internal influence, etc.)

Optional but highly telling:
A short paragraph answering:
"What was the hardest editorial decision you made in this piece, and why?"

How to Apply

Submit your resume and required work samples through Workday. Ensure each sample includes the requested context details. Applications without work samples will not be considered.

What to Expect

At WGU, our mission drives everything we do, including how we hire. Our interview experience is designed to give qualified candidates the opportunity to show their best work through meaningful conversations, practical problem-solving, and authentic collaboration.

We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward the candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission. If selected, you will hear from a recruiter or hiring manager who will guide you through the process. We aim to communicate decisions promptly and respectfully.

Here is what that typically looks like:

• Introductory call
• Recruiter screen (please provide work samples)
• Hiring manager interview
• Panel interview

Work Location

This is a full-time, hybrid role based in Salt Lake City, Utah, with 4 days on-site and Friday remote.

Visa Sponsorship

While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, WGU cannot provide visa sponsorship for this role.

What You'll Receive as a Full-Time WGU Employee

• 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
  Explore the full benefits overview at https://wgubenefits.com.

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.