Senior Manager, Brand at Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, UT

Job description

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: Grade: Management_Executive 609 Pay Range: $116,600.00 - $209,900.00 Job Description The Senior Manager, Brand leads the team responsible for how the WGU brand shows up everywhere it touches students (past, current, and future), partners, and the broader public. The role covers three areas: elevating and evolving the university's visual and verbal identity at nationwide events and through media, protecting it through clear governance and policy, and bringing it to life physically through the WGU Store and merchandise program. Reporting to the Senior Director of Brand, Content, WGU Studios and Social Media, and partnering closely with that role on overall brand direction, this position owns day-to-day leadership of brand elevation initiatives, brand standards and approval processes, and the WGU Store/merch function. The Sr. Manager leads a small, functionally diverse team spanning Brand Elevation, Brand Governance/Policy, and the WGU Store/Merch team. This role partners closely with communications, events, design, marketing, content, social, finance, and academic leadership so WGU's brand stays consistent and well protected across every channel. Success metrics include clear brand standards that are easy to follow, a store/merch program that reinforces and enhances overall brand equity, and creative work that elevates how WGU shows up nationally among all audiences. Primary Responsibilities Set the vision and operating strategy for WGU’s brand elevation, governance, and store/merch functions, in partnership with the Senior Director, and oversee execution across all three workstreams. Lead and develop a team of 3–4 direct reports spanning Brand Elevation, Brand Governance/Policy, and the WGU Store/Merch team; set hiring plans, performance standards, and career development paths. Drive initiatives that elevate and evolve WGU’s brand identity, partnering with design, content, communications, events and marketing to keep brand expression fresh and aligned to institutional strategy. Own brand standards, guidelines, and approval processes to ensure consistent, on-brand execution across the university, including oversight of policy enforcement, brand reviews, and stakeholder education. Oversee the WGU Store and merchandise program, including product strategy, vendor relationships, and day-to-day operations. Partner with Finance and Operations on budget, inventory, and P&L for the store and merch program. Balance protecting brand integrity with giving internal teams the speed and flexibility they need. Track brand governance compliance and store/merch performance, and report results to the Senior Director on a recurring cadence. Partner with Marketing, Content & Social, PR/Communications, Finance,