Design Writer

We are seeking a Design Writer to join our team at WGU Academy. As a Design Writer, you will engage students through well-crafted communication, understanding how to best connect with, persuade, and educate readers. You will work as a member on agile project teams and apply research-informed strategies and practices to ensure learner engagement, comprehension, retention, and application.

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

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant field.
• 2+ years of experience in a professional writing background.
• Heavy consideration given to candidates sharing a strong portfolio of work.
• A passion for education and writing to enable and inspire students to learn.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A passion for creating or converting long form content into engaging, consumable learning material.
• Demonstrable experience navigating feedback in writing from multiple stakeholders and subject matter experts.
• Demonstrable experience collaborating with a team.
• Nice to have: A 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.

Working Conditions: 5 days in office, 10% travel. This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed.