Senior Regional Manager - Midwest Region

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: Professional 309 Pay Range: $82,700.00 - $124,000.00 Job Description The Senior Regional Manager plays a critical role in advancing the university’s mission by increasing visibility, enrollment, and reputation as a leader in accessible, workforce-aligned education. This position serves as a strategic relationship manager and regional liaison, ensuring alignment between operational priorities and institutional goals while driving measurable growth and community impact. This role is responsible for building relationships with community organizations, businesses, and local leaders while independently managing daily operations, supporting regional growth initiatives, and executing strategies to meet performance goals.   What You’ll Do Develop and maintain relationships with employers, community organizations, government entities, and key local leaders Grow brand visibility through community engagement, partnerships, networking, and public speaking Build and execute a regional strategy leveraging partnerships, market insights, and community needs Lead and manage regional operations, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy and performance goals Track, maintain, and analyze regional data to support decision-making and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) Develop and implement initiatives that improve operational efficiency and service delivery Foster strong collaboration across internal teams and cross-functional stakeholders What You’ll Bring 5+ years of experience in business development Bachelor’s degree Proven track record of operational success and year-over-year growth within a business or education environment Strong enterprise, community, and government networks and partnerships are required Demonstrated ability to manage large, complex projects independently Strong communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills across diverse audiences Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment Experience working across marketing and communications disciplines, including brand, PR, digital, and field marketing High level of adaptability, initiative, and accountability with a results-driven mindset Bonus Points Experience operating in a complex, matrixed or disaggregated organization Background in higher education, workforce development, or regional partnerships Experience presenting to external stakeholders, partners, or at conferences Experience in Lieu of Education An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may 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 and collaboration. We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward the candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission. Introductory call Hiring manager virtual interview VP virtual interview Onsite final interview Work Location This is a full-time, in-office position requiring five days per week in our Burr Ridge, IL office, designed to foster the collaboration and connection that fuel our best work. Visa Sponsorship While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, WGU is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role. Travel Requirement 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. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements. #LI-AE1 Position & Application Details Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) 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. 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. A