[Hiring] Industry Expert in Residence, Visiting Instructor, UXD @Western Governors University

Role Description

The Industry Expert in Residence provides students with an applied industry perspective, networking opportunities, professional skill development, and a real-world context connected to specific coursework.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging one-to-many learning events for students, such as industry talks, skills workshops, portfolio reviews, and Q&A sessions.
• Share real-world industry insights and practices, helping students understand current trends, expectations, and career pathways within the field.
• Host “day in the life” sessions that provide transparent perspectives on professional roles, workplace environments, and career progression.
• Provide constructive portfolio, project, or work feedback to help students strengthen industry readiness and improve the quality of their work.
• Develop and facilitate practical skills workshops that allow students to apply industry-relevant tools, methods, and approaches.
• Serve as an accessible industry mentor and resource, encouraging student questions and providing guidance about entering and navigating the profession.
• Collaborate with faculty and program staff to align residency events with student learning goals and current program priorities.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive learning environment that encourages participation from students with diverse backgrounds and levels of experience.
• Contribute insights on emerging industry trends that can inform program improvements and student preparation.
• Participate in program evaluation and reflection, sharing observations and recommendations at the end of the residency to strengthen future industry engagement initiatives.

This job description includes a general representation of job requirements rather than a comprehensive inventory of all required responsibilities or work activities. The contents of this document or related job requirements may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of designated industry and related professional practice.
• Ability to provide clear, practical, industry-aligned feedback to students on work products, portfolios, and professional readiness.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage learners effectively in a virtual environment.
• Ability to mentor emerging professionals and connect student learning to workplace expectations and career pathways.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with program leadership, faculty, and staff in support of student engagement and event delivery.
• Comfort working in online environments and using virtual tools to support communication, feedback, and student interaction.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in UXD or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years UXD industry experience.
• Minimum of 2 years providing coaching, supporting, and or leading colleagues or students.
• Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in relevant field.
• 5+ years of Industry experience.
• Experience with distance learning or remote coaching/mentoring.
• Prior Beta or SME contributions to WGU projects.
• Experience working in an online or remote environment.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Works primarily from home within the continental United States and is available to travel to meetings as required.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• 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.

Position & Application Details

• This is a part-time, regular position (classified for less than 30 SWH) that is eligible for vision and mental healthcare; flexible spending account; voluntary life insurance; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and prorated paid holidays and accrued sick time.
• 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 [email protected].
• Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.