GCE Marketing – Assistant Graphic Designer (NFWS)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Graphic Designer (NFWS)

Company: Grand Canyon Education (GCE)

Location: Phoenix, AZ, United States

Job Type: Part-Time / Intern

Category: Marketing / Graphic Design

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote OK, with potential for on-site collaboration)

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Grand Canyon University (GCU) Marketing department in developing and executing creative projects.

• Collaborate with a team of creatives to ideate, conceptualize, and design large-scale campaigns for both print and digital mediums.

• Ensure all creative output adheres to established brand standards and maintain a high level of craft and detail.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaboratively ideate, develop, and design large-scale creative campaigns, contributing to strategic concept development.

• Implement conceptual direction to produce high-quality print and digital collateral, ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines.

• Actively solicit, receive, and incorporate feedback from team members to refine design work.

• Work closely with experienced designers, copywriters, and project managers to ensure meticulous attention to craft and detail on all assigned projects.

• Assist the full-time creative team in executing design content needs as they arise, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness.

• Participate in organized training sessions led by industry leaders with extensive experience.

• Contribute to the development of award-winning campaigns and potentially submit student work to local and national design competitions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests an "Assistant" role, the responsibilities hint at significant contribution to "large-scale creative campaigns." This indicates a hands-on role where the intern is expected to actively participate in the creative process, not just support tasks. The mention of "remote team" suggests a hybrid work model, allowing for flexibility while emphasizing the need for strong communication and collaboration tools.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at Grand Canyon University (GCU) pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Advertising and Graphic Design.

• Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for Bachelor level students.

Experience:

• Entry-level position, with a focus on current students demonstrating foundational design knowledge and a strong desire to learn and grow.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing design skills, conceptual thinking, and execution is mandatory. Applicants without a portfolio will not be considered.

• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Design Fundamentals: Solid understanding of typography, color theory, composition, and layout principles.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and feedback.

• Presentation Skills: Public speaking and presentation skills are required for effectively sharing design concepts and work.

• Process Adherence: Ability to understand, follow, and document internal creative processes and workflows.

• Creative Acumen: Nimble creative and strategic thinking skills to contribute to campaign ideation.

• Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to detail, highly organized, and self-motivated to manage tasks independently.

• Teamwork: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a remote and/or hybrid team.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com).

• Basic understanding of UI/UX design principles for digital collateral.

• Experience with motion graphics or video editing software (e.g., Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro).

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio and presentation skills, alongside proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, strongly indicates that this role is designed to assess practical design application and communication abilities. The GPA and academic standing requirements are standard for student employment at GCU.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Skillset: The portfolio must clearly showcase a range of design capabilities, including concept development, execution across different mediums (print/digital), and adherence to brand standards.

• Process Documentation: Include examples of how you approached a project, from initial brief to final execution, highlighting your thought process and problem-solving steps.

• Brand Consistency: Showcase projects where you successfully applied existing brand guidelines or developed new visual systems.

• Medium Diversity: Feature a variety of work, including but not limited to: marketing collateral, social media graphics, web banners, print advertisements, and presentation decks.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Understanding: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow, including stages of ideation, sketching, digital execution, revision, and final delivery.

• Feedback Integration: Provide examples or discuss how you have incorporated feedback from stakeholders or team members into your design process to improve the final output.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to articulate how you leverage specific tools within the Adobe Creative Suite to optimize your design process for efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio is paramount. Candidates should curate their best work, focusing on projects that demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to execute within brand constraints. Including a brief explanation of the process behind each project will be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour (based on minimum wage in Phoenix, AZ, and typical intern compensation for roles requiring specialized skills like graphic design).

• Explanation: This estimate is derived from the stated "Minimum Wage" pay rate, adjusted for the required skill set and the cost of living in Phoenix, Arizona. As a part-time, student-focused role, it aligns with typical intern compensation structures. The anticipated end date suggests a fixed-term engagement, influencing the hourly rate.

Benefits:

• Industry Training: Access to organized training sessions led by seasoned industry leaders with over 30 years of experience, providing invaluable practical knowledge.

• Mentorship: Dedicated mentoring and support from a full-time team of experienced creatives, fostering professional growth and skill development.

• Professional Development: Comprehensive training courses and project opportunities designed to drive professional development and support career trajectory.

• Award Opportunities: Chance to create award-winning campaigns and submit work to local and national design award competitions, with a history of student success (e.g., Student Gold, Silver, Bronze Addys).

• Industry Exposure: Additional learning opportunities through site tours, access to LinkedIn Learning, and participation in the Phoenix Design Week's yearly conference.

• Networking: Build lasting career connections by working with one of the largest ad agencies in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Working Hours:

• A minimum of 16 hours per week is required.

• Specific daily schedules will likely be negotiated with the hiring manager to accommodate academic commitments and team needs, supporting a flexible, hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits listed are exceptionally strong for an intern position, focusing heavily on skill development, mentorship, and industry exposure. This indicates GCE's commitment to developing talent and providing a rich learning environment. The estimated salary reflects industry standards for student/intern roles of this nature in a major metropolitan area.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Marketing Services

Company Size: Large (over 1,000 employees)

Founded: 1949 (Grand Canyon University)

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the GCE Marketing department, specifically supporting Grand Canyon University's marketing initiatives.

• The role reports to Diana Cheek, Art Director, and will work closely with a team of designers, copywriters, and project managers.

Methodology:

• Creative Ideation: Emphasis on collaborative brainstorming and conceptual development for marketing campaigns.

• Brand Stewardship: Strict adherence to and implementation of GCU's brand standards across all creative assets.

• Feedback Integration: A culture that values constructive criticism and iterative design processes to achieve optimal results.

• Data-Informed Design: While not explicitly stated, marketing campaigns often leverage data to inform creative strategy, suggesting an underlying data-driven approach.

Company Website: https://www.gcu.edu/ (Grand Canyon University) and https://www.gce.com/ (Grand Canyon Education)

📝 Enhancement Note: GCE operates as a support organization for GCU, meaning the marketing efforts are directly tied to the university's mission and student success. The culture likely emphasizes a student-first approach, driven by a large, established institution with a significant marketing presence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level / Intern

This role is positioned as an internship designed for current GCU students to gain practical experience. It serves as a foundational step for aspiring graphic designers and marketing professionals. The focus is on learning, skill development, and contributing to real-world projects under experienced guidance.

Reporting Structure:

• Directly reports to Diana Cheek, the Art Director within the GCE Marketing department.

Operations Impact:

• As a Graphic Designer, the impact is primarily on the visual communication and brand representation of Grand Canyon University's marketing efforts.

• The role contributes to the effectiveness of marketing campaigns by creating engaging and on-brand collateral, which in turn supports student recruitment, retention, and overall university visibility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software and techniques through hands-on projects and training.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with award-winning work and diverse project examples, significantly enhancing future job prospects.

• Industry Connections: Develop a professional network within a large marketing department and potentially with external partners, opening doors for future career opportunities.

• Leadership Potential: Through consistent performance and proactive engagement, there's potential to take on more responsibility and contribute to campaign strategy, laying groundwork for future leadership roles in design or marketing.

• Career Trajectory: This internship is ideal for students aiming for careers in graphic design, advertising, brand management, or marketing communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are heavily weighted towards practical learning and portfolio development, typical for internships. The emphasis on industry leaders, award submissions, and networking suggests a strong focus on preparing the intern for immediate post-graduation employment in the creative field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (Remote OK)

The role is described as being part of a "remote team," indicating a flexible work arrangement where candidates can work from home. However, the nature of design work and team collaboration often necessitates some level of in-person interaction or scheduled virtual meetings.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The team structure emphasizes collaboration, requiring effective use of digital collaboration tools and communication platforms.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) is expected. The company likely provides necessary software licenses or access through managed systems.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction will occur through scheduled team meetings, project discussions, and feedback sessions, facilitated via video conferencing and project management tools.

Work Schedule:

• A minimum of 16 hours per week is required.

• The specific schedule is flexible and will be arranged with the Art Director to balance academic responsibilities with project demands. This flexibility is crucial for student employees.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status combined with a "remote team" suggests a modern work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with asynchronous communication and virtual collaboration tools. While remote work is an option, proximity to Phoenix might be beneficial for team cohesion and access to resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of applications, with a critical emphasis on the submitted portfolio samples. Applications without portfolios will be disqualified.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, rationale behind their choices, and how they've handled feedback. This may occur virtually.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or exercise to evaluate practical skills in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, and composition under timed conditions.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions assessing problem-solving, teamwork, communication, ability to follow processes, and cultural fit within the GCE Marketing team.

• Manager Interview: Final discussion with the Art Director (Diana Cheek) to assess fit, answer specific questions about the role, and confirm understanding of expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills for a role of this nature. Prioritize work that aligns with marketing and advertising design.

• Showcase Process: For each project, include a brief case study: problem statement, your role, the creative process (ideation, sketching, revisions), final solution, and any measurable outcomes if available.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully applied brand guidelines or demonstrated an understanding of brand consistency.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a mix of print and digital designs if possible. If you have experience with motion graphics or web design, include relevant pieces.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate (URL preferred), and visually appealing. Proofread all text carefully.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Fundamentals: Brush up on typography, color theory, composition, and layout principles.

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Practice common tasks and shortcuts.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would approach common design briefs (e.g., designing a social media ad, a flyer, a web banner).

• Brand Application: Be prepared to apply a given brand's style guide to a new design concept.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the single most critical component of the application. Candidates must invest significant time in its preparation. The emphasis on presentation skills means practicing how to articulate design decisions clearly and concisely.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout and print design (brochures, flyers, ads). Expect to use it extensively for producing collateral.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Key for image editing, manipulation, and creating digital assets for web and social media.

• Project Management Software: Likely candidates include Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar tools for task tracking, workflow management, and team collaboration.

• Communication Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or Google Meet for virtual meetings, team discussions, and file sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but familiarity with how marketing collateral is deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) could provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the core Adobe Creative Suite applications is non-negotiable. The company likely uses standard project management and communication tools common in remote or hybrid work environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student-First Policy: A core value that permeates all activities, ensuring that decisions and work are ultimately aimed at benefiting GCU students.

• Excellence in Craft: A commitment to high-quality design and creative execution, reflected in the pursuit of award-winning work and attention to detail.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together, sharing ideas, and supporting team members to achieve collective goals.

• Continuous Learning: A culture that encourages professional development, skill enhancement, and staying current with industry trends through training and exposure.

• Process Orientation: An expectation to understand and follow established internal processes for workflow efficiency and consistency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers will work closely with copywriters, project managers, and potentially other marketing specialists to bring campaigns to life.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that embraces constructive criticism as a means to refine and improve creative output.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing insights, techniques, and learning from experienced team members.

• Agile & Responsive: The need to adapt to evolving project requirements and deadlines within a dynamic marketing environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a blend of a large, established institution's structured approach with the dynamic, creative energy of a marketing agency. The "student-first" policy is a unique differentiator that applicants should understand and align with.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Juggling diverse design requests from various campaigns while adhering to deadlines and maintaining quality.

• Incorporating Feedback: Effectively integrating constructive criticism from multiple stakeholders without compromising design integrity or vision.

• Adhering to Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying strict brand standards across a wide range of creative assets while still maintaining creative flair.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with a remote team, ensuring seamless workflow and understanding without constant in-person interaction.

• Time Management: Efficiently managing workload and time to meet minimum hour requirements while balancing academic commitments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: In-depth training and hands-on experience with industry-standard design software and techniques.

• Campaign Strategy: Gaining exposure to the strategic thinking behind large-scale marketing campaigns.

• Industry Exposure: Learning from professionals with decades of experience and experiencing a professional agency-like environment within an educational institution.

• Portfolio Building: Creating a strong portfolio with high-impact pieces, including potential award-winning work, to launch a career.

• Professional Networking: Building connections with industry professionals and peers that can lead to future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an intern role in a fast-paced marketing environment, focusing on skill application, time management, and collaboration. The growth opportunities are exceptionally robust for an internship, offering significant professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your personal design process from receiving a brief to delivering final assets. How do you incorporate feedback?" (Focus on your workflow, ideation, and revision stages.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand guidelines while still being creative and impactful?" (Prepare examples of balancing constraints with creativity.)

• "Imagine you're asked to design a social media campaign for a new university program. What would be your first steps, and what elements would you consider?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and understanding of marketing objectives.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Grand Canyon University and GCE specifically?" (Research GCU's mission, values, and recent marketing campaigns.)

• "How do you approach receiving constructive criticism on your work?" (Emphasize openness, learning, and iterative improvement.)

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment, especially a remote or hybrid one." (Focus on communication, collaboration tools, and proactive engagement.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the "why" behind your design decisions. What problem were you solving? Who was the audience?

• Showcase Your Process: Briefly walk through your ideation, sketching, digital execution, and any revisions. This demonstrates your thinking.

• Highlight Your Role: Be clear about your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If any of your projects had measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, successful event turnout), mention them.

• Be Enthusiastic & Confident: Your passion for design and your ability to communicate effectively are as important as the visuals themselves.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily test your practical design skills, your ability to articulate your creative process, and your fit within the GCU/GCE culture. Be prepared to defend your design choices and demonstrate how you learn and grow.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Assistant Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided career portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your strongest design work relevant to marketing and advertising, and is easily accessible via a URL (preferred) or attached file.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, any previous design experience (even academic projects), proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and strong communication/presentation skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and preparing answers to common behavioral and situational questions. Be ready to discuss your understanding of brand standards and creative collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Grand Canyon University's mission, brand, and recent marketing campaigns to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment. Understand GCE's role in supporting GCU.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.