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

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: March 30, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote OK with on-site presence required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Grand Canyon University mission through creative project execution within the GCE Marketing department.

• Collaborate with marketing team members to strategize, conceptualize, and deliver impactful creative campaigns.

• Implement design direction for both print and digital collateral, ensuring strict adherence to brand standards.

• Actively participate in a feedback-driven environment to refine and elevate design work.

• Assist a full-time creative team in meeting evolving design content needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While titled "Assistant Graphic Designer," the emphasis on "large-scale creative campaigns," "strategize, concept and execute," and "public speaking and presentation skills" suggests a role with significant responsibility and exposure, particularly for a student position. The "NFWS" designation likely indicates it's a "Non-Full-Time Work Study" or similar student employment program, implying a structured learning and development component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Ideate, develop, and design comprehensive creative campaigns for various marketing initiatives.

• Translate conceptual direction into high-quality print and digital assets, maintaining brand integrity.

• Proactively seek and incorporate constructive feedback to enhance design outcomes.

• Partner with designers, copywriters, and project managers to ensure meticulous attention to detail and craft.

• Provide design support and execute content needs as directed by senior creative staff.

• Prepare and deliver presentations on creative concepts and completed projects to stakeholders.

• Adhere to established internal processes for project management, workflow, and asset delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "assist full-time team of creatives in executing design content needs as they arise" indicates a need for flexibility and a willingness to tackle diverse, often urgent, design tasks. The "public speaking and presentation skills are required" is a significant requirement for an assistant role, suggesting opportunities to present work and gain valuable public speaking experience.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

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

Experience:

• Portfolio showcasing relevant graphic design skills and project work is mandatory.

• Experience working within a team environment, demonstrating collaborative capabilities.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A strong portfolio featuring samples of design work is absolutely required. Applicants must submit a file or URL for consideration.

• Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Design Principles: Solid understanding of typography, color theory, and visual composition.

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

• Presentation: Required public speaking and presentation skills for conveying design concepts and project outcomes.

• Problem-Solving: Nimble creative and strategic thinking abilities to tackle design challenges.

• Work Ethic: Strong attention to detail, highly organized, and self-motivated with the ability to work independently.

• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively as a member of a remote team.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience with large-scale campaign development.

• Familiarity with digital marketing collateral design principles.

• Experience working in a university or educational marketing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "<u>MUST PROVIDE PORTFOLIO</u> samples" and the consequence of "NOT be considered" without one underscores its critical importance. The requirement for presentation skills, even for an assistant role, suggests the company values clear articulation of design rationale and the ability to influence through visual communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Storytelling: Showcase projects that effectively communicate a narrative or solve a specific design problem.

• Process Documentation: Include examples or descriptions of your design process, from initial concept to final execution.

• Brand Adherence: Demonstrate your ability to work within and maintain established brand guidelines.

• Versatility: Feature a range of work across different mediums (print, digital) and styles.

• Impact Metrics: If possible, include any quantifiable results or positive feedback associated with your design projects.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Understanding: Show an understanding of how design projects move from brief to completion, including stages like ideation, design, revision, and final delivery.

• Tool Integration: Highlight how you leverage tools like Adobe Creative Suite within a structured workflow.

• Feedback Integration: Illustrate how you incorporate feedback into your design iteration process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a student role with a strong emphasis on learning and development, the portfolio should not only showcase technical skills but also demonstrate a candidate's learning agility, receptiveness to feedback, and potential for growth within a professional creative environment. The "public speaking and presentation skills are required" implies that the portfolio presentation itself will be a key component.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Minimum Wage ($13.00/hour for Arizona, as of early 2026, subject to change)

Benefits:

• Industry Training: Access to organized training sessions led by industry professionals with over 30+ years of experience.

• Mentorship: Dedicated mentoring and support from GCE's full-time creative team.

• Professional Development: Comprehensive training courses and project opportunities designed to foster professional growth and career trajectory.

• Award Recognition: Opportunity to contribute to award-winning campaigns and participate in local and national design competitions (e.g., Student Addys).

• Learning Resources: Additional learning opportunities through site tours, LinkedIn Learning, and attendance at Phoenix Design Week's annual conference.

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

Working Hours: Minimum of 16 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate student schedules and project needs. Anticipated end date for this role is June 30, 2026.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Wage" is standard for student positions. The benefits are exceptionally strong for an entry-level student role, focusing heavily on mentorship, professional development, and real-world experience with award opportunities, which significantly elevates the value proposition beyond the hourly pay.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Marketing Services

Company Size: Grand Canyon Education (GCE) supports Grand Canyon University (GCU), a large, private university. While GCE's exact size isn't specified, GCU itself is substantial, indicating a large operational footprint and a significant marketing department. This implies a structured, professional environment with established processes.

Founded: Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949, with GCE evolving to support its growth. This long history suggests stability and well-defined operational frameworks.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Department: This role sits within the GCE Marketing department, which likely comprises various creative and strategic roles.

• Creative Team: The Assistant Graphic Designer will be part of a team of creatives, reporting to a Senior Graphic Designer. This suggests a hierarchical structure with clear lines of supervision and collaboration.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires collaboration with designers, copywriters, and project managers, highlighting an integrated approach to marketing campaign development.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: A strong emphasis on adhering to established brand standards is evident.

• Collaborative Ideation: The process involves collective brainstorming and concept development.

• Iterative Design: Feedback loops and iterative refinement are integral to the design process.

• Process Orientation: The job description explicitly mentions the ability to "understand and follow internal processes," indicating a structured operational approach.

Company Website: [Link to Grand Canyon Education or Grand Canyon University website, e.g., gcu.edu]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely a blend of academic rigor and professional marketing agency standards, given GCE's role in supporting GCU. As a large institution, expect a focus on process, brand consistency, and continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on student development within the marketing team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Student Position. This role is designed for current GCU students to gain practical, hands-on experience in graphic design and marketing within a large, professional organization. It serves as a foundational step in a potential career in design, marketing, or advertising.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Graphic Designer reports to a Senior Graphic Designer within the GCE Marketing department. This provides direct mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: While not directly a "revenue operations" role, this position contributes to the broader marketing operations by creating compelling visual assets that support university enrollment, brand awareness, and student engagement, all of which have a direct impact on the university's success and revenue-generating potential.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and specific design disciplines (e.g., campaign design, digital assets).

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience working on diverse projects for a large university, potentially leading to a portfolio that opens doors to further internships or entry-level positions.

• Mentorship & Training: Benefit from structured training and mentorship, accelerating professional development and understanding of agency-level operations.

• Award Participation: Opportunity to contribute to award-winning work, a significant resume builder and potential stepping stone for future career advancement.

• Networking: Build a professional network within a large marketing department and potentially within the broader Phoenix design community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity here is educational and developmental, rather than a traditional corporate ladder. The value lies in the learning experience, mentorship, and portfolio development that can propel a student into their post-graduation career. The "anticipated end date" suggests this is a project-based or term-limited role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role is based in Phoenix, AZ, and while remote work is accommodated ("Remote OK"), it's implied that some on-site presence is expected for collaboration, training, and potential in-person meetings, especially given the "remote team" mention in qualifications.

Office Location(s): Phoenix, AZ. Specific office details are not provided, but it would be within the Grand Canyon University campus or associated GCE facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role emphasizes working closely with designers, copywriters, and project managers, suggesting a dynamic and interactive team setting.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other project management or collaboration tools used by the GCE Marketing department.

• Learning Focus: The environment is geared towards learning and development, with significant mentoring and training opportunities.

Work Schedule: Part-time, with a minimum commitment of 16 hours per week. The schedule will likely be arranged with the Senior Graphic Designer to balance student academic commitments and departmental needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "remote team" mention in conjunction with a specific office location suggests a hybrid model. Candidates should clarify expectations regarding on-site versus remote work days during the interview process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Focus on a strong resume and, critically, a compelling portfolio. Ensure your portfolio URL or attached files are correct and easily accessible.

• Portfolio Presentation/Interview: Expect to present your portfolio, discussing your design process, creative rationale, and how you've incorporated feedback. Be prepared to explain your work and its objectives.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): May involve a design challenge or a practical exercise to assess proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and design thinking.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Questions will likely assess your ability to work collaboratively, follow processes, receive feedback, and align with the company's student-first and educational mission.

• Presentation Skills Evaluation: Given the explicit requirement, expect an opportunity to demonstrate your public speaking and presentation abilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in campaign ideation, print, and digital design.

• Show Your Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your conceptual approach, design iterations, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Brand Work: Include examples where you've successfully worked within brand guidelines.

• Quantify (If Possible): If a project had measurable success or positive feedback, mention it.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Ensure all links are active.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand GCU Branding: Familiarize yourself with Grand Canyon University's visual identity and marketing messaging.

• Design Principles Review: Refresh your knowledge of typography, color theory, composition, and layout principles.

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your command of InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse explaining your design choices clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a client or manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on presentation skills means candidates should not only have a strong portfolio but also be able to articulate their design thinking and process effectively. The "remote team" aspect may mean the interview process is conducted virtually, requiring strong virtual presentation skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout and print collateral design.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Key for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Project Management Software: Likely one of the standard tools used by the marketing department (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Trello, or internal GCE systems) for task tracking and workflow management.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack, given the mention of a "remote team" and the need for seamless communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM responsibilities are indicated, but understanding how marketing collateral fits into broader customer journeys is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the core Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools will streamline integration into the team's existing workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student First: A core value, meaning student development, learning, and success are prioritized.

• Excellence in Craft: A commitment to high-quality design and creative output, as evidenced by award participation.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support within the creative department.

• Process Adherence: Respect for and understanding of established workflows and brand guidelines to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Continuous Learning: A culture that encourages professional development through training, mentorship, and exposure to industry best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Team Approach: Designers, copywriters, and project managers work closely together to achieve campaign objectives.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative design adjustments is expected.

• Mentorship Model: Senior team members actively guide and support junior members, fostering knowledge transfer.

• Remote & In-Office Synergy: Ability to collaborate effectively both virtually and potentially in shared physical spaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will likely be highly supportive and educational, given it's a student-focused role within a university marketing department. Expect a professional yet nurturing environment where learning and contribution are equally valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academics and Work: Managing a part-time work schedule alongside a full-time student course load requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Meeting High Standards: Delivering professional-level design work under the guidance of experienced creatives and for a large institution can be demanding.

• Adapting to Feedback: Learning to receive and effectively implement constructive criticism from multiple stakeholders.

• Remote Collaboration Nuances: Navigating communication and collaboration effectively within a hybrid or remote team structure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and specific areas of graphic design through hands-on projects and training.

• Industry Best Practices: Learn current design trends, campaign strategies, and professional workflow methodologies from seasoned professionals.

• Portfolio Building: Develop a robust portfolio with real-world project experience that will be invaluable for post-graduation job applications.

• Professional Networking: Connect with industry leaders and peers, building a valuable professional network.

• Award Experience: Gain experience contributing to award-winning creative work, a significant differentiator for future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the dual demand of being a full-time student and a contributing team member. The growth opportunities are exceptional for a student role, offering a rich learning environment and tangible career-building assets.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for developing a creative campaign from concept to final delivery." (Be prepared to use your portfolio as a reference.)

• Brand Application: "How do you ensure consistency with brand standards when designing new assets?"

• Feedback Integration: "Describe a time you received critical feedback on a design project and how you incorporated it."

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine we need to create a digital ad for a new program launch with a tight deadline. What are your initial steps?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in this Assistant Graphic Designer role at GCE, and what do you hope to gain from it?"

• Student Status: "How do you plan to balance your academic responsibilities with the demands of this role?"

• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal collaborative environment and how you contribute to a team's success."

• GCU Mission: "What are your thoughts on Grand Canyon University's mission, and how do you see your role contributing to it?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your selected projects.

• Tell the Story: For each project, explain the problem, your solution, and the outcome. Highlight your role and contributions.

• Showcase Process: Visually represent your design journey, including sketches, wireframes, or early drafts if relevant.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Point out how you maintained brand guidelines.

• Be Enthusiastic: Convey your passion for design and your eagerness to learn.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your choices, technical skills, and how you handle challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to demonstrate not just design skill but also your understanding of marketing objectives and your ability to communicate effectively. The interview is a test of your design capabilities, your professionalism, and your potential as a future marketing professional.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Assistant Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application through the provided Workday link.

• Portfolio is Paramount: Ensure your portfolio is attached or a functional URL is provided. Without it, your application will not be considered.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite), and any past design projects or team experiences. Emphasize your student status at GCU.

• Prepare for Presentation: Rehearse explaining your portfolio projects and your design rationale. Practice articulating your process and how you handle feedback.

• Research GCE/GCU: Familiarize yourself with Grand Canyon University's brand, mission, and marketing efforts. Understand the role of GCE in supporting the university.

⚠️ 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.