📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior SEO Specialist - US Remote Opportunity
🔹 Company: Grand Canyon Education
🔹 Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States (Remote)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Education Administration Programs
🔹 Date Posted: May 5, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote (US)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Collaborating with marketing partners and university clients to plan, execute, and oversee SEO initiatives on web properties
- Managing complex digital marketing projects and supporting new hire training
- Updating the team on industry changes and best practices
- Working with a diverse team and stakeholders to define needs and objectives
- Occasionally working evenings and weekends as needed
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of expertise in SEO and digital marketing, with a focus on managing complex projects and supporting team growth.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Perform all essential functions of SEO role, applying broad-based knowledge of digital marketing principles and techniques
✅ Manage larger enterprise-wide projects that span over many months or departments
✅ Maintain and update vendor platforms such as site search tools and other backend systems that support SEO-related efforts for all clients
✅ Manage client accounts, including development of presentations, strategy meetings, and project meetings with clients
✅ Distribute and manage monthly assignments for SEO team and document within Workamajig
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, project management, and hands-on SEO work, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field required from a regionally accredited institution. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience: A minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in SEO web marketing.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience executing digital marketing campaigns for a variety of audiences
- Highly proficient with Microsoft Office suite, MS Project or similar project management software, social media platforms, and Google Analytics
- Proficient with Photoshop, HTML/CMS platforms, and SEO tools such as Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, SEO Clarity, and SEMrush
- Excellent interpersonal, presentation, oral, and written communication skills
- Ability to think quickly and respond immediately in strategy and information meetings
- Excellent planning, organizational, and successful project management skills
- Good attention to detail, analytical, and networking skills
- Applied knowledge of marketing analytics, ROI metrics, and earned value assessment
- Ability to work independently or collaboratively as a team player
- Good judgment and ability to accurately translate clients’ marketing needs
Preferred Skills:
- Working knowledge of Google Tag Manager or other tag management platforms
- Familiarity with testing platforms such as Google Optimize or Acquia Personalization
- Working knowledge of ux/ui platforms such as Hotjar or Fullstory
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in SEO and digital marketing, with a proven track record of managing complex projects and working with diverse teams.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Senior SEO Specialist with 5-10 years of experience in the United States)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for a Senior SEO Specialist with the required experience level. Benefits are based on the company's standard benefits package for full-time employees.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Grand Canyon Education (GCE) operates in the education administration programs industry, focusing on providing support services to post-secondary education institutions.
Company Size: GCE has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: GCE was founded in 1983 and has since grown to support Grand Canyon University (GCU) and other traditional campus institutions, as well as online partner institutions at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
Company Description:
- GCE designs and develops educational programs for GCU and other institutions
- The company provides an array of support services in the post-secondary education sector
- GCE values its employees and supports a unique and diverse workplace culture
Company Specialties:
- Educational program design and development
- Support services for post-secondary education institutions
- Online learning and partner institution support
Company Website: https://www.gce.com
ASSUMPTION: GCE's focus on education and support services provides opportunities for applicants interested in the education sector and digital marketing within that context.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a high degree of expertise and experience in SEO and digital marketing.
Reporting Structure: The Senior SEO Specialist will work collaboratively with marketing partners and university clients, reporting to the SEO Manager or Director of Digital Marketing.
Work Arrangement: This is a remote position that can be worked anywhere in the US, with hours between 7 am - 6 pm Mountain Standard Time.
Growth Opportunities:
- Supporting and training new hires, providing opportunities to develop leadership skills
- Updating the team on industry changes and best practices, fostering continuous learning
- Potential career progression into management or senior leadership roles within the digital marketing department
ASSUMPTION: This role offers growth opportunities through team support, knowledge sharing, and potential career advancement within the digital marketing department.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote (can be worked anywhere in the US)
Office Location(s): N/A (remote position)
Geographic Context:
- Phoenix, Arizona, where GCE's headquarters are located
- Remote work allows for flexibility and the ability to work from various locations within the US
- GCE supports a diverse and inclusive work environment, with employees from various backgrounds and locations
Work Schedule: Full-time, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed
ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement provides flexibility for employees, allowing them to balance their personal and professional lives more effectively.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the SEO Manager or Director of Digital Marketing
- Skills assessment or case study presentation
- Final interview with the SEO team or other stakeholders
Key Assessment Areas:
- SEO expertise and digital marketing knowledge
- Project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with GCE's values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant SEO and digital marketing experience in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and GCE's mission
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on project management, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Research GCE's company culture and values to ensure a strong cultural fit
ATS Keywords: SEO, digital marketing, project management, client management, stakeholder communication, SEO tools, Google Analytics, Microsoft Office, remote work
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills, project management abilities, and cultural fit within the GCE team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SEO tools: Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, SEO Clarity, SEMrush
- Analytics platforms: Google Analytics, Adobe Omniture
- Tag management platforms: Google Tag Manager, Tealium
- Project management software: MS Project, Workamajig
- Microsoft Office suite: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint
- Social media platforms
- HTML/CMS platforms
- Photoshop
- Testing platforms: Google Optimize, Acquia Personalization
- UX/UI platforms: Hotjar, Fullstory
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies reflect the need for a well-rounded SEO specialist with experience in various digital marketing platforms and project management software.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Teamwork
- Innovation
- Student Focus
- Fun
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement
- Committed to providing exceptional service to students and clients
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams?
- Am I comfortable working in a remote environment and managing my time independently?
- Do I have a proven track record of managing complex projects and driving results?
- Am I committed to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices?
ASSUMPTION: GCE values employees who are collaborative, adaptable, and committed to providing exceptional service, making these qualities essential for cultural fit within the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management
- Occasional evenings and weekend work to meet project deadlines or client needs
- Keeping up with industry trends and best practices, demanding continuous learning and adaptation
- Working remotely, which may require additional self-motivation and time management skills
ASSUMPTION: These challenges reflect the demands of a senior-level SEO role, requiring strong project management, communication, and adaptability skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from junior SEO specialist positions in its focus on managing complex projects and supporting team growth
- Compared to other senior SEO roles, this position emphasizes client management and stakeholder communication, with a focus on enterprise-wide projects
- Career progression may include moving into management or senior leadership roles within the digital marketing department
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of project management, client management, and SEO expertise, setting it apart from similar positions in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing an enterprise-wide SEO project for a university partner, spanning multiple departments and involving cross-functional collaboration
- Developing and executing a comprehensive SEO strategy for a new online degree program, driving organic traffic and improving search engine visibility
- Conducting a technical SEO audit of a university partner's website, identifying and addressing critical issues to enhance performance and user experience
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the complex and varied nature of the Senior SEO Specialist role, requiring strong project management, technical SEO expertise, and strategic planning.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the digital marketing department?
- How does GCE support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the SEO team currently, and how can this role address them?
- How does GCE measure the success of its SEO initiatives, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are tracked?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, particularly for remote employees?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions focus on understanding the role's context within the organization, the team's dynamics, and the company's approach to employee growth and work-life balance.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through GCE's career portal
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant SEO and digital marketing experience, as well as your project management and client management skills
- Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and GCE's mission, emphasizing your fit with the company's values and work style
- If applicable, prepare examples or case studies showcasing your SEO expertise and project management abilities
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
