📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: SEO Specialist I
🔹 Company: Grand Canyon Education
🔹 Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Education Administration Programs
🔹 Date Posted: July 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: Remote Solely
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting foundational SEO tasks to drive organic visibility, traffic, and conversions
- Conducting keyword research and optimizing web content
- Assisting in SEO strategies and monitoring performance
- Collaborating with content and web teams to provide SEO guidance
- Staying updated on SEO best practices and industry trends
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for an entry-level SEO professional looking to gain experience in a digital marketing environment. The position offers opportunities to learn and grow within a team setting.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Conduct keyword research using SEO tools to identify optimization opportunities for GCU.edu pages
✅ Optimize on-page elements including title tags, meta descriptions, H1s, and alt text following team SOPs
✅ Perform quality assurance (QA) checks on published content to ensure SEO best practices have been applied
✅ Assist in pulling regular reports from Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and other platforms
✅ Monitor performance of assigned pages and track optimizations in internal logs or spreadsheets
✅ Support content and web teams by providing keyword inputs and on-page SEO guidance during content creation and updates
✅ Run basic technical SEO checks (e.g., broken links, redirect chains, missing metadata) using SEO tools
✅ Document completed work and processes consistently and accurately
✅ Stay updated on SEO best practices, algorithm changes, and industry trends through continuous learning
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage tasks in a deadline-driven environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, digital marketing, communications, business, or a related field. Equivalent work experience may be considered.
Experience: 1-2 years of experience in SEO or digital marketing.
Required Skills:
- Familiarity with SEO tools (e.g., Conductor, Ahrefs, Google Analytics, Google Search Console)
- Basic understanding of SEO concepts: keyword research, on-page optimization, meta tags, and link building
- Ability to follow SOPs and learn new tools and processes quickly
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Self-starter with the ability to manage tasks in a deadline-driven environment
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with higher education or non-profit SEO
- Fluency in Spanish
ASSUMPTION: While not required, experience with higher education or non-profit SEO and fluency in Spanish could provide a competitive edge for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000 per year (Based on industry standards for entry-level SEO roles in Phoenix, Arizona)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Grand Canyon Education (GCE) operates in the education administration programs industry, providing support services to post-secondary educational institutions.
Company Size: GCE has 1,001-5,000 employees, offering a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: GCE was founded in 1983 and has since grown to support various educational institutions and partner organizations.
Company Description:
- GCE designs and develops educational programs for Grand Canyon University (GCU) and other traditional campus institutions, as well as online partner institutions at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
- The company values its employees and supports a unique and diverse workplace culture designed to help employees thrive.
- GCE offers a wide variety of career opportunities across various departments and has been recognized for its commitment to cultivating an engaging and attractive workplace.
Company Specialties:
- Educational program design and development
- Support services for post-secondary educational institutions
- Online program management
Company Website: www.gce.com
ASSUMPTION: GCE's focus on employee development and growth opportunities makes it an attractive employer for professionals seeking to advance their careers in the education sector.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is an entry-level position, ideal for candidates with 1-2 years of experience in SEO or digital marketing.
Reporting Structure: The SEO Specialist I reports directly to the SEO Manager and works closely with content and web teams.
Work Arrangement: This is a remote-only position, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to SEO Specialist II or other senior roles within the SEO team
- Expanding responsibilities and taking on more complex projects as skills and experience develop
- Potential opportunities to work on cross-functional teams and gain experience in other areas of digital marketing
ASSUMPTION: GCE's mid-sized company environment offers ample opportunities for growth and career advancement for motivated and dedicated employees.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote work environment with no physical office location required.
Office Location(s): N/A (Remote work only)
Geographic Context:
- Phoenix, Arizona, is the fifth-most populous city in the United States and offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options.
- The city experiences a hot desert climate, with mild winters and very hot summers.
- Phoenix is home to various educational institutions, including Grand Canyon University, making it an ideal location for this role.
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement for this role offers candidates the opportunity to work from anywhere with a stable internet connection and a suitable home office setup.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth technical interview with the SEO team
- Final interview with the SEO Manager
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- SEO knowledge and skills
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Communication and teamwork abilities
- Adaptability and eagerness to learn
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant SEO experience and skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of SEO best practices and industry trends in your application materials
- Prepare for technical interview questions by brushing up on your SEO knowledge and reviewing the job description
- Research GCE and its mission to show your enthusiasm for the role and the company
ATS Keywords: SEO, keyword research, on-page optimization, meta tags, link building, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, technical SEO, communication, self-starter, teamwork
ASSUMPTION: GCE's application process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best match for the SEO team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SEO tools: Conductor, Ahrefs, Google Analytics, Google Search Console
- Project management tools: Asana, Trello, or similar
- Communication and collaboration tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar
- Documentation and note-taking tools: Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or similar
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the listed tools and technologies is preferred but not required. Candidates should be willing to learn and adapt to new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Teamwork
- Innovation
- Student Focus
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and open to learning new tools and processes
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I possess strong communication skills and the ability to work well within a team?
- Am I comfortable learning new tools and processes quickly?
- Do I have a keen attention to detail and a strong work ethic?
- Am I passionate about staying up-to-date on SEO best practices and industry trends?
ASSUMPTION: GCE values candidates who align with their core values and possess the necessary skills to thrive in a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of SEO best practices and algorithm updates
- Adapting to remote work and maintaining productivity in a home office setting
- Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong time management skills, a proactive approach to learning, and effective communication with team members and stakeholders.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role focuses on foundational SEO tasks and may not require the same level of strategic thinking as more senior SEO positions
- GCE's mid-sized company environment offers a more collaborative and supportive work culture compared to larger enterprise organizations
- Career progression in this role may involve advancing to SEO Specialist II or other senior roles within the SEO team
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their career goals and preferred work environment when comparing this role to similar positions in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting a comprehensive keyword research project for a high-traffic GCU.edu page
- Optimizing on-page elements for a series of blog posts to improve organic traffic and engagement
- Assisting in the migration of GCU.edu pages to a new content management system and ensuring SEO best practices are maintained
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide insight into the types of tasks and responsibilities the SEO Specialist I may encounter in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how the SEO team collaborates with other departments?
- What are the most significant SEO challenges facing GCU.edu, and how does this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does GCE support the professional development and growth of its SEO team members?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my progress be measured?
- How does GCE's remote work policy accommodate employees' personal and professional needs?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and relevant questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and engagement with the company's mission and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant SEO experience and skills
- Prepare for technical interview questions by brushing up on your SEO knowledge and reviewing the job description
- Research GCE and its mission to show your enthusiasm for the role and the company
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
