Grand Canyon University jobs in Phoenix represent a dynamic gateway into higher education careers, blending academic passion with professional growth in one of America's fastest-growing cities. Nestled at 3300 West Camelback Road, Grand Canyon University (GCU), Arizona's premier private Christian university, continues to expand its footprint, creating diverse employment opportunities across faculty, staff, and support roles. With enrollment surpassing 132,000 students as of early 2026 and projections reaching 133,000 for the academic year, the demand for talented professionals is higher than ever.
This surge stems from GCU's commitment to student success through innovative programs, both on its vibrant Phoenix campus and via its robust online division. Whether you're an educator seeking to shape future leaders, an administrator streamlining operations, or a support specialist enhancing campus life, GCU offers roles that align with a purpose-driven mission. The university's growth, fueled by new academic buildings, residence halls, and partnerships, translates directly into job stability and advancement potential in Phoenix's thriving economy.
GCU's Remarkable Growth and Expansion in Phoenix
Grand Canyon University's transformation from a small institution to a higher education powerhouse has been meteoric. Campus enrollment has ballooned from under 1,000 in 2009 to over 25,000 today, with total students including online learners exceeding 130,000. In Q1 2026 alone, enrollments grew by 6.9%, driven by high-demand programs in nursing, business, and theology.
Recent developments underscore this momentum. In February 2026, GCU extended its development agreement with the City of Phoenix, securing expansion plans through the next decade. This includes new residence halls, academic facilities, and amenities that not only boost student capacity but also generate construction-related and permanent jobs. For instance, ongoing projects have positioned GCU as an economic catalyst in west Phoenix, creating ripple effects in local employment.
Plans aim to double on-campus students to 50,000 while growing online enrollment to 150,000, signaling sustained hiring needs. This expansion demands skilled faculty to deliver curriculum, staff for operational excellence, and specialists in enrollment management to handle the influx. GCU's official projections highlight a 10% rise in new campus students, directly correlating with job openings.
Diverse Faculty Positions at GCU Phoenix
Faculty roles form the academic core of Grand Canyon University jobs in Phoenix, offering both full-time and adjunct opportunities. Full-time professors teach on campus or online, specializing in fields like nursing (critical care, behavioral health), business, humanities, and theology. These positions involve curriculum development, student mentoring, and research aligned with GCU's Christian worldview.
Adjunct faculty provide flexibility, teaching specific courses part-time. Salaries for instructors average around $79,000 annually, assistant professors about $70,000, and full-time faculty $70,000-$90,000 based on experience and rank. Adjunct pay starts lower, around $25,000 equivalent for part-time loads, but includes tuition benefits.
To qualify, candidates typically need a master's or doctorate, relevant experience, and alignment with faith-based education. GCU emphasizes innovative teaching, with professional development to enhance skills in hybrid learning environments.
- Full-time Nursing Faculty: Lead clinical simulations and lectures.
- Business Adjuncts: Deliver MBA-level courses evenings or online.
- Theology Professors: Integrate faith into interdisciplinary studies.
Administrative and Staff Opportunities
Beyond teaching, Grand Canyon University jobs in Phoenix abound in administration and support. Admissions counselors and account executives in the Online Division drive enrollment, contacting prospects nationwide. These high-energy roles often offer remote or hybrid options, with base salaries around $65,000 plus commissions.
Staff positions span facilities maintenance, public safety, events coordination, IT support, billing specialists, and marketing. Examples include technology technicians troubleshooting campus systems, painters maintaining aesthetic standards, and golf course attendants for recreational facilities. Placement coordinators assist graduates, bridging academia to careers.
With over 100 openings listed on platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, these roles suit varied skill sets. Entry-level positions like coordinators start competitively, scaling with tenure.
Thriving Online Division Careers
GCU's Online Division powers much of its growth, employing account executives, admissions counselors, and instructional designers remotely or from Phoenix. These roles target community colleges, military personnel, and working adults, leveraging CRM tools for outreach.
Current listings include Account Executive - Online Military Division and Qualifying Specialists, emphasizing relationship-building. Hybrid setups in Phoenix allow campus collaboration while offering flexibility. This division's expansion, with 8.8% online enrollment growth, promises job security.
Explore openings at GCU's Workday portal, where 95+ positions await, many Phoenix-based.
Photo by Aubrey Odom on Unsplash
Student Worker and Entry-Level Paths
For GCU students or recent grads, hundreds of part-time student worker positions open annually across departments. Requiring full-time enrollment and GPA minimums (2.0 undergrad, 3.0 grad), these build resumes in athletics, career services, or admin.
Examples: Athletics livestream crew, creative videographers. Graduates transition seamlessly to full-time roles, fostering internal mobility.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
GCU prioritizes employee well-being with robust benefits. Health coverage includes multiple medical, dental, vision plans, HSAs, FSAs, life insurance, and long-term disability. Generous PTO, holidays, and tuition remission for employees, spouses, dependents stand out—100% coverage for degrees.
Retirement via 401(k), wellness programs, onsite fitness, and campus perks like dining enhance appeal. Flexible hybrid/remote options support work-life balance. Details on GCU's careers site confirm these as key attractors.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Tuition Assistance | Full coverage for family |
| Health Plans | PPO, HSA options |
| PTO/Holidays | Generous allocation |
| Retirement | 401(k) matching |
Employee Experiences and Campus Culture
Glassdoor rates GCU Phoenix at 3.9/5, praising tuition perks, Christian community, and growth. Employees highlight collaborative teams, mission alignment, and advancement. Challenges include workload peaks and competitive pay, though benefits offset.
Pros: 'Family-like atmosphere,' 'Purposeful work.' Cons: 'High expectations.' CEO approval high, with 70% recommending to friends. Diverse staff reflects Phoenix's vibrancy.
How to Apply and Stand Out
Applications via Workday portals (GCU or GCE). Tailor resumes to faith-based mission, highlight teaching/sales experience. Network at job fairs like GCU Staff Job Fair (May 2026). Prepare for behavioral interviews emphasizing student impact.
- Update LinkedIn with GCU keywords.
- Leverage GCU alumni network.
- Showcase hybrid teaching skills.
Phoenix: Ideal Hub for Higher Ed Careers
Phoenix's sunny climate, booming economy, and lower living costs complement GCU jobs. Proximity to tech hubs, healthcare, and outdoors enhances lifestyle. Higher ed demand rises with population influx.
Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash
Future Outlook for GCU Careers
With expansions and enrollment booms, Grand Canyon University jobs in Phoenix will proliferate. Focus on nursing, online ed, and admin signals long-term needs. Professionals investing here gain stability amid higher ed shifts.
Recent city agreement ensures sustained growth.
