The Graphic Design Specialist role at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville sits within the College of Communication and Information, where visual storytelling drives print, digital, and event experiences. This onsite position emphasizes brand identity and strategic campaigns, helping the college communicate its mission to internal and external audiences.
Responsibilities
- Conceptualize and produce original designs for high impact materials, covering all CCI print and recruitment collateral, annual reports, digital assets, promotional items, and other marketing design needs.
- Develop assets for event promotion, including posters, programs, digital signs, and social media graphics.
- Create images, layouts, and illustrations that reflect the college's mission using Adobe Creative Suite tools such as InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
- Develop graphics and iconography that align with and unify the college brand.
- Build branded PowerPoint templates for the dean's office and collaborate with the assistant director of creative to maintain design templates.
- Coordinate with external vendors to design and order promotional items for all CCI units.
- Contribute to the office’s creative culture and uphold quality standards across deliverables.
- Set standards for the public representation of the college’s image and messaging.
- Ensure content remains on brand, consistent in style and tone, optimized for search, and adaptable across multiple platforms.
- Support the planning of strategic communication and marketing campaigns.
- Collaborate with team members on projects beyond graphic design scope and participate in creative brainstorming and content planning.
- Serve as the primary liaison to an assigned school or unit within CCI for triaging communications and marketing needs.
- Foster productive relationships with campus colleagues and attend the UT Design Roundtable as a college representative.
- Assist leadership with large scale programs and events for the college.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, art, communications, public relations, or a related field.
- Minimum of two to three years of professional graphic design, communications, marketing, or public relations experience; an associate’s degree with 5–7 years of experience will be accepted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
- Photography skills with the ability to edit images for print and digital platforms.
- Videography skills with the ability to edit videos for the college YouTube channel and social media.
- Artwork and illustration skills, including the ability to create scientific illustrations and diagrams for research communications.
- Copy editing ability when needed.
- Ability to produce motion and animated graphics using Adobe Creative Suite.
- Knowledge of higher education marketing and communications.
Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite
- InDesign
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
Benefits
- Starting salary range: $54,000 to $56,000 depending on experience, qualifications, and suitability.
- Career development and coaching
- Continued education
- Development and training possibilities
Work Location
- On site in Knoxville, Tennessee
Application Process
- For full consideration, submit a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio showcasing relevant graphic design work as part of the online application.
- Finalists will be asked to provide three professional references.
- All applicants must apply online to be considered for the position.
- Anticipated start date is August 1, 2026.
The College
CCI is part of a Land Grant Institution embedded in communities to improve those communities. Alumni, students, faculty, and staff strive to positively impact lives across the state through teaching, scholarship, creative work, engagement, and service. The college aims to be nationally distinctive while staying locally relevant in the field of Communication and Information.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Founded in 1794, UT Knoxville has shaped leaders and innovators, with more than 38,000 students and about 10,000 statewide employees, the Volunteers. The university offers over 900 programs across 14 degree granting colleges and schools and, as Tennessee’s flagship land grant institution, maintains a strong research profile and partnerships with industry leaders and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Knoxville campus serves the Institute of Agriculture, Space Institute, and UT Institute of Public Service, and emphasizes work life balance, professional development, and innovation. Forbes has recognized UT Knoxville as a top employer for new graduates, as well as among the best large employers, workplaces for women, and places for working parents.
