Graphic Design Specialist Jobs in Tennessee

INTRODUCTION

The graphic design specialist in the College of Communication and Information (CCI) will have artistic freedom to independently conceptualize and produce polished, high-impact visual assets across print, digital, and event channels—recruitment materials, annual reports, social media graphics, signage, presentations, and promotional items—while helping refine and uphold a cohesive brand identity. This position will partner closely with campus and college stakeholders, serve as a go-to communications resource for an assigned subunit in the college, and contribute to campaign planning, brainstorming, and major college initiatives—bringing CCI’s mission to life through compelling, consistent design.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Graphic Design

• Conceptualize and create original designs for high-impact pieces, including all CCI print and recruitment collateral, annual reports, digital design assets, promotional items, and other communication and marketing design needs.
• Create assets for event promotion, such as posters, programs, digital signs, and social media graphics.
• Create images, layouts, and illustrations to reinforce and represent the mission of CCI using products in the Adobe Creative Suite such as InDesign, Illustrator and/or Photoshop.
• Develop graphics and iconography that align with and unify the college brand.
• Create branded PowerPoint presentation templates for dean's office needs and collaborate with the assistant director of creative to develop and maintain design templates.
• Liaise with external vendors to design and order promotional items for all units in CCI.

Strategic Alignment and Brand Voice

• Contribute to the development of the office’s creative culture and uphold the quality standards.
• Conceptualize and set standards for the public representation of the college.
• Ensure all content is on-brand, consistent in terms of style, quality, and tone of voice, optimized for search, and adapted for multiple platforms.
• Support strategic planning of communication and marketing campaigns.
• Collaborate and partner closely with team members to contribute to projects/initiatives outside graphic design scope.
• Contribute to creative brainstorming and content planning.
• Serve as primary liaison to assigned school or unit within CCI for triaging all communications and marketing needs of the unit.
• Support effective, productive relationships with campus colleagues.
• Attend UT Design Roundtable as college representative.
• Assist leadership with large scale programs and events for the college.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, art, communications, public relations, or related field.
• Minimum of two-three years of professional experience in graphic design, communications, marketing, or public relations setting. An associate’s degree combined with 5–7 years of professional experience will be accepted in place of a bachelor’s degree.
• Skill in photography and ability to edit photos for print and digital platforms.
• Skill in videography and ability to edit videos for the college YouTube channel and social media platforms.
• Skills in art and illustration, including ability to create scientific illustrations and diagrams for research communications.
• Ability to edit copy as needed.
• Ability to produce motion/animated graphics using Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of higher education marketing and communications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of three-five years of professional experience directly related to graphic design. Experience with multimedia communications at an institution of higher education, government agency, or company is preferred.

LOCATION

Work Location: On site in Knoxville, Tennessee.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The anticipated starting salary for this position is $54,000 to $56,000 depending on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and suitability.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The anticipated start date for this position is August 1, 2026. For full consideration, applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio showcasing relevant graphic design work as part of the application process. Finalists will be required to provide 3 professional references. All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position.

The College: CCI is part of a Land Grant Institution embedded in communities to make those communities a better place. Our alumni, students, faculty, and staff strive to positively impact on the lives of people in our state through our teaching, scholarship, creative work, and through our engagement and service. CCI as a college is well poised to deliver upon all of those areas to become the most nationally distinctive but locally relevant College of Communication and Information in the country.