Graphic Design Coordinator

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Graphic Design Coordinator for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Senior Director of Creative Communications, the Graphic Design Coordinator is responsible for producing and developing visual communications for advancement initiatives, working alongside members of the Marketing and Communications team and partners across the division.

This role will focus primarily on conceptualizing and producing graphic design projects such as print and digital materials for alumni relations, events, student and young alumni programs, annual giving, development, and donor experience communications aimed at alumni and donors to the university.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Creative Design and Production: Conceptualizes, designs, and produces visual materials that align with the Division of Advancement brand, making strategic decisions around typography, illustration, and photography for print and digital collateral. Develops digital layouts optimized for social media platforms and creates simple animations, exporting files in formats appropriate to each channel. Maintains accurate color profiles across digital and print projects and prepares production-ready files for vendors and printers. Manages print projects end-to-end, from concept through proofing and press checks, while maintaining graphic libraries and archives for team use.

Photoshoot Coordination and Photo Management: Coordinates and staffs photoshoots involving students, alumni, faculty, and staff, including communicating with stakeholders to reserve locations and scheduling photographers and assistants. Assists on-site at photoshoots as needed to ensure smooth execution. Edits and resizes photography into various formats suitable for communications materials. Archives photos systematically so they remain accessible for future team use.

Project Management and Team Support: Manages the editing and approval workflow with Advancement team members through consistent client communication and proactive project management, including editing content used in design materials. Supports the Senior Director of Creative Communications on an as-needed basis, taking on special visual communications projects when they arise. Represents the creative team by staffing alumni or development-related events as needed, ensuring visual and brand consistency across in-person engagements.

Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Graphic Design Coordinator position is required to have:

• Bachelor’s degree

• 1+ years of professional experience in graphic design along with experience in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are paramount, along with creative thinking and attention to detail

• Excellent organization, time management, and project management skills and a positive attitude

A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities of the position. UTFI reserves the right to consider all appropriate circumstances. In general, any significant driving offense less than 12 months old will eliminate the application from consideration for the position.

Preferred Education and Experience

In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:

• Experience with other Adobe programs, Microsoft Office, Figma, and digital photography

• Experience with print production

• Experience with designing for digital advertising and social media

Application Process: Applications must include a completed candidate profile, a portfolio with a minimum of 5 samples of graphic design work, cover letter, and resume. The portfolio should be a website link to a digital body of work or a PDF of samples. Candidates selected to move forward in the evaluation process will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without explicit permission of the candidate.

When determining minimum qualifications, only information entered into the candidate profile can be considered. Please ensure your candidate profile is completed in its entirety as it relates to qualifying education/work experience.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Questions about the search may be directed to hr@utfi.org.

Target Start Date: November 1

Benefits: The Foundation’s greatest asset is our team. Foundation employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:

• Generous paid leave, accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days

• Flexible work arrangements, offering a hybrid schedule to most team members

• Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses

• Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

• Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods

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The Foundation: The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that serves as the preferred channel for private contributions benefiting students and faculty within the UT System. With a vision of being one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, UTFI is committed to enhancing the educational landscape across the University of Tennessee campuses.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been advancing knowledge and enriching lives since its founding in 1794. Tennessee’s flagship public research university, UT Knoxville is a diverse community whose shared commitment to discovery, creativity, and education combines with a tradition of service and engagement to carry the Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. UT’s campus—home to more than 36,000 students and 9,000 faculty and staff members—is part of the vibrant city of Knoxville, located on the Tennessee River with the Great Smoky Mountains nearby.

The UT System: The University of Tennessee System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and the Health Science Center at Memphis; the Institute of Agriculture; and the Institute for Public Service.

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.