Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC)

Location: Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: February 12, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-level to Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the visual identity of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) across all print and digital platforms, serving as a key contributor to the Communications and Marketing team.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating marketing objectives into compelling visual designs that adhere to established brand standards, ensuring consistency and impact.

• This position requires hands-on design expertise, project management capabilities, and strong collaboration skills to effectively partner with various campus departments and external vendors.

• The role demands a proactive approach to managing design projects from conception through production, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality output that supports UTHSC's strategic communication goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw data lists this as "Graphic Designer," the context of it being within a University Health Science Center and involving collaboration with "Colleges and Departments" and "Communications and Marketing" suggests a strong alignment with Marketing Operations and Creative Services functions within an academic institution. The emphasis on brand standards and marketing materials positions it within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) operational support structure.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute creative design concepts for a wide range of print and digital marketing materials, including brochures, flyers, social media graphics, web banners, presentations, and event collateral, ensuring alignment with UTHSC brand guidelines.

• Collaborate closely with stakeholders across UTHSC's various colleges and departments to understand their design needs, gather project requirements, and deliver visually effective solutions that meet their communication objectives.

• Manage the end-to-end design production process, from initial concept and layout to final file preparation for print and digital deployment, working with internal teams and external vendors (printers, web developers) as needed.

• Maintain and enforce UTHSC's brand standards, ensuring all designed materials are consistent in style, tone, and visual elements, contributing to a cohesive and professional institutional image.

• Utilize design software proficiency to create high-quality graphics, illustrations, and layouts that effectively convey complex information and engage target audiences.

• Proofread and review designs for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to brand guidelines before final approval and production, minimizing errors and ensuring quality output.

• Contribute to the creative strategy and concept development for marketing campaigns and institutional initiatives by providing innovative design solutions.

• Organize and manage design assets, project files, and timelines efficiently to ensure smooth workflow and timely project completion, often juggling multiple projects concurrently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to detail the specific design tasks, the collaborative nature of the role within a university setting, and the project management aspects critical for operations support. Emphasis is placed on brand consistency, a key operational concern in marketing and communications.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Expert Design Software Proficiency: Mastery of industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential for creating high-quality print and digital assets.

• Print & Digital Design Expertise: Proven ability to design effectively for both print media (brochures, posters, stationery) and digital platforms (web graphics, social media content, email banners).

• Brand Management & Consistency: Strong understanding of brand guidelines and the ability to consistently apply them across all design projects to maintain institutional identity.

• Layout & Typography: Excellent skills in creating visually appealing layouts and applying typography effectively to enhance readability and visual hierarchy.

• Communication & Collaboration: Ability to articulate design concepts clearly, actively listen to stakeholder feedback, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Competence in managing multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• File Preparation & Output: Knowledge of preparing print-ready files and digital assets optimized for various platforms.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics/Video Editing: Basic knowledge of After Effects or Premiere Pro for creating simple animations or video elements.

• Web Design Principles: Familiarity with UX/UI design principles and basic HTML/CSS could be beneficial for web-related graphics.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience updating or managing content on platforms like WordPress.

• Photography/Videography Basics: Understanding of visual storytelling through photography or videography.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section has been detailed to reflect typical requirements for a graphic designer role supporting a large institution, focusing on specific software, design mediums, and operational aspects like brand consistency and project management. The "0-2" experience level from the AI data is interpreted as entry-level to junior, hence "Minimum of one (1) year" and "equivalent combination" in the experience section.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Design Versatility: Showcase a range of projects that highlight proficiency in both print and digital design mediums, including examples like brochures, social media campaigns, web banners, and presentation materials.

• Brand Adherence Examples: Include at least one case study or project that explicitly demonstrates adherence to strict brand guidelines, illustrating how you maintained consistency while delivering creative solutions.

• Process Workflow Documentation: For key projects, briefly outline your design process from brief to final delivery, including initial concept generation, client feedback integration, and final asset preparation.

• Impact & Collaboration: If possible, include examples where your design work directly supported a marketing campaign or institutional goal, and mention any collaborative efforts involved in the project's success.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates may be asked to walk through their design process for a specific example, detailing how they approach a new project, incorporate feedback, and ensure final output meets technical and creative requirements.

• A clear understanding of file management, version control, and preparation of final assets for various vendors (e.g., commercial printers, digital ad platforms) is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to operations expectations for a creative role. It emphasizes not just the final output but the process, adherence to standards, and demonstrable impact, which are critical for evaluating operational effectiveness in a creative function.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Hiring Salary: $22.77 per hour (approximately $47,361.60 annually, assuming a 40-hour work week).

• Market Range: Level 09.

• Estimated Annual Range: Based on the hiring salary and market range designation (Level 09), a typical annual salary range for this role in Memphis, TN, with 0-2 years of experience, would likely fall between $45,000 - $55,000. This estimate considers the stated hourly rate as the midpoint or entry point of the range, with potential for upward adjustment based on specific skills and interview performance.

Benefits:

• As an employee of the University of Tennessee, this position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which typically includes:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., TIAA or 401(k) options)

• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage

• Tuition Discount/Waiver Programs for employees and potentially dependents.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week is typically 40 hours.

• Specific daily hours may vary but are generally expected to fall within standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), Monday through Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information was provided. The annual estimate is calculated based on the hourly rate and standard work hours. Benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for a large public university employer to provide a comprehensive overview for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Healthcare (University Health Science Center)

Company Size: Large (University of Tennessee system is extensive, UTHSC itself is a major institution)

Founded: The University of Tennessee was founded in 1794, with the Health Science Center in Memphis established later, reflecting a long history of public service and academic excellence.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the UTHSC Communications and Marketing department, which is a central service unit supporting various colleges (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Graduate Health Sciences) and administrative departments.

• The team structure would include a Director or Manager of Marketing/Communications, potentially other marketing specialists, writers, social media managers, and other designers, fostering a collaborative environment for executing institutional-wide campaigns and initiatives.

Methodology:

• Design projects will likely follow a structured workflow, starting with intake and brief development, moving through concepting and design iterations, client review and feedback loops, and finally, production and deployment.

• A data-informed approach may be used, where design choices are considered in relation to marketing goals and audience engagement metrics, though the primary focus is on brand adherence and effective communication.

• Emphasis on efficiency and process optimization is implied, as the department serves a large university and needs to manage a high volume of requests effectively.

Company Website: https://www.uthsc.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Contextualized the company and industry to reflect the operational environment of a university health science center. Inferred team structure and methodology based on the nature of the role and the organization type.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is positioned at an entry-level to junior designer level within the marketing and communications operations of a large institution. It offers a foundational experience in institutional branding, marketing collateral production, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Marketing Manager or Director within the UTHSC Communications and Marketing department. This role serves as a support function for various internal clients across colleges and departments.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts UTHSC's external perception, internal communication clarity, and the effectiveness of its marketing and recruitment efforts. Consistent, high-quality design supports brand integrity, enhances engagement with prospective students, faculty, patients, and donors, and ensures clear communication of UTHSC's mission and achievements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital illustration, data visualization for research, medical infographics) or learn new design software and techniques.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, may take on lead design roles for specific campaigns or smaller projects, managing timelines and client expectations more independently.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to gain exposure to broader marketing strategies, content creation, and campaign management through collaboration with other marketing team members.

• Advancement: With significant experience and demonstrated success, potential career progression could lead to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or specialized roles within marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Analyzed the role's position within the organizational structure and its potential impact on operational effectiveness. Outlined clear growth pathways relevant to a creative operations role in a large institution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site within the University of Tennessee Health Science Center campus in Memphis. This implies working within a professional office environment, likely shared with other members of the Communications and Marketing department.

Office Location(s): Memphis, Tennessee (specifically at 875 Monroe Avenue, Mooney Building). This location is within a major urban center, offering access to amenities and a distinct professional setting.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a collaborative office setting, facilitating interaction with colleagues from the marketing team and potentially with faculty/staff from other departments who visit for design consultations.

• Access to standard office technology, including high-performance computers, design software, and potentially shared printing/scanning facilities, will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, 40 hours per week, typically aligned with business hours (e.g., Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).

• While the role is on-site, the nature of design work often requires flexibility and dedication to meet project deadlines, which may occasionally involve working beyond standard hours during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Described the work environment and physical workspace, emphasizing the on-site nature and collaborative aspects relevant to operations professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted applications, resumes, and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Portfolio Review & Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, decision-making, and ability to meet client needs and brand standards. This stage will also involve behavioral and technical questions.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A short design exercise or task may be administered to evaluate practical design skills and problem-solving abilities under time constraints.

• Final Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager and potentially key team members to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and overall suitability for the role and UTHSC's operational environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest projects that demonstrate versatility across print and digital, and highlight your ability to adhere to brand guidelines.

• Tell a Story: For each project, be prepared to discuss the brief, your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcome or impact of your work.

• Showcase Brand Work: Explicitly include projects where you worked with existing brand guidelines or developed new visual assets within a defined framework.

• Highlight Production Knowledge: Be ready to discuss file preparation, color modes (CMYK vs. RGB), resolution, and any experience working with printers or web developers.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Prioritize clear communication of your design rationale.

• Manage your time effectively, aiming for a well-executed concept rather than over-polishing a single element.

• Be prepared to present your solution and justify your design choices, demonstrating an understanding of UTHSC’s mission and brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Provided detailed advice on preparing for the interview and portfolio review, specifically tailored to a graphic design role within a large institution, emphasizing process, brand adherence, and communication.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating and manipulating graphics, illustrations, and page layouts for both print and digital applications.

• Adobe Acrobat Pro: For creating and editing PDF documents, including interactive elements and print-ready file preparation.

Digital Tools:

• Web Browsers & Online Platforms: For researching design trends, accessing online asset libraries, and preparing graphics for web and social media.

• File Sharing & Collaboration Tools: Such as OneDrive, Google Drive, or internal university platforms for sharing project files and collaborating with team members.

Production & Output:

• Prepress Software (Potentially): Familiarity with tools or processes related to preparing files for commercial printing.

• CMS (Content Management Systems): Basic understanding of how graphics are implemented on websites (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Listed the core design software expected for this role, along with related digital tools relevant to a modern marketing and communications department.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to producing high-quality design work that meets professional standards and effectively communicates UTHSC's message.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and championing the UTHSC brand, ensuring all visual communications are consistent, professional, and reflective of the institution's values.

• Collaboration & Service: A strong service-oriented approach, working collaboratively with internal clients to understand their needs and deliver solutions that support their goals.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Managing workload effectively to meet deadlines and deliver projects efficiently, understanding the operational demands of serving a large university.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and fresh design perspectives while remaining grounded in brand standards and strategic objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely fosters a collaborative environment where designers work together, share feedback, and support each other's projects.

• Cross-functional collaboration with writers, marketing strategists, and departmental representatives is key, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate diverse needs into cohesive visual designs.

• A proactive approach to communication and problem-solving is valued, ensuring smooth project progression and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Inferred team and operational values based on the nature of a university's marketing department, emphasizing quality, brand adherence, and service-oriented collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand Constraints: Effectively navigating the need for creative design solutions while strictly adhering to established institutional brand guidelines.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests from various departments, each with potentially different priorities, aesthetics, and communication goals.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of institutional communications often requires quick turnaround times for design projects, demanding efficient workflow and prioritization.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Platforms: Keeping design skills current with the rapid changes in digital media, social platforms, and web design trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Workshops & Training: Access to internal UTHSC training programs or external workshops focused on new design software, digital marketing trends, or advanced design techniques.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend graphic design or higher education marketing conferences for professional development and networking.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior designers or marketing professionals within the department, gaining insights into strategic communication and operations.

• Portfolio Expansion: Continuously building a diverse and robust portfolio through varied project assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identified potential operational challenges specific to a creative role in a large institution and outlined relevant growth and learning avenues.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for approaching a new design project, from receiving the brief to delivering the final product." (Focus on workflow, client interaction, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand standards while still being creative and engaging?" (Demonstrate understanding of brand adherence and creative execution.)

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?" (Assess project management and prioritization skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center specifically?" (Show genuine interest in the institution and its mission.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to UTHSC's communication goals?" (Connect your abilities to the organization's objectives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that best showcase your ability to meet diverse needs, adhere to brand guidelines, and produce high-quality print and digital assets.

• Process Explanation: For each project, articulate your thought process: the brief, research, conceptualization, design iterations, feedback incorporation, and final execution.

• Impact Focus: If possible, quantify the impact of your design (e.g., increased engagement, successful event promotion).

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, and your file preparation methods.

• Brand Adherence: Clearly demonstrate how you respected and applied brand guidelines throughout your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Provided specific interview questions and preparation strategies tailored to a graphic designer role within a university setting, emphasizing operational considerations like process, brand, and stakeholder management.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Navigate to the University of Tennessee's careers portal via the provided URL.

• Submit your resume, cover letter, and a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your best print and digital design work.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples that demonstrate your ability to work within brand guidelines, design for both print and digital mediums, and manage projects from concept to completion. Tailor the selection to highlight relevance to a university/healthcare setting if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience with design software, project management, and collaboration. Use keywords from the job description to highlight your qualifications. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed marketing collateral for X department, contributing to Y outcome").

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, rationale behind your creative choices, and how you handle feedback and project management. Be prepared to present your portfolio and discuss specific projects in detail. Research UTHSC’s mission and recent marketing efforts.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with UTHSC’s brand identity, its various colleges and departments, and its overall mission. Understanding their communication style and visual language will be advantageous.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

---