Graphic Designer - Digital Learning at UT - UTK

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Digital Learning

Company: University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK)

Location: Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Education Operations

Date Posted: October 20, 2025

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for enhancing the visual appeal and effectiveness of online learning experiences through expert graphic design.

• It involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including instructional designers and video producers, to translate educational content into engaging visual assets.

• The position requires a blend of independent creative judgment and the ability to work within a team to meet project deadlines and quality standards.

• This opportunity is ideal for a designer passionate about education technology and its impact on student learning outcomes within a university setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw input describes a "Graphic Designer - Digital Learning" role, the enhanced output frames it within an "Education Operations" context by highlighting its contribution to the operational delivery of online education and the supporting visual infrastructure. The focus on "visual materials that support the delivery of high-quality online courses" and collaboration with "instructional designers, video producers, and faculty" directly points to an operational function within the broader educational framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop visually engaging and effective graphics, illustrations, and other visual assets for online courses, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and instructional goals.

• Collaborate closely with instructional designers and faculty to conceptualize and create visual aids that enhance comprehension and engagement in digital learning environments.

• Produce high-quality visual materials for various digital platforms, including learning management systems (LMS), web pages, and multimedia presentations.

• Maintain a consistent visual style and brand identity across all digital learning materials produced by the Office of Digital Learning.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a dynamic academic setting.

• Provide creative direction and feedback on visual elements during the course development process.

• Stay current with emerging trends in graphic design, digital learning, and educational technology to continuously improve the visual quality of online courses.

• Assist in the creation of templates and style guides for digital learning assets to ensure scalability and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to detail the specific tasks and expectations of a graphic designer in a digital learning environment, emphasizing the operational aspect of creating and maintaining visual assets for scaled educational delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong portfolio showcasing digital design work.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Strong understanding of visual design principles, including typography, color theory, layout, and composition.

• Experience in creating graphics for web and digital media, with an understanding of responsive design principles.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders (faculty, instructional designers, technical teams).

• Ability to interpret and translate complex information into clear, concise, and visually appealing graphics.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics and video editing software (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro).

• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle.

• Knowledge of UX/UI principles as they apply to digital learning interfaces.

• Experience in higher education or a university setting.

• Basic understanding of accessibility standards for digital content (WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been detailed to reflect typical industry expectations for a graphic designer role with 2-5 years of experience in digital learning, specifying essential software and soft skills relevant to the educational technology operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of work that demonstrates proficiency in digital graphic design, with a focus on educational or informational content.

• Examples showcasing the ability to create engaging visual materials for online learning environments, such as course graphics, infographics, icons, and slide decks.

• Projects that highlight problem-solving through design, illustrating how visual elements enhanced clarity, engagement, or learning outcomes.

• Demonstrations of versatility across different digital media and design styles.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from concept to final output, including stages of research, ideation, creation, and revision.

• Understanding of collaborative workflows, including how to incorporate feedback from instructional designers, subject matter experts, and faculty.

• Familiarity with version control and file management best practices for design assets.

• Awareness of project management principles as they apply to design timelines and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines specific expectations for a designer's portfolio and process documentation, emphasizing its role in demonstrating practical skills and operational workflow within a digital learning context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with employer match (e.g., TIAA or 401k).

• Tuition remission or discounts for employees and eligible dependents.

• Professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and training.

• Access to university facilities and resources, such as libraries and recreational centers.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule of 40 hours per week.

• Typical working hours are Monday through Friday, during standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), with potential for some flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range estimated based on Glassdoor, Salary.com, and LinkedIn Salary data for Graphic Designers in Knoxville, TN, with 2-5 years of experience. Benefits are typical for a large university system like the University of Tennessee.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Educational Technology. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a major public research university, and the Office of Digital Learning is at the forefront of innovation in online education delivery.

Company Size: Large. As part of the University of Tennessee system, UTK is a substantial organization with thousands of employees and students, offering a stable and resource-rich environment.

Founded: 1794. The University of Tennessee has a long and rich history, providing a stable foundation for its forward-looking initiatives in digital learning.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Office of Digital Learning, likely within the Interactive Learning Technologies and Media team.

• This team is expected to be comprised of specialists in instructional design, multimedia production, learning technologies, and potentially project management.

• The Graphic Designer will report to a manager or director within the Digital Learning unit, overseeing the visual development aspects of online courses.

Methodology:

• The team likely employs a project-based approach to course development, involving iterative design and feedback loops.

• Emphasis on data-informed design, where visual effectiveness is assessed through user feedback and learning analytics.

• Integration of best practices in instructional design, multimedia development, and user experience to create effective online learning materials.

• Commitment to accessibility standards in all digital content creation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Inferences about team structure and methodology are based on typical organizational models for digital learning departments within large universities and the provided description of collaborative efforts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an intermediate-level position within the creative and educational technology operations. It offers a chance to specialize in digital learning design and contribute significantly to the university's online educational offerings.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Digital Learning Team Lead, Manager, or Director, integrating into a team focused on the operational aspects of online course production. Collaboration will extend to faculty, instructional designers, and multimedia specialists.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the student learning experience by making online courses more accessible, engaging, and visually appealing. This contributes to the university's operational efficiency in delivering high-quality education at scale and enhancing its reputation for innovative online programs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of digital design, such as motion graphics, UI/UX for learning platforms, or data visualization.

• Leadership Potential: As experience grows, opportunities may arise to mentor junior designers, lead design projects, or contribute to strategic decisions regarding visual standards for digital learning.

• Educational Technology Advancement: Transition into roles focused on broader educational technology strategy, learning experience design, or multimedia production management.

• Professional Development: Access to university-sponsored workshops, industry conferences (e.g., AIGA, eLearning Guild), and potential for certifications in design or learning technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth analysis is framed within the context of educational technology operations, highlighting how a design role contributes to the university's broader educational mission and offers pathways for specialization and advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, indicating a traditional office environment within the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. This setting typically fosters a collaborative atmosphere with access to university resources.

Office Location(s): Knoxville, Tennessee. Specific office location details would be provided during the interview process, but it will be on the main UTK campus.

Workspace Context:

• A dedicated workspace likely equipped with modern design software and hardware.

• Opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with instructional designers, multimedia specialists, and other team members, fostering a dynamic creative exchange.

• Access to university libraries, IT support, and other campus amenities.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday to Friday, during business hours.

• While a structured schedule is expected, occasional flexibility may be required to meet critical project deadlines or accommodate collaborative sessions with teams in different time zones or with varying availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description focuses on the on-site aspect and the unique context of a university campus, emphasizing collaboration and access to resources relevant to a creative professional.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials, including resume and portfolio, to assess qualifications and design experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This is a critical step to evaluate design thinking and communication skills.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or assessment to evaluate proficiency in relevant software and design principles.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions will focus on collaboration, problem-solving, time management, and experience working with diverse stakeholders.

• Meet the Team: Opportunity to interact with potential colleagues and managers to assess cultural fit and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those that demonstrate digital learning design, complex information visualization, or successful collaboration.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, your creative solutions, and the outcome or impact. Use case study format where possible.

• Showcase Process: Include sketches, wireframes, or early concepts to demonstrate your thought process and iterative design approach.

• Highlight Digital Focus: Emphasize projects designed for web, mobile, or learning management systems.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Tailor to Education: If you have relevant educational design work, make sure it's prominently featured.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Design Principles: Refresh your knowledge of typography, color theory, layout, and accessibility.

• Familiarize with Design Software: Be ready to demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Understand Digital Learning Context: Research current trends in online education and instructional design to understand the challenges and goals of digital learning.

• Practice Articulation: Prepare to clearly and concisely explain your design decisions and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their qualifications, especially their portfolio, for a role in digital learning operations, which requires specific storytelling and process demonstration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: Essential for image manipulation, web graphics, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for creating vector graphics, icons, logos, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: Useful for creating templates, presentations, and layout-heavy materials for online courses.

• Other Design Software: Potentially Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for wireframing and UI design elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Learning Management Systems (LMS):

• Familiarity with platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, or D2L is highly advantageous, as designs will be integrated into these systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on the essential design software and relevant educational technology platforms, highlighting the specific tools a graphic designer in this operational context would use.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A commitment to exploring new design approaches and technologies to enhance online learning experiences.

• Collaboration: Fostering a supportive and open environment where teamwork and cross-functional communication are prioritized.

• Quality: Dedication to producing high-fidelity, effective, and accessible visual assets that meet the highest standards.

• Student-Centricity: Designing with the end-user (the student) in mind, ensuring that visuals support learning and engagement.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a mindset of learning and adaptation, staying current with design trends and educational best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively partnering with instructional designers, faculty, and multimedia specialists to ensure design aligns with pedagogical goals and technical requirements.

• Feedback Loop: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative design processes, valuing diverse perspectives to refine visual solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design expertise, best practices, and emerging trends with the broader Digital Learning team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are inferred to align with a forward-thinking digital learning department within a university, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and a focus on educational outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Information: Effectively visualizing abstract or technical concepts for diverse student audiences.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive visual identity across a wide range of courses and digital platforms.

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Working within established brand guidelines, accessibility standards, and technical limitations of the LMS.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design tools, software updates, and digital learning trends.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Collaborating with faculty and instructional designers who may have varying levels of design understanding or specific visual preferences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Workshops & Webinars: Participating in training sessions on new design software, UX/UI for learning, accessibility, or advanced visual storytelling.

• Industry Conferences: Attending conferences like AIGA, Adobe MAX, or eLearning industry events to gain insights and network.

• Internal Training: Leveraging university resources for professional development in areas like project management, communication, or educational technology.

• Mentorship: Potentially gaining guidance from senior designers or instructional technologists within the university.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the typical complexities of graphic design roles within an operational, educational context, and growth opportunities are framed within the university's potential for professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex information into a visually understandable format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, clarity, and impact).

• "How do you approach collaboration with subject matter experts or faculty who may have strong opinions on design?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about graphic design specifically within the context of digital learning at a university like UTK?" (Show your research on the institution and passion for education).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and incorporate them into your work?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin with your most compelling project that best showcases your skills relevant to digital learning.

• Focus on Process, Not Just Polish: Explain why you made design choices, not just what you created. Discuss challenges and how you overcame them.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to create engaging, accessible, and instructional visuals.

• Be Concise: Practice your explanations to fit within allocated time, focusing on key takeaways.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, technical skills, and collaboration experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific demands of a graphic design role within digital learning operations, emphasizing the need to articulate process, collaboration, and educational impact alongside visual design skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer - Digital Learning position:

• Submit your application through the University of Tennessee Career Site portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is polished, easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, Adobe Portfolio), and clearly showcases your best work, focusing on digital and educational design examples.

• Resume Tailoring: Customize your resume to highlight relevant experience in graphic design, digital media creation, collaboration, and any experience with educational technology or online learning. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and how your skills align with the university's mission in digital learning. Be ready to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Research UTK & Digital Learning: Familiarize yourself with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and its Office of Digital Learning's goals and initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of the context.

⚠️ 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.

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