Junior Graphic Designer - Office of Communications and Marketing - UTK

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: University of Tennessee, Knoxville - Office of Communications and Marketing

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Education

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on supporting the university's visual brand identity and editorial guidelines through graphic design.

• It involves the creation of a wide range of visual assets for print, digital, and multimedia applications.

• The position requires close collaboration within a dynamic creative team to ensure brand consistency across all university communications.

• Opportunities exist for skill development in areas such as video production, photography, and advanced design software.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a junior-level graphic design position within a university's central communications and marketing office. The emphasis is on brand adherence and supporting existing visual standards, with potential for growth into more complex design and multimedia production tasks. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a variety of visual assets, including but not limited to brochures, flyers, social media graphics, web banners, presentations, and internal communications collateral, adhering strictly to university brand guidelines.

• Assist senior designers and creative leads in developing concepts and visual strategies for marketing campaigns and university initiatives.

• Prepare final artwork for print production, ensuring correct color profiles, resolutions, and file formats, and liaise with printers as needed.

• Create and optimize digital graphics for web, email, and social media platforms, considering responsive design principles and user experience (UX/UI) concepts.

• Support multimedia projects by contributing to video editing, photography, and motion graphics under the guidance of experienced team members.

• Maintain and organize digital asset libraries, ensuring easy access and proper version control for all design files.

• Stay updated on current design trends, software advancements, and best practices in visual communication within higher education.

• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across various university departments to understand their design needs and deliver solutions that align with university objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are framed to reflect a junior role, emphasizing assistance, adherence to guidelines, and foundational design tasks. The inclusion of multimedia support and UX/UI concepts suggests a broader scope than traditional print design, aligning with modern marketing needs. Emphasis on organization and brand adherence is critical for a university setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma with a minimum of 2 years of relevant graphic design experience.

• Associate's Degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field with at least 1 year of relevant experience.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in graphic design, with a portfolio showcasing a range of design projects for print and digital media.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Familiarity with design collaboration tools such as Figma.

• Strong understanding of visual brand identity principles and the ability to apply them consistently.

• Skill in designing for both print and digital platforms, including understanding of file preparation for each.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration and feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, After Effects).

• Basic photography skills and experience with photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom).

• Familiarity with CSS for understanding web design requirements.

• Foundational knowledge of UX/UI concepts for digital design.

• Experience working within a higher education or large institutional environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The education and experience requirements are tiered, offering flexibility for candidates with different academic backgrounds and practical experience. The "0-2" years of experience derived from AI analysis supports the "junior" designation. Preferred skills highlight areas for growth and indicate the team's broader capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design projects that clearly demonstrates proficiency in graphic design principles, typography, color theory, and layout.

• Examples should showcase a range of applications, including print collateral (brochures, posters) and digital assets (social media graphics, web banners).

• Projects that illustrate an understanding and application of brand guidelines, showing how to maintain visual consistency.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, including initial concept development, design iterations, client feedback integration, and final file preparation.

• Understanding of workflow management for design projects, from brief to final delivery.

• Familiarity with version control for design files and assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for a design role. The emphasis here is on showcasing not just aesthetic skill but also the candidate's process, understanding of brand, and ability to deliver finalized assets suitable for production and digital deployment. For a junior role, demonstrating a clear process and understanding of brand application is as important as the final visual output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance package.

• Robust Retirement Plans (e.g., 401k, 403b, or state-specific pension plans).

• Generous Annual Leave and Sick Leave accrual.

• Longevity Pay, rewarding long-term commitment to the university.

• Tuition Waivers for employees pursuing further education at the University of Tennessee.

• Tuition Discounts for dependents of employees.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment is typically 40 hours per week.

• Working hours will likely be during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, with potential for some flexibility due to the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on junior-level roles in similar geographic and industry contexts. The provided benefits are typical for public university employment in the US, emphasizing long-term employee support and educational opportunities. The 40-hour work week is standard, but the hybrid nature might offer some flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education, Marketing, Communications. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, operates within the dynamic and mission-driven sector of higher education, requiring communications that are both informative and engaging to diverse audiences.

Company Size: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a large institution, employing over 10,000 staff members and serving more than 38,000 students. This scale implies a complex organizational structure and a wide array of communication needs.

Founded: Founded in 1794, UT Knoxville has a long and rich history, emphasizing tradition, innovation, and a commitment to its land-grant mission. This legacy shapes a culture that values service, leadership, and continuous improvement.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of the Office of Communications and Marketing, a central department responsible for managing the university's visual brand identity and editorial guidelines.

• The team likely comprises senior designers, art directors, content strategists, writers, and multimedia specialists, with the junior designer reporting to a design lead or art director.

Methodology:

• The team operates with a strong emphasis on data-driven marketing and communication strategies, ensuring that visual assets align with broader university goals and target audience engagement.

• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial, with processes designed to manage a high volume of design requests efficiently while maintaining brand integrity.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed where possible, particularly in asset management and digital content delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights the unique environment of a large, historic land-grant university. The operations of the Communications and Marketing office are centered on brand management and diverse stakeholder communication. The team structure suggests a supportive environment for a junior designer to learn from experienced professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level to junior position within the creative services function of the university's Office of Communications and Marketing. It is designed for individuals with foundational design skills and a strong desire to learn and grow within a structured, brand-focused environment. The scope of responsibilities is supportive, focusing on executing designs under guidance rather than leading strategic initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will report to a Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Creative Director within the Office of Communications and Marketing. This reporting structure ensures mentorship, oversight, and guidance on projects, facilitating skill development and adherence to university standards.

Operations Impact: While not directly revenue-generating, the work of the Junior Graphic Designer significantly impacts the university's external perception, internal communication effectiveness, and brand recognition. High-quality visual assets contribute to student recruitment, alumni engagement, donor relations, and the overall institutional reputation, indirectly supporting the university's mission and operational success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in core design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and gain experience in specialized areas like motion graphics, video editing, and UX/UI design.

• Project Complexity: Progression to handling more complex and independent design projects, potentially leading small-scale design initiatives.

• Career Path: Potential to advance to a Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or Art Director roles within the university system, or leverage this experience to move into specialized design fields or other higher education institutions.

• Learning & Development: Access to university-provided training, workshops, and potential tuition waivers/discounts for further academic pursuits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis emphasizes the learning and development aspects inherent in a junior role within a large institution. The "operations impact" is framed in terms of institutional reputation and communication effectiveness, which are critical for a university's functioning. Growth opportunities are clearly defined within the university's structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The Office of Communications and Marketing is likely situated within a professional office environment on the UT Knoxville campus, designed to foster collaboration and creativity.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 1345 Circle Park, STE 107P-Communication-&-Info in Knoxville, TN 37996. This central campus location provides accessibility for internal meetings and collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a collaborative environment where designers work alongside writers, editors, and marketing professionals.

• Access to industry-standard design hardware (computers, monitors) and software will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, with primary work hours falling within the university's operational hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday).

• The hybrid work arrangement indicates a balance between working on-campus and remotely, offering flexibility while ensuring essential in-person collaboration and access to campus resources. Specific details on remote days and expectations will be clarified during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description focuses on collaboration, professional resources, and the practical aspects of a hybrid schedule within a university setting. The office location is specified for clarity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, and how they align with brand guidelines. A practical design challenge or skills test (e.g., creating a social media graphic or mock-up) may be administered.

• Interview with Hiring Team: Behavioral and situational questions to assess problem-solving abilities, teamwork, communication skills, and cultural fit within the Office of Communications and Marketing.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership or key stakeholders to discuss career aspirations and long-term fit within the university.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest and most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates versatility across print and digital media, and especially any that show adherence to brand guidelines.

• Tell a Story: For each project, be prepared to explain the brief, your design process (ideation, iteration, software used), the challenges you faced, and the impact of your design.

• Showcase Brand Understanding: Highlight any projects where you successfully applied or adapted existing brand guidelines. For a university role, this is critical.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and tools you used and your level of expertise.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easily navigable (whether digital or physical).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's visual identity and brand guidelines. Familiarize yourself with their current marketing materials and campaigns.

• Practice Core Skills: Be prepared for tasks involving layout, typography, color selection, and image manipulation within Adobe Creative Suite.

• Digital Focus: Expect challenges related to creating assets for web, social media, or email, considering different aspect ratios, file formats, and accessibility.

• Time Management: If a timed challenge is given, practice working efficiently under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is tailored to a design role, emphasizing practical skill demonstration and brand adherence. Specific tips for portfolio presentation and challenge preparation are provided to help candidates stand out.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Mastery of Photoshop (image editing, digital graphics), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout, print collateral, publications) is essential.

• Figma: Increasingly used for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI/UX design. Familiarity is a significant advantage.

• Microsoft Office Suite/Google Workspace: Proficiency in Word/Docs, PowerPoint/Slides for presentations and document creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core functions, but understanding how marketing automation platforms use visual assets can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack clearly defines the core software required for a graphic designer. Emphasis is placed on the Adobe Creative Suite, with Figma noted as a valuable addition. Analytics and CRM tools are mentioned as secondary, reflecting the role's focus on creative execution rather than data analysis or sales processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished design work that reflects positively on the university.

• Brand Stewardship: A deep respect for and adherence to the university's visual identity and editorial standards, ensuring consistency across all communications.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work cooperatively with colleagues, share ideas, and provide constructive feedback to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Adaptability: An openness to exploring new design trends, software, and approaches while remaining grounded in established brand principles.

• Service-Oriented: A dedication to supporting the diverse communication needs of university departments and stakeholders, contributing to the overall mission of UT Knoxville.

Collaboration Style:

• The team fosters a collaborative environment where designers, writers, and marketing specialists work closely together.

• Expect regular team meetings, project reviews, and brainstorming sessions.

• Open communication and a willingness to both give and receive constructive feedback are highly valued.

• Cross-functional collaboration with various university departments will require strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate diverse needs into effective visual solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are framed to align with the professional expectations of a university marketing department, emphasizing quality, brand integrity, collaboration, and service.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Expression: The primary challenge will be to produce visually appealing and engaging designs while strictly adhering to the university's established brand guidelines.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests from various departments, each with potentially different objectives and aesthetic preferences, requires strong communication and project management skills.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Design Trends and Technologies: The digital landscape and design tools are constantly changing, requiring continuous learning to stay relevant and effective.

• Working within Institutional Constraints: Navigating the processes and approval workflows inherent in a large university can sometimes present challenges compared to a smaller agency or corporate setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to workshops, webinars, and online courses through the university's HR and professional development programs, potentially covering advanced software techniques or new design disciplines.

• Mentorship: Learning directly from experienced designers and creative leads within the office, gaining insights into best practices and career progression.

• On-the-Job Learning: Exposure to a wide variety of design projects across different media, providing hands-on experience and skill diversification.

• Industry Engagement: Potential opportunities to attend relevant conferences or industry events (budget permitting) to stay abreast of current trends and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are realistic for a junior role in a large institution, focusing on brand adherence and stakeholder management. Growth opportunities are clearly linked to both internal university resources and the nature of design work itself.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Can you walk us through a project in your portfolio that you're particularly proud of? What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and results.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with established brand guidelines while still being creative and impactful?" (Assesses understanding of brand stewardship.)

• "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your design work. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?" (Evaluates receptiveness to feedback and growth mindset.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, specifically within the Office of Communications and Marketing?" (Assesses genuine interest and research.)

• "How do you stay updated on current graphic design trends and new software?" (Probes commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically. Consider grouping by media type (print, digital) or by project type (campaigns, collateral).

• Highlight Process: For each selected project, verbally walk through the problem, your thought process, the tools you used, and the final solution. This is more valuable than just showing the final image.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If your design led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, successful event turnout), be ready to share that. Even anecdotal success is valuable.

• Tailor to UTK: Emphasize any work that demonstrates an understanding of higher education communications or adherence to strict brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe essential skills for a graphic designer, including technical proficiency, problem-solving, brand awareness, and teamwork, with a specific focus on the university context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio is polished, showcases a range of relevant design projects (print and digital), and clearly demonstrates your understanding of brand guideline application. For this role, highlight any work within higher education or similar institutional settings if available.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight skills and experiences directly related to the job description, such as proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, print/digital design, and brand identity management. Use keywords from the job posting.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and discussing how you would handle common design challenges. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the UTK brand.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, its mission, its current marketing initiatives, and the specific work of the Office of Communications and Marketing. Understand their visual branding and communication style.

⚠️ 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.