Graphic Design Coordinator
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
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 Communications and Donor Experience team and partners across the division.
This role will conceptualize and produce 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.
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 Communications and Donor Experience team and partners across the division.
Required Education and Experience
The candidate who fills the Graphic Design Coordinator position is required to have:
Bachelor’s degree
1+ years of experience in graphic design along with experience in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
Strong interpersonal and communications skills are paramount, along with creative thinking and attention to detail.
Excellent organization, time management, and project management skills and a positive attitude are essential.
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, and digital photography is preferred.
Experience with print production preferred as well.
Experience with designing digital advertising and social media.
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before January 5, 2026, via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, portfolio, cover letter, and resume. 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. Applicants must submit a portfolio that includes a minimum of 5 samples of graphic design work. The portfolio should be a website link to a digital body of work or a PDF of samples.
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: February 2026
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.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Conceptualize and Produce Visual Design Projects: Works within the UT Advancement brand to produce high-quality materials. Determines concept, design, and development of collateral materials making strategic choices for typography, illustrations, and photography. Creates simple animations for digital communication.
Print-Production & File Management: Prepares digital layouts for projects, preps files for production, and sends print ready files to printer or vendor for printing and mailing. Exports files appropriate for the platform. Manages print projects from concept to completion by sending artwork to printer, reviewing proofs, or press checks at printer for final approval of projects.
Photography & Special Projects: Coordinates, manages, and art directs photoshoots with students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Communicates with faculty or staff to reserve photoshoot locations. Edits, sizes, and archives photography. Manages special visual communications projects as needed. Supports Advancement team by staffing special alumni and development events as needed.