Freelance Visual Communication Design Jobs in Tennessee

The Director of Athletic Graphic Design serves as an innovative creative leader within the athletics department, responsible for conceptualizing, developing, designing, and producing original visual content that advances the department's strategic goals and initiatives. The Director of Athletic Graphic Design possess strong creative vision with attention to detail, the ability to receive and incorporate feedback effectively, strong communication and collaboration skills as well as being self-motivated with a team-first mentality.

This posting has an initial screening date of June 3, 2026 and each Wednesday thereafter until filled.

The University of Memphis is a leading, student-centered, urban public R1 research institution. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, on 1,160 acres. The University serves a population of nearly 20,000 students and 2,500 employees, including more than 1,000 full-time faculty members. The University offers bachelor's degrees in more than 230 areas of study, master's degrees in more than 50 subjects and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines; supported an institutional record of more than $100 million in research awards for FY24; and has an operating budget of close to $500 million.

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Marketing, or related field and four (4) years of professional graphic design experience; collegiate athletics or professional sports experience preferred. OR Master's Degree and two (2) years of relevant experience.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Must be able to comply with all Department, University, Board of Trustees, Athletic Conference, and NCAA policies and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. 
• Strong understanding of typography, layout, color theory, and brand consistency
• Experience creating content for social media platforms including Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to operates in a fast-paced athletics environment and may require travel and attendance at athletic events, including nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in collegiate athletics or professional sports
• Master's Degree in a related field
• Experience with motion graphics, animation and video editing
• Knowledge of print production processes and vendor coordination
• Photography and photo editing experience
• Experience supervising students, interns, or creative staff

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

• Create page layouts, develop brand and campaign assets, and apply photo manipulation, typography, and motion content across a wide range of promotional materials, including the design of creative assets for all 19 Memphis Athletics sport programs, including social media graphics, recruiting materials, game-day content, schedule posters, digital advertising, email marketing campaigns, and ticketing initiatives. 
• Develop visual concepts that strengthen and elevate the Memphis Athletics brand across all platforms.
• Collaborate with communications, marketing, ticket sales, development, and external partners to execute integrated campaigns and storytelling initiatives.
• Ensure all design work aligns with conference, NCAA, institutional, and compliance standards while maintaining consistency with departmental brand guidelines and seasonal campaigns.
• Assist with the creative direction and execution of photo shoots and video shoots for annual content/media days. 
• Develop and lead the overall graphic design strategy, creative direction, and visual identity initiatives for Memphis Athletics. 
• Produce graphics and motion content for videoboards and in-venue displays as well as digital platforms. 
• Maintain organized digital asset libraries and brand templates. 
• Support special projects including championship runs, major announcements, fundraising campaigns, and facility initiatives. 
• Stay current with design trends, social media best practices, and emerging creative tools.
• Mentor and support student design interns and part-time staff by providing creative direction, technical guidance, and professional development opportunities. 
• Partner with coaching staffs, student-athletes, and athletics administration to conceptualize and execute innovative campaigns and creative projects. 
• Collaborate with conference partners, NCAA representatives, and media outlets to create and distribute content that enhances the visibility and reputation of Memphis Athletics. 
• Ensure timely completion of projects while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced athletics environment. 
• Perform all other duties as assigned.