Graphic Design Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Design Graphic Specialist supports the University of Tennessee's planning, design, and capital improvement initiatives through the creation of high-quality visualizations, renderings, graphics, and communication materials. Serving all functions within Facilities Services - Design Services, including Design Project Management, Campus Planning, Interior Environments, and Landscape & Natural Resources, this position transforms concepts, plans, and technical information into compelling visual content that supports project development, stakeholder engagement, leadership decision-making, fundraising efforts, and campus communications.
The Design Graphic Specialist develops conceptual and presentation-quality graphics depicting proposed buildings, landscapes, interiors, signage, wayfinding systems, campus improvements, and long-range planning initiatives. Utilizing graphic design software, visualization technologies, and emerging artificial intelligence tools, the position produces visual content that helps stakeholders understand project goals, evaluate alternatives, and envision future campus enhancements. The position also supports the development of reports, presentations, master planning documents, public engagement materials, donor recognition initiatives, and other graphic resources that advance the mission and strategic objectives of the University.
Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and presentation-quality visualizations, renderings, illustrations, and graphic representations depicting proposed buildings, landscapes, interiors, signage, wayfinding systems, and campus improvements.
• Transform concepts, plans, sketches, photographs, and technical information into compelling visual content that effectively communicates project intent and future conditions.
• Create graphics, exhibits, infographics, maps, diagrams, reports, presentation materials, and stakeholder engagement resources supporting Design Services initiatives.
• Produce visual content for master plans, planning studies, feasibility analyses, capital projects, donor recognition initiatives, and leadership presentations.
• Utilize graphic design software, visualization technologies, and artificial intelligence tools to create high-quality graphics and improve production efficiency.
• Create, prepare, and manage digital files for three-dimensional printing and fabricate physical models of buildings, landscapes, and campus environments to support planning, design, communication, and presentation objectives.
• Collaborate with Design Project Management, Campus Planning, Interior Environments, and Landscape & Natural Resources staff to understand project objectives and visualization needs.
• Participate in project meetings and work sessions to gather information, establish priorities, and support project development efforts.
• Translate technical information into graphics and visual content understandable to diverse stakeholder groups.
• Coordinate with external consultants providing rendering, visualization, and graphic design services as required.
• Review consultant deliverables for quality, consistency, accuracy, and alignment with project objectives and university standards.
• Research, evaluate, and implement emerging visualization technologies, artificial intelligence tools, and industry best practices.
• Maintain organized project files, graphic libraries, templates, and visualization resources.
• Document and archive completed graphics and visual assets for future reference and reuse.
• Participate in professional development opportunities related to graphic design, visualization technologies, and communication tools.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required Education:
  • Associate's degree in graphic design or related field required
• Required Experience:
  
  • Three (3) years of experience in graphic design, visualization, digital media, rendering, visual communications, or a related field.
• Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  
  • Knowledge of graphic design principles, visual communication techniques, and best practices for developing effective presentation-quality graphics and visualizations.
  • Skill in utilizing graphic design and visualization software, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and other digital content creation tools.
  • Ability to develop conceptual and presentation-quality renderings, illustrations, diagrams, and graphic materials from sketches, plans, photographs, and technical information.
  • Skill in utilizing artificial intelligence tools and emerging technologies to create, enhance, and accelerate the production of visual content.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with project managers, planners, designers, consultants, and stakeholders to understand project goals and translate concepts into visual representations.
  • Skill in managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing workloads, and meeting deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality and accuracy.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary teams supporting planning, design, and capital improvement initiatives.
• Other Conditions:
  • Valid Driver's license
  • 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-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Digital Media, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in graphic design, visualization, digital media, rendering, visual communications, or a related field.
• Experience supporting architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, campus planning, engineering, construction, or related design-focused environments.
• Knowledge of planning, architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, construction, or related design disciplines and the processes used to develop and deliver capital improvement projects.
• Skill in developing three-dimensional models and visualizations using software such as SketchUp or similar 3D modeling platforms.
• Ability to interpret architectural drawings, site plans, floor plans, renderings, and other technical documents and translate them into effective visual communication materials.
• Knowledge of campus planning, wayfinding, placemaking, environmental graphics, and stakeholder engagement strategies related to the built environment.
• Skill in coordinating and reviewing the work of external consultants providing visualization, rendering, graphic design, or related services.
• Knowledge of emerging visualization technologies, rendering platforms, and artificial intelligence tools used within planning, design, and construction industries.

Work Location

• University of Tennessee - Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR09
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division
UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville's largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.
About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!