Senior Designer, Marketing & Public Relations : Haslam College of Business - UTK

Job Description

The Senior Designer will oversee design projects related to the marketing efforts and strategic goals of our college. Reporting to the Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations, S / he will have a strong foundation in visual design and passion for developing creative assets that drive engagement and brand recognition. The ideal candidate will be adept in conceptualizing and designing a wide range of digital and print content, including but not limited to : digital ads, photo / video editing, presentations, web and social graphics and print media. This role requires a blend of creativity, technical skill, and a strategic understanding of design as it applies to marketing, digital campaigns, and brand storytelling. S / he will be responsible for independently researching, conceptualizing, and designing high-quality, data-driven design solutions for high visibility and impact. This position will be responsible for understanding how to analyze and predict consumer behavior and develop creative strategic solutions that support programs college-wide.

This role will integrate with multiple teams to create cohesive user focused omni-channel communication experiences in a variety of digital / physical spaces in support of UT Haslam's overall strategic goals. She / He will demonstrate a high-level ability in design, strategic thinking and analysis in both print and digital spaces.

Responsibilities

Design

Lead creative strategies for marketing campaigns and initiatives, analyze data and adjust creative to improve engagement.

Independently conceptualize and create compelling and visually engaging content tailored for a variety of platforms, including digital advertisements, print materials, social media graphics, website visuals, presentations, and email campaigns.

Create high-quality, pixel perfect visuals to enhance brand storytelling and audience engagement across all forms of digital and print media.

Ensure consistency across all visual content by adhering to brand standards and guidelines.

Design print and other digital marketing collateral to support an omni-channel communication experience.

Photo editing and selection to help support digital marketing efforts and program development.

Manage and provide creative assets to agencies, vendors, and cross functional teams.

Work with written content and restructure as needed to align with design direction and best practices.

Review data on ad performance and determine how to improve engagement.

Maintain Digital Asset Management Systems.

Relationship Development - Communication, Collaboration, and Partnership

Collaborate closely with MPR, development, departments, and undergraduate, graduate, and executive education and other programs teams to ensure designs align business goals, user needs, and functional requirements.

Partner with assistant director of digital communications to assist in content creation for designs and provide ongoing design support during development phases.

Provide exceptional relationship management by creating synergies with internal teams and marketing units across the college and campus.

Contribute in meaningful ways to the community and connection goals of the college.

Research, Training & Continuing Education

Analyze consumer data and ad performance to identify user behavior to support more personalized communications across the college's audiences and needs.

Stay up to date on strategies and best practices as it relates to design, digital advertising, and email marketing.

Attend conferences and webinars to enhance skill sets and broaden knowledge base.

Complete mandatory trainings and continuing education requirements set forth by the university.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Education :

Bachelor's degree required in Marketing & Communications, Design, and / or equivalent experience

Experience :

3-5 years experience in one or more of the following areas : Marketing & Communications, UI / UX Design, Web Design, Graphic Design

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities :

Graphic designer will possess strong problem solving, creativity, and design skills, as well as the ability to partner effectively content creators, copywriters, developers, and other creative professionals

Demonstrated knowledge of typography, color theory, layout, and design principles and digital design trends

Understanding of marketing strategies and how design contributes to campaign success.

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop / Lightroom, Illustrator, InDesign), Creatopy, Google Web Designer or similar program for animated digital ads

Commitment to ongoing professional development both in marketing and higher education

Proven written and verbal communication skills

Excellent content organizational skills

Ability to prioritize, manage, and deliver multiple projects at once

Ability to act professionally and represent the division in interactions with partners, including upper-level administration

Outstanding interpersonal relationship building skills

Ability to practice a high level of confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications

Education :

Master's degree preferred in Marketing & Communications, Design, and / or equivalent experience

Experience :

5 years as UX Designer

2-3 years higher education experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities :

Experience with creating animations, interactive media or motion graphics using After Effects or similar tools

Basic Knowledge of front-end development (html, CSS)

Work Location :

Location : Knoxville, TN

Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range : 10

Anticipated hiring range : MR10

Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions :

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before Aug. 18, 2025.

Resume

Cover Letter

List of 3 Professional References

Portfolio with at least 4 samples of design work covering the following areas : 1.) digital advertising 2.) print design 3.) website visuals

and

4.) social media graphics OR email designs.

About The College / Department / Division :

The Office of Marketing and Public Relations at the Haslam College of Business is dedicated to maintaining the college's brand and identity while sharing the compelling stories of its students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Our work spans marketing campaigns, public relations, advertising, and analytics. We support executive and strategic communications for senior leadership and manage a range of publications and digital channels to shape and amplify the college's voice.

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!