Graphic Design Specialist

      MARYVILLE COLLEGE STAFF POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Graphic Design Specialist

Department: Marketing & Communications 

Title of Immediate Supervisor: Executive Director

Funded Term / Work Cycle: 12-Month; Full-Time

Expected Daily Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Expected Weekly Work Schedule: Monday – Friday; occasional evenings and weekends as required to meet project deadlines and support College events. This role is expected to be performed primarily on campus to support in-person collaboration and timely service to campus partners.

Pay Grade: 6S

Starting Salary Expectations: $46,603 - $50,000 

About Maryville College:

Maryville College is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning and one of America’s oldest colleges. For more than 200 years, we’ve educated students to be giving citizens and gifted leaders to study everything so that they are prepared for anything. Our graduates are equipped to address complex problems, engage with diverse communities, and launch meaningful careers.

Nestled in Maryville, Tennessee, between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the city of Knoxville, our campus combines the beauty of a rural setting with the advantages of an urban center. With a wide range of academic programs and a strong tradition of career preparation, our alumni live “strong of mind and brave of heart,” carrying forward our Presbyterian founder’s charge to do good on the largest possible scale.

Mission

At Maryville College, we offer more than a mission—we offer support. Our employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a generous paid time off program; a retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%; tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents; and the opportunity to grow in a collaborative community that values professional excellence and personal well-being. 

“Maryville College prepares students for lives of citizenship and leadership as we challenge each one to search for truth, grow in wisdom, work for justice and dedicate a life of creativity and service to the peoples of the world.”

Values:

• Scholarship: We commit ourselves to lifelong curiosity and learning, to the search for knowledge, and to intellectual creativity.
• Respect: We commit ourselves to honor the worth, dignity, and freedom of ourselves and all creation, and to treat others as we wish to be treated.
• Integrity: We commit ourselves to truth, honesty, dependability, and responsibility in all our actions and relationships.

   Position Purpose

   The Graphic Design Specialist supports the College’s mission and strategic priorities by creating high-quality, on-brand visual communications for print and digital platforms. This role partners closely with colleagues across Marketing & Communications and campus departments to translate ideas into effective design solutions that meet defined objectives, timelines, and brand standards.

Success in this position requires strong collaboration, organization, accountability to deadlines, and a consistent on-campus presence in a fast-paced higher education environment.

   SUMMARY

   The Graphic Design Specialist is responsible for the design, production, and delivery of creative print and digital materials that support the College's marketing, recruitment, advancement, events, and institutional communications.

Working collaboratively within the Marketing & Communications team and with campus and external stakeholders, this role manages projects from concept through final delivery, ensuring quality, consistency, and on-time completion.

Because of the collaborative and consultative nature of this position, success depends on regular engagement with campus partners, responsiveness to stakeholder needs, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently while meeting established deadlines.

      Education and Experience required to ensure success in this position:

Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field.

Experience Required

• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience, preferably in higher education, agency, nonprofit, or corporate marketing environments
• Demonstrated experience designing for print production and digital platforms
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines

   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

   
Leadership and Collaboration

• Collaborates closely with Marketing & Communications colleagues and campus partners to interpret project needs and deliver effective design solutions.
• Participates in planning meetings and provides creative input aligned with institutional goals and brand standards.
• Maintains a visible on-campus presence and accessibility to campus stakeholders to support collaboration, consultation, and timely project completion.
• Builds strong working relationships across departments to support a cohesive and consistent visual identity.
• Responds constructively to feedback and adapts designs to meet evolving needs while maintaining brand integrity.

Data, Technology, and Compliance

• Utilizes design software, asset management tools, and project tracking systems to manage workflows, files, and archives.
• Maintains organized documentation for all projects, including design files, proofs, vendor materials, and final deliverables.
• Ensures all design work complies with College brand standards, accessibility considerations, and applicable guidelines.
• Applies best practices for file preparation, version control, and digital asset storage.

Stakeholder and Institutional Support

• Serves as a design partner to internal stakeholders, translating ideas and requests into effective visual solutions.
• Provides guidance and consultation on appropriate design approaches, timelines, and production methods.
• Supports institutional priorities including recruitment, advancement, alumni engagement, events, and internal communications.
• Communicates proactively with stakeholders regarding project status, timelines, and expectations.

Operations and Technical Oversight

• Designs print and digital materials including recruitment collateral, advertisements, publications, event materials, signage, and internal communications.
• Manages projects from concept through final delivery, ensuring accuracy, quality, and on-time completion.
• Prepares files for print production; coordinates with vendors; reviews and approves proofs; and manages delivery timelines.
• Provides recommendations related to print methods, materials, vendors, and cost-effective production options.

Fiscal Oversight

• Demonstrates project-level budget awareness related to print production, vendor coordination, and material selection.
• Supports cost-effective design and production decisions while maintaining quality and brand standards.
• Coordinates vendor quotes and production recommendations in alignment with departmental processes.

Strategic Planning and Sustainability

• Contributes to long-term brand consistency and visual storytelling that supports the College’s strategic priorities.
• Assesses design processes and workflows to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
• Supports sustainable design and production practices when feasible, including thoughtful material selection and production planning.

Other

• Performs other responsibilities and special projects as assigned to advance the College’s mission and support a respectful, collaborative work environment.

NOTE: Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist the College in the attainment of the goals set forth and the enhancement of a positive, respectful learning environment for all staff, faculty, and students.

      Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong creative and technical graphic design skills with a professional portfolio
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively and incorporate feedback
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Comfort working on Mac OS and with Microsoft Office applications
• Familiarity with Canva and digital asset management tools preferred

      License, Certification, or Registration Necessary:

• None required   

   Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Professional office environment with frequent collaboration and interaction. 
• This position requires a consistent on-campus presence to support institutional design needs, attend planning meetings, provide event support, and ensure timely service to campus partners.
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer
• Ability to navigate campus buildings and attend on-campus meetings and events
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds occasionally

      Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment:

Ability to operate standard office equipment (computer, phone, copier, scanner) and College vehicles as needed to support job responsibilities, including occasional transport of materials or attendance at campus events.