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: $46603 - $50000
About Maryville College:
Maryville College is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning and one of Americas oldest colleges. For more than 200 years weve 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 founders charge to do good on the largest possible scale.
Mission
At Maryville College we offer more than a missionwe 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 Colleges 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 Colleges 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
- Bachelors 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 Colleges 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 Colleges 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:
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.