Design Graphic Specialist - Facilities Services - UTK

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.

• 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.

• 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 wit