Assistant Director of Visual & Brand Engagement

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant Director of Visual & Brand Engagement. Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategic Communications, the Assistant Director of Visual & Brand Engagement is responsible for driving the organization’s visual brand strategy, ensuring a consistent, accessible and impactful presence across all print and digital platforms.

This role will develop high-quality, audience- centered visuals that strengthen storytelling and deepen engagement with internal and external audiences.  

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Creative Design and Production: Lead the design and development of visual assets for print, digital, and multimedia platforms, with a digital-first focus. Produce and edit video to add impact to UTFI’s overall storytelling initiatives. Design reports, presentations, web graphics, email templates, and other creative materials that engage diverse audiences. Provide design work for internal partners, ensuring visuals align with brand standards and strategic goals. Manage the organizations’ visual asset library, templates, and creative file organization for efficiency and scalability.

Brand Management and Strategy: Maintain, evolve and promote the brand identity system and design guidelines to ensure consistency, accessibility and broad adoption across the organization. Collaboratively help conceptualize and produce visuals for stewardship materials, marketing collateral, and integrated campaigns that strengthen stakeholder engagement. Work with communications colleagues to develop cohesive campaign visuals, event branding, and content that enhance storytelling and amplify impact. 

Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Assistant Director of Visual & Brand Engagement position is required to have:

• Bachelor’s degree

• 3+ years of professional experience in graphic design, brand management, or related creative role

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premier Pro, After Effects) or comparable design software

• Advanced proficiency with video production, editing, and multimedia content creation

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design practices for digital and print communications

• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize deadlines, and adapt to shifting needs in a fast-paced environment

• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, will the ability to consult with internal partners and translate concepts into creative solutions

• Detail-oriented, innovative and committed to maintaining brand integrity while pushing creative boundaries

A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities of the position. UTFI reserves the right to consider all appropriate circumstances.  In general, any significant driving offense less than 12 months old will eliminate the application from consideration for the position.

Note - Candidates holding a graduate degree must have at least 1 years of experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:

• Master’s degree

• Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in print and digital design, typography, and visual storytelling

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before April 1^st via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, resume, and portfolio showcasing print, digital and video. Applications without these requirements will not be considered. Candidates selected to move forward in the evaluation process will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without explicit permission of the candidate. 

When determining minimum qualifications, only information entered into the candidate profile can be considered. Please ensure your candidate profile is completed in its entirety as it relates to qualifying education/work experience. 

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 visa status.

Questions about the search may be directed to hr@utfi.org.

Target Start Date: Summer 2026

Benefits: The Foundation’s greatest asset is our team. Foundation employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:

• Generous paid leave, accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days

• Flexible work arrangements, offering a hybrid schedule to most team members

• Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses

• Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc. 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

• Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods

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The Foundation: The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that serves as the preferred channel for private contributions benefiting students and faculty within the UT System. With a vision of being one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, UTFI is committed to enhancing the educational landscape across the University of Tennessee campuses.

The UT System: The University of Tennessee System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and the Health Science Center at Memphis; the Institute of Agriculture; and the Institute for Public Service. 

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.