Graphic Designer, Data Storytelling - Academic Affairs, Research and Student Success - UT System Administration

About the role

The Graphic Designer, Data Storytelling is a creative, design-forward professional responsible for translating institutional information into clear, compelling, accessible visual materials. This position applies graphic design, visual storytelling, typography, layout, branding, and user-centered design skills to create polished print and digital materials that help leaders and stakeholders understand complex institutional data quickly and confidently. Data fluency is valuable in this role: while the role is design-focused, the Graphic Designer, Data Storytelling works with institutional data analysts and subject-matter experts across the division to ensure visualizations are accurate, meaningful, and appropriate for their audiences of decision makers. Using Adobe Creative Suite or comparable design tools, the Graphic Designer, Data Storytelling creates reports, presentations, infographics, data visualizations, templates, and other visual assets for University of Tennessee System Board of Trustees meetings; executive leadership presentations and speaking engagements; supplemental Board materials and responses; strategic initiatives; and ad hoc and project-based materials. The position collaborates with colleagues in UT System Communications and Marketing and other offices to align materials with brand standards and elevate high-visibility materials. The Graphic Designer, Data Storytelling is part of the Institutional Research and Analytics team within the University of Tennessee System’s Division of Academic Affairs, Research, and Student Success (AARSS). Working alongside colleagues in planning, assessment, institutional research, and data analytics, the Graphic Designer, Data Storytelling supports the Vice President and executive leaders in Research; Learner Success and Workforce Pathways; Access and Engagement; Wellness; Academic Affairs; and Academic Systems and Operations. The University of Tennessee System is the state’s oldest higher education institution and preeminent public university. The UT System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski and Martin; the Health Science Center at Memphis; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service. With a presence in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties and through the combined force of education, research and outreach, the University serves students, business and industry, schools, governments, organizations and residents statewide.

Responsibilities

• Translate validated institutional data into accurate, meaningful, and effective visualizations.
• Develop coordinated visual assets, including reports, presentations, infographics, charts, maps, and other supporting materials, that create a consistent and compelling narrative across Board materials.
• Work within the university’s brand to apply strong principles of visual hierarchy, typography, layout, color, and accessibility to ensure materials are polished, audience-appropriate, and easy to understand.
• Partner with data analysts and content owners to confirm data accuracy, definitions, and context for the information being represented.
• Maintain visual consistency across recurring materials while adapting designs to the purpose, audience, and strategic message of each meeting or request.
• Partner with System and AARSS leadership to design and produce tailored presentations, reports, and other visual materials that support executive decision-making, strategic initiatives, and leadership engagement.
• Consult with project sponsors to clarify project objectives, target audience, key messages, scope, format, timeline, and intended use.
• Develop visual concepts and design solutions that translate leadership priorities and complex information into clear, engaging, audience-appropriate materials.
• Create accurate, accessible, and effective charts, graphs, maps, infographics, and other visual assets in collaboration with data analysts and content experts.
• Draft and revise materials in response to stakeholder feedback, ensuring final deliverables meet project goals, align with brand and visual standards, and are ready for their intended audience or setting.
• Partner with Institutional Research and Business Intelligence developers to bring a user-centered visual design perspective to the development and refinement of interactive data products.
• Consult on dashboard visual design, user experience, layout, spacing, navigation, and information architecture to make interactive data accessible, intuitive, and easy to use.
• Recommend appropriate visualization types and visual treatments based on the audience, decision-making context, data characteristics, and key messages.
• Consult on visual hierarchy, color, typography, accessibility, and inclusive design to improve the clarity, usability, and effectiveness of dashboard interfaces.
• Develop or recommend design standards, templates, and style guidance that create consistency across dashboard products.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree