Communications Specialist/Graphic Designer

Responsible to Director of Communications and Creative at BMC Creative for graphic design, communications and campaign planning for the University wide customer based, which extends to ETSU Health clinical locations and administrative offices, state/federal entities, and the student population.

Responsible for providing assistance to the communications and creative director for oversight of project in support of teaching, research, patient care, public service, and marketing, ensuring schedules are met, following University and ETSU Health branding standards, adhering to best business practices, and overall industry high-quality standards.

Provides support for the BMC web-based custom software ordering and process system.

Provides creative direction on complex projects as needed.

Ability to articulate creative strategy, present design concepts, explain rationale, respond to questions, and maintain/build relationships with faculty, staff, students, and other clients.

Able to direct creative projects from concept through production.

Possesses advanced, innovative design and illustration abilities to conceptualize and think creatively; ability to develop technical and scientific graphic designs for illustrating technical information.

Ability to work under pressure within short timelines and be willing to work beyond normal hours to meet project deadlines.

Ability to present research data effectively, assuring legibility, creativity, and professionalism in representation.

Ability to educate customers regarding design, print and mail processes.

Knowledge of online traffic systems and management with the ability to communicate processes so the creative team, customers, and vendors work more efficiently and effectively together.

Knowledge of social Media platforms, web design, and an aptitude for developing social media contend strategy solutions.

Comprehensive knowledge of computers, both Mac and PC platforms, and current graphics processes and applications, including Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office; ability to maintain own workstations with assistance from IT and maintain and achieve necessary art files.

Comprehensive knowledge of color management systems and printing processes, including digital file preparation requirements for offset printing and digital prepress, bindery techniques, and paper stocks.

Comprehensive knowledge of graphic design concepts, principles and techniques; demonstrated creativity and initiative.

Comprehensive knowledge of methods used to create digital, print, display, and promotional products.

Knowledge of current and emerging technologies within the field of Biomedical Communications; ability to network internationally with other Biomedical Communicators.

Ability to work closely with physicians, scientists, and other medical personnel.

Ability to graphically and accurately render illustrations and figures.

Knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology.

Proven experience in social media and content strategy development, including the creation of visual and written materials across platforms.

with digital media and photography, including production and post-processing techniques.

Working knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology, especially as it applies to visual communication in healthcare or academic contexts.

Demonstrated ability to manage and execute projects across a variety of media, including print, digital, web, and promotional items.

Strong familiarity with printing processes, including prepress, digital and offset workflows.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with shifting deadlines.

directing individuals on creative project and collaborating with diverse professional to support marketing, recruitment, and institutional goals.

Ability to handle multiple project and meet deadlines.

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field (required)

Advance training in Adobe Creative Suite, with demonstrated proficiency in high-end graphics software.

Minimum of three (3) years of experience providing graphic services, preferably within a healthcare-specific context, such as an academic health sciences environment, marketing/advertising agency, or other creative setting.

At least one (1) year of experience in web design, with knowledge of digital layout and user experience principles.

Minimum of two (2) years of traffic management experience, ideally within an agency or other fast-paced creative environment.

Or A combination of education and work experience.

Experience in an academic health sciences setting preferred.

Healthcare marketing experience desirable.

Background working with photography on location is preferred, preferably with experience participating in photo shoots to obtain design objectives.

Job Family – Communications and Marketing Professional 2

For more information regarding benefits, please visit ( Employee Benefits )

Exempt positions are required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days.

The closing date is subject to change without notice to the applicants.

Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check.

Required documents to attach: Cover Letter and Resume

This is an on-site position

This position does not have funding available for visa sponsorship.

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs.

Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service.

Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond.

Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification.

It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position.

Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.