Tennessee Higher Education Initiative

Content Design Specialist

Tennessee Higher Education Initiative

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Job Summary

The Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) is a nonprofit organization that disrupts systems of harm and creates opportunities for autonomy and success through education, support, and advocacy with and for justice-impacted individuals. THEI is seeking a dedicated graphic designer, ideally based in

Nashville, Tennessee, for the role of Content Design Specialist. This role will be funded for two years through a secured foundation grant.

As an organization, THEI offers college access to incarcerated individuals within Tennessee prisons to pave the way for skilled reentry and to alleviate barriers to ongoing education and achievement. We stand on principles of harm reduction, healing, and valuing the lived experiences of those we serve; we actively strive to realize the world we envision through systemic work and direct service.

This position will be under the supervision of the Student Resources Initiative Project Manager and part of a team charged with developing a suite of resources to help incarcerated college students navigate the financial aid process and to empower incarcerated college students to make informed decisions throughout their college experience. The resources will primarily be printed materials, with some digital formats as well, and should be visually appealing, brand-aligned, and designed with accessibility for the intended audience in mind.

This is a full-time, exempt position on a collaborative team. The Design Specialist’s primary office location can be work-from-home or THEI’s office space in Nashville. Weekly in-person team meetings should be anticipated. Applicants who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system are encouraged to apply. 

Job Responsibilities

  • Develop innovative and visually appealing design concepts, layouts, graphics, and printed materials that align with the project objectives, the project brand, and THEI brand guidelines.
  • Develop a unique, but THEI-brand-adjacent, brand for the Resource Initiative.
  • Utilize graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite—Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) to produce high-quality visual content for various mediums, including print, digital platforms, film segments, and more.
  • Use student and stakeholder insights to inform content design and ensure materials are engaging and accessible.
  • Collaborate with the project manager and other project stakeholders to brainstorm ideas, provide feedback, and refine designs to achieve the desired results.
  • Demonstrate a strong work ethic, creative thinking, and attention to detail in all design projects.
  • Maintain a deep understanding of THEI and project brand guidelines, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand standards across all design projects.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines while maintaining high-quality design standards.
  • Provide support to other teams and departments to update or refine existing resources or collateral as needed.
  • Accept feedback with curiosity and a willingness to adapt. 

Qualifications

  • Proven experience as a graphic designer or similar role, with a strong portfolio showcasing exceptional design skills and creative concepts, at least 3-5 years of experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field (or equivalent work experience) is preferred, but not required.
  • A demonstrated commitment to THEI’s mission to disrupt systems of harm and create opportunities for autonomy and success through education, support, and advocacy for justice-impacted individuals. Previous non-profit or social justice experience is preferred, but not required.
  • A commitment to using person-first language.
  • Proficiency in design software and tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Canva, etc.
  • Strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout composition.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively present and articulate design concepts and ideas.
  • A collaborative approach to project ideation and completion.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Attention to detail and a passion for creating visually compelling designs that effectively communicate project content.
  • Knowledge of digital design principles, UX/UI, and responsive design is a plus.
  • Experience with web design and familiarity with HTML/CSS is a plus.
  • Experience with video editing is a plus. 

Additional Information

Benefits

This two-year position is full-time, exempt, with a salary of $60,000 per year, plus travel reimbursements, full medical/dental insurance, a monthly wellness stipend, Simple IRA with employer match, and generous paid leave and holidays.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and sample portfolio to work@thei.org with “Content Design Specialist” in the subject line. The sample portfolio can be submitted using a link or a downloadable file. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and preference will be given to applications received by August 15, 2024.

Details

  • Date Posted: August 3, 2024
  • Type: Full-Time
  • Job Function: Communications / Marketing / PR
  • Service Area: Community Development
  • Salary Range: $60,000
  • Working Hours: 40hrs/week