Graphic Design Intern

Design with Purpose. Create with Impact.

Are you an emerging designer ready to transform ideas into meaningful visual experiences? Helping Hand is looking for a creative, detail-oriented Graphic Design Intern to help bring our mission to life across print and digital platforms.

Working alongside our Creative Designer, you will create materials that support marketing, fundraising, recruitment, events, and community engagement. From social media graphics and campaign materials to print-ready files and brand development, this hands-on internship offers the opportunity to strengthen your portfolio while creating work that makes a difference.

Helping Hand’s mission is to transform lives through genuine care and education, and our vision is that all people are equally valued. If you want to grow as a designer while using your creativity to support an important mission, we would love to meet you!

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• On-site position, part-time
• Approximately 15 hours per week
• Hourly rate: $20.50/hour (non-exempt)
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend assignments, typically averaging one evening per week and one weekend day per month, based on department needs.

HELPING HAND PERKS:

• Purpose-driven work that changes lives.
• Team member appreciation events and year-round recognition.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness support.
• PSLF-qualifying employer under the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Design Creative Content

• Design engaging digital and print materials that support Helping Hand’s marketing, fundraising, recruitment, and community-engagement initiatives.
• Create event graphics, flyers, brochures, social media content, digital advertisements, signage, marketing emails, and other promotional materials.
• Translate organizational goals, campaign concepts, and key messages into creative and compelling visual communications.
• Adapt designs for different formats, communication channels, and audiences while maintaining a consistent visual identity.
• Assist with additional graphic design, marketing, event, and creative projects as assigned.

Strengthen and Evolve Our Brand

• Help research, develop, and refine Helping Hand’s organizational style guide, including standards for typography, color, imagery, layout, and brand usage.
• Support the continued evolution of Helping Hand’s visual identity and creative approach.
• Apply established brand standards while identifying opportunities to improve consistency and recognition.
• Adapt Helping Hand’s brand and messaging for team members, job candidates, donors, families, community partners, and the individuals we serve.
• Help ensure visual communications are accessible, inclusive, person-centered, and representative of the diverse communities Helping Hand serves.

Prepare Designs for Production

• Prepare accurate, production-ready files for professional printing.
• Review dimensions, resolution, color settings, bleeds, and other technical specifications before production.
• Assist with identifying and communicating with print and production vendors.
• Help coordinate the proofing process and review materials for quality, accuracy, and brand consistency.
• Build practical knowledge of prepress preparation and professional print production.

Organize Creative Assets

• Maintain and organize creative files, templates, photographs, logos, and other digital assets.
• Follow file-naming, version-control, and storage practices so materials remain current, accessible, and easy to locate.
• Help create an organized and sustainable creative library for future campaigns and projects.
• Support Helping Hand’s Mission
• Assist with the planning, promotion, coordination, and execution of fundraising events and organizational activities.
• Manage assigned deadlines and complete project materials accurately and on time.
• Participate in workshops, training opportunities, design critiques, campaign brainstorms, and other skill-building activities.
• Provide administrative and project support as needed.
• Represent Helping Hand’s mission, values, person-centered practices, and commitment to an inclusive and equitable workplace.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Throughout this internship, you will gain practical experience in:

• Working within established branding guidelines.
• Creating accessible and inclusive visual communications.
• Designing for both print and digital platforms.
• Preparing professional, print-ready files.
• Managing and organizing creative assets.
• Adapting one brand for multiple audiences and communication channels.
• Balancing creativity with project requirements and deadlines.
• Receiving, applying, and responding professionally to creative feedback.
• Collaborating within a mission-driven professional environment.