Graphic Designer Intern (Unpaid)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Intern (Unpaid)

Company: International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

Job Type: Part-Time, Internship

Category: Marketing & Communications / Design Operations

Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful humanitarian mission by creating essential design assets for the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA).

• The role focuses on developing brand identity elements, including T-shirt designs, slide deck templates, and classroom posters, aligning with the program's theme and values.

• A key responsibility will be designing and laying out the NYSA yearbook, collaborating closely with the Yearbook Coordinator and volunteer photographers to meet deadlines.

• This position is ideal for an aspiring graphic designer looking to gain practical experience in a nonprofit setting, enhance their project management skills, and build a portfolio with impactful work.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "Graphic Designer Intern," the responsibilities outlined, particularly the creation of brand identity assets and yearbook design, suggest a role that leans towards foundational design operations within a specific program. The "unpaid" status is a critical factor for candidates to consider, and the hybrid nature allows for on-site contribution at the Summer Academy while also accommodating office-based meetings. The "0-2 years" experience level aligns with an internship, focusing on skill development and learning objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute design concepts for the NYSA 2026 brand identity, ensuring incorporation of the annual theme ("PRIDE"), core values (Positivity, Responsibility, Innovation, Determination, Empathy), and mascot.

• Design and produce visually engaging assets, including T-shirt designs, slide deck templates, and classroom posters to support program communication and engagement.

• Conceptualize and create the overall design and layout for the NYSA yearbook, ensuring a cohesive and appealing final product.

• Integrate provided photographs into the yearbook layout, meticulously checking for accuracy in labeling and placement.

• Collaborate closely with the Yearbook Coordinator and volunteer NYSA Photographer(s) to manage photo assets and ensure timely delivery of design elements.

• Participate in regular project meetings, both on-site at the Summer Academy and at the IRC in NY office, to discuss progress and resolve any design-related challenges.

• Proactively communicate and coordinate with the team to ensure yearbook-related activities remain on schedule and to address any scheduling conflicts or issues promptly.

• Receive and integrate feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and meet project requirements effectively.

• Attend mandatory NYSA training sessions from June 29 – July 2, 2026, to understand program context and objectives.

• Prepare and provide all final design files in appropriate formats to the IRC for archival and future use.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design execution and project coordination. The emphasis on "PRIDE" theme and specific values indicates a need for designers who can translate abstract concepts into tangible visual elements. The requirement to "Provide all files to IRC" highlights the importance of organized file management and adherence to organizational asset standards, a key aspect of design operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Pursuing or holding a degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related creative field.

Experience:

• At least one year of practical experience in graphic design, demonstrated through academic projects, internships, or freelance work.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Strong, hands-on experience with Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop is essential for creating and manipulating design assets.

• Brand Identity Development: Ability to create cohesive visual elements that align with a defined theme, values, and organizational identity.

• Layout and Publication Design: Expertise in designing engaging layouts for print and digital publications, specifically for a yearbook format.

• Organizational Skills: Excellent ability to manage tasks, organize files, and maintain project timelines effectively, crucial for yearbook production.

• Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal and written communication abilities for collaborating with team members and receiving feedback.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team, contributing to shared goals and supporting colleagues.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying design challenges and developing creative, practical solutions.

• Cultural Competence & Cross-Cultural Experience: Required experience working with diverse populations or a demonstrated understanding of cross-cultural communication and sensitivity.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with diverse populations, particularly refugee or immigrant communities.

• Familiarity with nonprofit sector needs and creative resource constraints.

• Basic understanding of print production processes and file preparation for printers.

• Experience with digital asset management or content management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Cultural competence and cross-cultural or overseas experience" is a critical differentiator, emphasizing the need for designers who can approach their work with sensitivity and an understanding of the diverse backgrounds of the youth served. This goes beyond standard design skills and points to a need for empathy in design execution. The explicit mention of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop is a direct indicator of the required technical toolkit for this design operations role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Design Projects: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse design projects that demonstrate proficiency in brand identity, layout design, and asset creation.

• Software Proficiency Examples: Include examples of work created using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, highlighting specific applications like brochure design, poster creation, or digital graphics.

• Project Completion Evidence: Present at least one project that illustrates the ability to manage a design from concept through to final deliverable, ideally a publication or campaign.

• Relevance to Nonprofit/Social Impact: If possible, include projects that reflect an understanding of mission-driven organizations or target audiences similar to refugee youth.

• Clear Process Documentation (Optional but Recommended): Briefly describe the design process undertaken for each project, including concept development, iteration, and final execution.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process during interviews, detailing how they approach project briefs, develop concepts, integrate feedback, and finalize deliverables.

• Understanding of workflow management for creative projects, including timeline adherence and task prioritization, will be assessed.

• Familiarity with collaborative design workflows, such as version control or feedback loops, is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, the portfolio is less about extensive professional experience and more about demonstrating raw talent, technical capability, and the ability to learn and apply feedback. The emphasis should be on clear, well-executed projects that showcase the required software skills and a nascent understanding of design principles and project lifecycle management. The "consent to the yearbook as being the sole property of the IRC" implies that candidates should be prepared to transfer all rights to their created work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Learning Objectives Fulfillment: Gain practical experience in graphic design, non-profit communications, and project management, directly contributing to the NYSA program's success.

• Skill Development: Enhance expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, brand identity creation, publication design, and working within a mission-driven organization.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals in the humanitarian sector and the design community.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio with tangible project deliverables, including a yearbook and brand assets.

• Flexible Scheduling: Work varies between 4-15 hours per week, allowing for flexible scheduling that can accommodate academic commitments.

• IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct: Adherence to the IRC's core values of Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability.

• IRC's Commitment to Safeguarding: Opportunity to work within an organization dedicated to preventing harm and creating a safe environment.

Working Hours:

• Part-time, with flexibility to work between 4-15 hours per week.

• Scheduling will be discussed and agreed upon to accommodate both the intern's availability and the program's needs.

• Hybrid work model requires on-site presence at the Summer Academy and potentially at the IRC in NY office for meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "unpaid" nature of this internship is a primary consideration. The benefits listed are experiential and developmental, focusing on skill acquisition, portfolio building, and exposure to the nonprofit sector. The flexible hours are a significant advantage for students or individuals balancing other commitments. The mention of "[Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates...]" in the raw data is standard boilerplate for the organization and does not apply to this unpaid role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Humanitarian Aid / International Development / Social Services

Company Size: Large (IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations, operating in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities).

Founded: 1933 (by call of Albert Einstein)

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Senior Manager, Education, and will work closely with the Yearbook Coordinator and volunteer NYSA Photographers.

• This role is part of the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) program team, which is dedicated to supporting refugee youth.

Methodology:

• Mission-Driven Approach: All activities are guided by the IRC's mission to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people affected by conflict and disaster.

• Client-Centered Focus: The NYSA program prioritizes the success and wellbeing of refugee youth, aiming to prepare them for the NYC public school system.

• Data-Informed Practices (Implied): While not explicit for this design role, the IRC generally uses data to inform program effectiveness and impact. Design assets should align with clear program objectives.

• Collaborative Execution: The internship emphasizes working collaboratively with team members and volunteers to achieve program goals.

Company Website: https://www.rescue.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has a strong, established reputation in global humanitarian aid. Working for IRC means contributing to a legacy of impactful service. The NYSA program specifically focuses on a critical demographic, requiring designers to be sensitive to the context and needs of refugee youth. The culture is likely to be mission-oriented, fast-paced, and focused on collaboration for maximum impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level / Internship

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Senior Manager, Education, providing a direct line of oversight and mentorship.

Operations Impact:

• The design work directly impacts the NYSA program by creating visual assets that foster a sense of community, pride, and belonging among refugee youth.

• High-quality yearbook and brand materials contribute to a positive participant experience and serve as valuable program collateral.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite tools (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) through practical application on real-world projects.

• Portfolio Building: Create tangible design assets (yearbook, T-shirts, posters) that can be showcased to future employers.

• Nonprofit Sector Exposure: Gain insight into the operational and communication needs of humanitarian organizations.

• Project Management Experience: Develop skills in managing design projects from concept to completion, including timeline adherence and stakeholder coordination.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Enhance understanding and practice of working effectively with diverse populations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern, the "growth" is primarily skill-based and experiential. The role is framed around learning objectives, indicating that the IRC values the development of the intern as much as the output. This is a chance to learn how design operations support specific program goals within a large NGO.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (combination of on-site at the Summer Academy and office-based at IRC in NY)

Office Location(s): New York, NY (specific Summer Academy location would be detailed separately; IRC in NY office for meetings).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with the Yearbook Coordinator, photographers, and potentially other program staff, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.

• Mission-Focused: The work environment is dedicated to serving refugee youth, creating a purpose-driven atmosphere.

• Resourceful Operations: As a nonprofit, there might be an emphasis on efficient use of resources and creative problem-solving.

• Technology Access: Expected access to necessary design software and potentially shared office resources for meetings.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible, part-time hours (4-15 hours/week) are designed to accommodate academic and personal schedules.

• On-site presence at the Summer Academy will be required for specific tasks, alongside potential office visits for project meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature means interns need to be comfortable working both independently (potentially remotely for some tasks) and collaboratively on-site. The on-site component at the Summer Academy will provide direct exposure to the program's impact and participant interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design capabilities.

• Interview(s): Likely to include discussions with the Senior Manager, Education, and potentially the Yearbook Coordinator. Questions will focus on design experience, software proficiency, understanding of the IRC's mission, and cross-cultural competence.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present and discuss their design portfolio, highlighting relevant projects and their design process.

• Case Study/Design Challenge (Potential): While not explicitly stated, a small design task or scenario-based question might be used to evaluate problem-solving skills and design approach.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: Evaluation of alignment with IRC's core values and ability to work within a diverse, mission-driven team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant design projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop skills, as well as layout and brand identity experience.

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the process you followed, the tools used, and the outcome. Highlight how you incorporated feedback.

• Demonstrate Process: Include examples of concept sketches, mood boards, or initial drafts if available, to show your thought process.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly displays your proficiency with the required Adobe software.

• Address Cross-Cultural Competence: If you have relevant experience working with diverse groups, mention it or include a project that reflects this sensitivity.

• Be Prepared for "Unpaid" Discussion: Understand the value you bring and articulate the learning objectives you aim to achieve.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Mission: Research the International Rescue Committee and the specific goals of the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy. Be ready to discuss how design can support these objectives.

• Review Design Principles: Refresh your knowledge of typography, color theory, layout, and brand consistency.

• Practice Explaining Your Work: Be ready to articulate your design decisions and processes clearly and concisely. Imagine explaining your yearbook layout choices to someone unfamiliar with design.

• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers about the program, the team, and the internship experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely assess not only design skills but also the candidate's cultural sensitivity and alignment with the IRC's mission. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases the required technical skills and demonstrates an understanding of the project's context will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout and publication design, particularly for the yearbook. Proficiency in setting up multi-page documents, managing styles, and typography is key.

• Adobe Illustrator: Required for creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and other scalable design elements for brand identity assets (T-shirts, posters).

• Adobe Photoshop: Necessary for image editing, manipulation, and optimization of photographs to be used in designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this graphic design role, though familiarity with digital asset management systems could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is a strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. This is standard for most graphic design roles, but the emphasis on InDesign for yearbook layout is noteworthy.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design work and interactions.

• Service: Dedication to supporting the mission of the IRC and the needs of the program participants.

• Equality: Creating inclusive and accessible designs that respect the diversity of the youth served.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality work.

• Positivity, Responsibility, Innovation, Determination, Empathy: These NYSA program values should be reflected and embodied in the design work and collaborative approach.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Close collaboration with the Yearbook Coordinator and photographers is essential for project success.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and integrating constructive feedback from team members and supervisors.

• Mission-Focused: All collaboration efforts are directed towards achieving the program's objectives for refugee youth.

• Cross-Cultural: Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across different cultural backgrounds.

📝 Enhancement Note: The IRC's core values (Integrity, Service, Equality, Accountability) are foundational. For this role, the NYSA program values (Positivity, Responsibility, Innovation, Determination, Empathy) are also critical and should be understood as guiding principles for the design aesthetic and interpersonal interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Unpaid Status: Motivating oneself and delivering high-quality work without direct financial compensation requires intrinsic motivation and a strong commitment to the mission and learning objectives.

• Tight Deadlines: Producing a yearbook and other assets within a specific timeframe (Summer Academy duration) will require efficient workflow management.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Programmatic Needs: Ensuring design choices align with the specific themes, values, and practical requirements of the NYSA program.

• Working with Diverse Assets: Integrating potentially varied quality or styles of photos provided by volunteer photographers into a cohesive yearbook layout.

• Navigating Hybrid Work: Effectively managing time and communication across remote and on-site work environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Design Application: Gain hands-on experience in creating professional design assets for a real-world program.

• Nonprofit Operations Insight: Learn how design functions within a large humanitarian organization, supporting specific program goals.

• Portfolio Expansion: Develop a robust portfolio with tangible deliverables that showcase a range of design skills.

• Soft Skills Enhancement: Improve communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and time management skills.

• Cross-Cultural Understanding: Deepen awareness and sensitivity to the experiences of refugee youth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in the experiential learning and portfolio development. Interns should view this as an investment in their career, focusing on the skills and experience gained rather than direct compensation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your process for designing a yearbook, from initial concept to final file delivery. How would you incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders?"

• Brand Application: "How would you visually represent the NYSA theme of 'PRIDE' and its associated values (Positivity, Responsibility, Innovation, Determination, Empathy) in a T-shirt design?"

• Software Proficiency: "Walk us through a project where you used Adobe InDesign for a multi-page layout. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?"

• Problem Solving: "Imagine you receive a batch of photos for the yearbook that are inconsistent in quality. How would you approach integrating them into a visually appealing layout?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the International Rescue Committee and our mission? Why are you interested in interning with us?"

• "How do you approach working with diverse populations, and what does 'cultural competence' mean to you in a design context?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, explain the objective and the impact of your design. For example, how did your layout improve readability or engagement?

• Showcase Technical Range: Demonstrate your proficiency across InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Highlight specific features or techniques used.

• Explain Your 'Why': Articulate the rationale behind your design choices – color palette, typography, layout structure, imagery selection.

• Be Ready for Feedback Discussion: Discuss how you've incorporated feedback on past projects. Show you're open to constructive criticism.

• Highlight Project Management: For any project that involved deadlines or multiple stages, explain how you managed your time and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to not only showcase their design skills but also their understanding of the IRC's mission and their ability to work sensitively with diverse populations. The "unpaid" nature means candidates must clearly articulate their motivation and learning goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the IRC careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest work in layout design (especially for publications), brand identity creation, and proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Include any projects that demonstrate experience with diverse audiences or mission-driven organizations.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your relevant design experience, software skills, and any cross-cultural or volunteer experience. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed 20+ assets," "Managed layout for a 100-page publication").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your creative decisions, and discussing your motivations for pursuing an unpaid internship with the IRC. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the International Rescue Committee and the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy. Understand their mission, values, and the specific context of serving refugee youth.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.