Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Newcomer Youth Summer Academy
Company: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)
Job Type: Part-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Education
Date Posted: January 8, 2026
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 Years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for developing and executing the visual identity of the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA), contributing to impactful storytelling through design.
• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in creating engaging and cohesive design assets, including branding materials and a comprehensive yearbook, to enhance the NYSA program experience.
• This position offers a unique opportunity to apply graphic design skills within a humanitarian context, supporting refugee youth's successful integration into the New York City public school system.
• The role involves a blend of creative conceptualization, hands-on design execution, and collaborative project management with program staff and volunteers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is specifically for the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) program, indicating a focus on supporting refugee youth. The hybrid nature suggests a need for both on-site presence for specific program activities and remote work capabilities for design tasks. The part-time, fixed-term nature (February 2026 - August 2026) points to a project-based, intensive engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a comprehensive NYSA Yearbook, from initial concept and layout development to final print-ready files, incorporating photographic content and ensuring accurate labeling and placement of all elements.
• Create a cohesive brand identity for NYSA 2026, including T-shirt designs, slide deck templates, classroom posters, and other visual assets, aligning with the annual theme (PRIDE), core values (Positivity, Responsibility, Innovation, Determination, Empathy), and mascot.
• Collaborate closely with the Yearbook Coordinator and volunteer NYSA Photographer(s) to gather, select, and integrate visual content into yearbook layouts and other design projects.
• Participate in project meetings at the IRC in NY office and engage in regular communication with the program team to ensure all design deliverables are met according to schedule and any arising conflicts are resolved promptly.
• Receive, interpret, and integrate feedback from stakeholders to refine design concepts and ensure final outputs meet program objectives and quality standards.
• Attend mandatory NYSA training sessions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the program's mission, context, and operational needs.
• Manage and deliver all final design files to the IRC in a well-organized and accessible format upon project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities emphasize not just design execution but also project management, stakeholder collaboration, and program integration, typical of project-based creative roles within non-profits. The requirement to attend training highlights the need for the designer to be immersed in the program's context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is implied by the role's requirements and responsibilities.

Experience: Minimum of one year of professional graphic design experience is required, with a strong emphasis on project completion from concept to deliverable.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard graphic design software, specifically Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple design assets, deadlines, and project components effectively.
• Excellent communication skills for clear and concise interaction with program staff, volunteers, and other team members.
• Demonstrated collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team environment and integrate feedback constructively.
• Cultural competence and experience working with diverse populations or cross-cultural environments, essential for understanding and representing the NYSA student body.
• Problem-solving abilities to address design challenges and adapt to evolving project needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills allowing for independent work and proactive engagement with team members.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with diverse populations, as stated in the requirements, would be highly beneficial.
• Previous experience in designing yearbooks or similar commemorative publications.
• Familiarity with nonprofit organizational structures and the unique creative needs of humanitarian or social service agencies.
• Understanding of print production processes and file preparation for commercial printing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "cultural competence and cross-cultural or overseas experience" is a critical differentiator for this role, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and understanding in designing for a refugee youth program. The explicit mention of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop indicates the core technical requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of graphic design projects demonstrating versatility in creating brand identity elements (logos, posters, templates).
• Include examples of layout design and production, particularly for publications like yearbooks, magazines, or reports, highlighting your ability to manage complex layouts.
• Present case studies or project descriptions that detail your process from concept development to final deliverable, illustrating your problem-solving approach.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) through the quality and style of work presented.
• Highlight projects that involved collaboration or integration of feedback from multiple stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Prepare to discuss your workflow for taking a graphic design project from initial brief to final file delivery, including stages of conceptualization, design, revision, and approval.
• Be ready to explain how you manage project timelines and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines, especially for time-sensitive projects like the NYSA yearbook.
• Articulate your approach to incorporating feedback and iterating on designs to achieve desired outcomes.
• Be prepared to describe how you ensure accuracy and quality control in your final design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should emphasize creative concept development and execution, as well as the ability to manage a significant publication project like a yearbook. Demonstrating an understanding of the nonprofit sector's creative needs will be a strong plus.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Compensation will be determined based on the specific hours worked per week (ranging from 4-15 hours) and the candidate's experience level. As this is a part-time, contract position (February 1, 2026 - August 14, 2026), a precise annual salary range is not provided. However, for a part-time Graphic Designer role in New York City with 1-2 years of experience, hourly rates typically range from $20 to $35, depending on the organization's budget and the specific project scope. The IRC's compensation philosophy emphasizes that exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience, and skills relative to job requirements.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: 20-25 paid time off days (pro-rated for part-time status).
• Holidays: 10 US holidays.
• Sick Days: 10 sick days.
• Health Insurance: Medical insurance (starting at $163/month), dental insurance (starting at $6.50/month), and vision insurance (starting at $5/month) are available.
• Retirement Savings: 403b retirement savings plan with immediately vested matching.
• Financial Flexibility: Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and commuter costs.
• Protection: Disability and life insurance.
• Well-being Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and crisis support.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position with flexible scheduling, varying between 4-15 hours per week. The exact hours will be agreed upon with the hiring manager and will need to accommodate program needs, including on-site work at the Summer Academy and participation in project meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits listed are for US-based employees and are comprehensive for a part-time role, which is unusual and highly attractive. The pro-rated nature of PTO should be considered. The flexibility in working hours is a key feature, requiring strong time management skills from the candidate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Humanitarian Aid / Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) / Social Services. The IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations, dedicated to helping people affected by conflict and disaster.

Company Size: Large. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, indicating a global workforce and significant operational scale.

Founded: 1933. Founded at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC has a long history of providing critical support to vulnerable populations.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Senior Manager, Education, and will work closely with the Yearbook Coordinator and volunteer NYSA Photographer(s).
• This role is part of the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) program, which focuses on academic, creative arts, physical education, and life skills for refugee youth.
• Collaboration is expected with program staff and potentially other volunteers involved in the summer academy.

Methodology:

• The IRC's work is guided by principles of integrity, service, equality, and accountability, as outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.
• The organization emphasizes a data-driven approach to service delivery and program impact measurement.
• A commitment to safeguarding, fiscal integrity, and reporting wrongdoing is paramount.
• The culture encourages critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to ensure the best possible services.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The IRC's mission and values are central to its culture. Candidates should be passionate about humanitarian work and understand the importance of diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding. The "IRC Way" and "Safeguarding" policies are critical components of the professional standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to early-career role within the creative/design function, specifically focused on a project-based engagement. It’s ideal for individuals with 0-2 years of experience looking to build their portfolio and gain practical experience in a mission-driven environment.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report directly to the Senior Manager, Education, and will work collaboratively with the Yearbook Coordinator and volunteer photographers. This structure suggests a supportive team environment with clear lines of communication for project-specific tasks.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of process optimization or system management, this Graphic Designer role significantly impacts the NYSA program's ability to create a memorable and impactful experience for refugee youth. The design assets and yearbook serve as crucial tools for program identity, student engagement, and storytelling, reflecting the IRC's mission and values. The role contributes to the program's success by providing professional visual communication.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Strengthen expertise in end-to-end graphic design project management, from conceptualization to final deliverable, with a focus on publication design.
• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in the creative needs and operational realities of nonprofit humanitarian and social service agencies.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with tangible, impactful projects (yearbook, branding assets) that demonstrate creativity and project management capabilities.
• Networking: Opportunity to collaborate with professionals and volunteers in the humanitarian sector.
• Mission Alignment: Contribute directly to a program that supports vulnerable youth, aligning personal values with professional work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are centered on practical experience, portfolio building, and exposure to the nonprofit sector, rather than a defined internal career ladder within IRC for this specific contract role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role requires on-site work at the Summer Academy and participation in project meetings at the IRC in NY office, alongside remote work capabilities for design tasks.

Office Location(s): New York, NY. Preference is given to candidates who can work on-site in New York City.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves close collaboration with the Yearbook Coordinator, photographers, and the broader NYSA program team. This suggests an interactive and team-oriented workspace.
• Resource Availability: Access to IRC's office facilities for meetings and potentially design resources will be available. Remote work will likely require the candidate to have their own design software and reliable internet connection.
• Program Immersion: On-site presence during the Summer Academy will provide direct exposure to the program's environment and the students it serves, fostering a deeper understanding of the work.

Work Schedule: Flexible scheduling, varying between 4-15 hours per week, to be agreed upon with the hiring manager. This flexibility is ideal for individuals who can manage their time effectively and balance multiple commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills, especially when working remotely. The on-site requirement is key for candidates applying from outside the immediate NYC area.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, likely focusing on resume, cover letter, and portfolio.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be expected to present their portfolio, showcasing relevant design work and demonstrating their approach to projects.
• Interviews: Likely include discussions with the Senior Manager, Education, and potentially the Yearbook Coordinator. These interviews will assess design skills, collaboration abilities, cultural competence, and fit with the IRC's mission.
• Case Study/Challenge (Potential): While not explicitly stated, some roles may involve a small design challenge to assess practical skills and problem-solving under timed conditions.
• Final Evaluation: Based on demonstrated skills, experience, cultural fit, and understanding of the program's needs.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest and most relevant work. For this role, prioritize projects demonstrating branding, layout design (especially publications), and creative conceptualization.
• Tell the Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, and the outcome. Highlight how your design solutions met the client's objectives.
• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows your mastery of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, include projects where you collaborated with others or integrated feedback effectively.
• Tailor to IRC/NYSA: If you have any designs for non-profits or social impact projects, highlight them. Mention your understanding of the NYSA program's mission and how your design skills can support it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize Yourself with IRC's Mission: Understand the organization's work, values, and the context of serving refugee youth.
• Review NYSA Program Details: Understand the program's goals, themes (PRIDE), and values (Positivity, Responsibility, Innovation, Determination, Empathy).
• Practice Design Concepts: Think about how you would approach creating assets for a program with these themes and values. Consider visual metaphors and styles that resonate with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Prepare to Discuss Processes: Be ready to articulate your design workflow, how you manage feedback, and how you ensure accuracy and timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "cultural competence" and ability to work with "diverse populations" will likely be a key assessment point throughout the interview process and portfolio review.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe InDesign: Essential for yearbook layout, page design, and creating multi-page documents.
• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for creating logos, icons, custom graphics, and vector-based assets for branding.
• Adobe Photoshop: Necessary for image editing, manipulation, retouching photographs, and preparing images for print and digital use.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable to this graphic design role, as the focus is on creative output rather than data analysis.

CRM & Automation: Not applicable to this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) is a non-negotiable technical requirement for this position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Service & Impact: A strong commitment to serving vulnerable populations and making a tangible impact on their lives, aligning with the IRC's humanitarian mission.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards in all work, ensuring transparency, and taking responsibility for design outcomes.
• Equality & Respect: Valuing diversity and inclusivity, treating all individuals with dignity and respect, essential when working with refugee youth and diverse teams.
• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging creative problem-solving and fresh ideas to effectively communicate the program's message and enhance the participant experience.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where ideas are shared, feedback is welcomed, and collective goals are pursued.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with program staff (Senior Manager, Education, Yearbook Coordinator) and volunteers (Photographers) to ensure design aligns with program objectives and captures authentic moments.
• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and integrating feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs and meet project requirements.
• Proactive Communication: Regularly communicating project status, potential roadblocks, and creative ideas to ensure smooth workflow and timely completion.
• Supportive Environment: Contributing to a supportive team atmosphere where individuals feel empowered to share their expertise and help each other succeed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The candidate's alignment with the IRC's core values (Integrity, Service, Equality, Accountability) will be a significant factor in their suitability for this role and the broader organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Tight Deadlines: Managing the creation of a yearbook and multiple branding assets within a fixed, relatively short timeframe (February-August 2026).
• Balancing Creative Vision with Programmatic Needs: Ensuring design work is both aesthetically compelling and effectively serves the educational and integration goals of the NYSA program.
• Working with Diverse Visual Assets: Integrating potentially varied quality or styles of photographs from multiple volunteer photographers into a cohesive yearbook.
• Remote/Hybrid Collaboration: Effectively collaborating and communicating design progress and feedback when working partly remotely.
• Cultural Sensitivity in Design: Developing visual elements that are inclusive, respectful, and resonate with youth from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Project Management Skills: Enhancing skills in managing a complete design project from inception to delivery, including timeline management and stakeholder coordination.
• Nonprofit Sector Experience: Gaining practical experience and insights into the operational and creative demands of humanitarian organizations.
• Portfolio Building: Creating significant, high-impact pieces for a portfolio that showcase both technical design skills and the ability to contribute to a meaningful mission.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Developing a deeper understanding of and sensitivity towards communicating with diverse communities through design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a rich learning experience in applying design skills to a social impact mission, with a focus on project execution and stakeholder management within a dynamic program environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a yearbook design from concept to final print-ready files. What are the key considerations for ensuring a cohesive and engaging final product?" (Focus on workflow, collaboration, and design principles).
• "How would you approach creating brand identity assets (T-shirt, posters, slide decks) for a program themed 'PRIDE' with values like Positivity, Responsibility, Innovation, Determination, and Empathy?" (Assess creative conceptualization and ability to translate abstract concepts into visuals).
• "Walk us through a past project where you had to integrate feedback from multiple stakeholders. How did you manage conflicting feedback and ensure a successful outcome?" (Evaluate collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to working for the International Rescue Committee and specifically supporting refugee youth through the NYSA program?" (Gauge mission alignment and understanding of the organization's work).
• "How do you ensure your design work is culturally sensitive and inclusive, especially when working with diverse populations?" (Assess cultural competence and awareness).
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or remote team environment. What strategies do you use to stay organized and communicate effectively?" (Evaluate adaptability and remote work skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronologically. For each project, have a brief overview slide with the client/purpose, your role, and key outcomes.
• Highlight Process: For 1-2 key projects (ideally yearbook-related or branding for a cause), walk through your design process. Show sketches, mood boards, iterations, and explain your rationale.
• Emphasize Software Use: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques you used within Adobe Creative Suite for each project.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If your design led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, positive feedback), mention it. For the yearbook, focus on how it captured memories and represented the student experience.
• Connect to NYSA: Conclude by reiterating how your skills and approach align with the needs of the NYSA program and the IRC's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the NYSA program's theme (PRIDE) and values, and how you would translate these into visual elements. Demonstrating an ability to work with diverse populations is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Workday job portal.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your graphic design experience, specifically mentioning proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, as well as any experience with publication design, branding, or working with diverse populations.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest and most relevant design samples that showcase your ability to create brand assets and manage layout projects like yearbooks. Be prepared to explain your process and rationale for each piece.
• Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Briefly explain why you are interested in this role at the IRC, how your skills align with the requirements, and demonstrate your understanding of the NYSA program's mission and target audience.
• Prepare for Interview Questions: Review common graphic design interview questions, focusing on your process, problem-solving abilities, and experience with collaboration. Practice articulating your design choices and your understanding of the IRC's values.
• Research the IRC: Familiarize yourself with the International Rescue Committee's mission, values, and work, particularly their programs for youth and refugees.

⚠️ 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.

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