Graphic Designer Intern (Unpaid)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Intern (Unpaid)
Company: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Location: New York, NY RAI USA (Hybrid)
Job Type: Part-Time Intern
Category: Operations - Creative Services / Program Support
Date Posted: 2026-01-26
Experience Level: 0-2 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on supporting the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) program by providing essential graphic design services for branding, marketing materials, and the program's yearbook.
• The intern will gain practical experience in a humanitarian non-governmental organization (NGO) setting, contributing to the visual identity and key deliverables of a critical youth program.
• This position requires a blend of creative design skills, strong organizational abilities, and a commitment to supporting a diverse student population.
• The role offers flexible scheduling, allowing for a balance between academic pursuits and gaining valuable professional experience in the nonprofit sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer Intern," the responsibilities outlined, particularly in asset creation and yearbook production, indicate a role that requires a foundational level of graphic design expertise beyond that of a typical intern. The "0-2 Years" experience level derived from AI data supports this; candidates should be prepared to demonstrate practical application of design principles. The unpaid nature of the role, common for internships, necessitates a strong focus on the learning objectives and professional development opportunities provided.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute design assets for the NYSA 2026 brand identity, incorporating the annual theme ("PRIDE"), core values (Positivity, Responsibility, Innovation, Determination, Empathy), and mascot. This includes T-shirt designs, slide deck templates, and classroom posters.
• Conceptualize and produce the design and layout for the NYSA yearbook, ensuring it aligns with the program's identity and theme.
• Insert and manage photographs within the yearbook layout, preparing final files for printing and distribution.
• Collaborate closely with the Yearbook Coordinator and volunteer NYSA Photographer(s) to gather assets and ensure project milestones are met.
• Participate in regular project meetings at the IRC in NY office, providing updates and receiving feedback on design progress.
• Coordinate regularly with the NYSA team to ensure yearbook-related activities adhere to the established schedule and proactively resolve any scheduling conflicts or issues.
• Receive, integrate, and manage feedback from stakeholders to refine design deliverables.
• Ensure the accuracy of all yearbook elements, including proper labeling and placement of photographs.
• Attend mandatory NYSA training sessions from June 29 to July 2.
• Deliver all final design files to the IRC in the required formats.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize project management aspects of design work, including collaboration, scheduling, feedback integration, and final deliverable management. Candidates should highlight their ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment, typical of operations support roles within humanitarian organizations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a background in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a related field is highly desirable. Candidates should be able to demonstrate foundational design education or equivalent self-study.

Experience:

• Minimum of one year of graphic design experience, which can include academic projects, personal portfolios, or previous internships.
• Experience working with diverse populations or cross-cultural environments is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in industry-standard design software, specifically Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.
• Excellent organizational skills for managing project files, deadlines, and communication logs.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for collaborating with team members and articulating design concepts.
• Demonstrated collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team environment.
• High level of cultural competence and sensitivity, essential for working with refugee youth and diverse communities.
• Proven problem-solving abilities to address design challenges and adapt to evolving project needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport and work effectively with colleagues and program participants.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks with minimal supervision.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for nonprofit organizations or humanitarian initiatives.
• Familiarity with yearbook design principles and layout best practices.
• Experience in creating brand identity elements for events or programs.
• Basic understanding of print production processes and file preparation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "cultural competence and cross-cultural or overseas experience" is crucial. For an intern role, this could translate to volunteer work, study abroad, or significant personal engagement with diverse communities, demonstrating an understanding of different cultural perspectives which is paramount in humanitarian work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, demonstrating proficiency in layout, typography, color theory, and image manipulation.
• Projects should ideally highlight experience with brand identity development (logos, style guides) and multi-page document design (brochures, reports, or yearbook-style layouts).
• Examples of digital assets (e.g., social media graphics, slide templates) and print-ready files are expected.
• The portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's role, design process, and the impact or outcome of each project.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial concept generation and mood boarding to final execution and file preparation.
• The ability to articulate how feedback was incorporated into design iterations will be a key aspect of process demonstration.
• Understanding of workflow management, including project scoping, timeline adherence, and asset organization, is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an unpaid intern role, the portfolio is the primary indicator of practical skill. Emphasis should be placed on projects that demonstrate a structured approach to design, even if the scale is smaller than professional engagements. The "earning objectives" section in the original description highlights a desire to strengthen expertise in taking a project from concept to deliverable, making portfolio examples that clearly show this progression highly valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• This is an unpaid internship position.

Benefits:

• While this is an unpaid role, the International Rescue Committee offers valuable benefits through its programs and the experience gained:
• Professional Development: Significant opportunity to build and refine graphic design skills in a real-world humanitarian context, specifically in brand identity creation and yearbook production.
• Learning Objectives: Direct engagement with IRC's mission, gaining insight into the creative needs of nonprofit humanitarian and social service agencies.
• Networking: Opportunity to work with experienced professionals in the nonprofit sector and build connections within the International Rescue Committee.
• Portfolio Enhancement: A tangible deliverable (NYSA Yearbook) to add to a professional portfolio.
• Exposure to Diverse Populations: Experience working with and designing for a diverse group of refugee youth, fostering cultural competence.
• Flexible Scheduling: The role offers flexible hours ranging from 4-15 hours per week, accommodating academic schedules.
• IRC Way Standards: Adherence to IRC's core values and professional conduct, including Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability.

Working Hours:

• Varies between 4-15 hours per week, with flexible scheduling.
• Requires on-site work at the Summer Academy and participation in project meetings at the IRC in NY office, in addition to potential remote design work.
• Availability for NYSA training from June 29 – July 2 is mandatory.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "unpaid" status is a critical factor. The compensation section must clearly articulate the non-monetary benefits, focusing on the learning opportunities, skill development, and the ability to contribute to a meaningful cause, which are key motivators for interns. The provided AI benefits detail is for paid employees and is not applicable here, so it has been omitted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Humanitarian Aid / International Development / Social Services / Non-Profit Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees globally, with significant operations in 40+ countries and 29 U.S. cities). Founded: 1933, at the call of Albert Einstein.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer Intern will report to the Senior Manager, Education, and work closely with the Yearbook Coordinator and volunteer NYSA Photographer(s).
• This role is part of the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) program team, which focuses on preparing newly arrived refugee youth for success in the NYC public school system.
• Collaboration is integral, involving close interaction with program staff, volunteers, and potentially students.

Methodology:

• The IRC operates with a strong commitment to data-driven decision-making and evidence-based programming to deliver impactful humanitarian assistance.
• Design projects are approached with a focus on meeting specific programmatic needs and communicating the mission and values effectively.
• Emphasis is placed on collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability in service delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The IRC's long history and global reach signify a well-established, structured organization. For an intern, this means opportunities to learn from established processes and professionals, but also the need to adapt to organizational protocols. The "40+ countries and 29 U.S. cities" highlights the scale and diversity of operations, underscoring the importance of cultural competence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-level/Internship. This role is designed for individuals early in their graphic design career, seeking practical experience and professional development. Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Manager, Education, with direct day-to-day guidance from the Yearbook Coordinator. This structure provides mentorship within a program-specific context. Operations Impact: The graphic design work directly supports the NYSA program's ability to create engaging materials for students, staff, and potentially donors, enhancing the program's visibility and impact. The yearbook serves as a tangible memory and achievement record for the students.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite applications, particularly InDesign for layout and Photoshop/Illustrator for asset creation.
• Nonprofit Sector Experience: Gain invaluable insight into the operational and creative demands of humanitarian organizations, which can inform future career paths.
• Project Management: Develop skills in managing design projects from concept to completion, including client communication, feedback integration, and deadline management.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Enhance ability to design for and communicate with diverse, international audiences.
• Portfolio Development: Create a significant, tangible deliverable (yearbook) that showcases practical design application and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 Years" experience level and "Intern" designation clearly position this as a foundational role. Growth is primarily measured by skill acquisition and portfolio development rather than direct advancement into higher-paid positions within this specific internship. The emphasis is on "learning objectives" as stated in the original job description.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement, requiring a mix of on-site presence at the Summer Academy location and potential remote work. Project meetings will be held at the IRC in NY office. Office Location(s): New York, NY RAI USA. Specific details on the Summer Academy location would be provided upon engagement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves working closely with program staff, coordinators, and volunteers, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.
• Impactful Setting: The work directly supports refugee youth, providing a sense of purpose and contribution to a humanitarian mission.
• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology and design software (Adobe Creative Suite) is expected, with specific hardware/software provision to be confirmed.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible scheduling, ranging from 4-15 hours per week. This allows for accommodating academic commitments.
• The role requires availability for specific training dates (June 29 – July 2) and adherence to program deadlines for yearbook production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" nature requires candidates to be comfortable with both in-office collaboration and remote work. For an unpaid intern, the flexibility in hours is a significant perk, but the need for on-site presence at the Summer Academy and the IRC office is a vital logistical consideration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of submitted applications, resumes, and portfolios to assess qualifications and alignment with requirements.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolios, highlighting specific projects that demonstrate their skills in layout, branding, and Adobe software proficiency. Expect to discuss your design process and how you approached past projects.
• Skills Assessment: Potential for a small design exercise or case study related to creating assets for a youth program or yearbook theme.
• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions will focus on collaboration, problem-solving, cultural competence, and adaptability, particularly in a nonprofit or humanitarian context.
• Team Fit: Assessment of how well the candidate can integrate into the NYSA program team and contribute to a positive, supportive environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your skills in layout design, brand identity, and proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Prioritize projects that align with the NYSA's mission or target audience (youth, educational programs).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your design process (ideation, sketching, software use, revisions), your specific contributions, and the final outcome or impact.
• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize projects that demonstrate experience with themes, values, and diverse audiences, as per the NYSA's requirements. Show examples of T-shirt designs, slide decks, or multi-page layouts.
• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your work, including file formats, resolution, and software features used.
• Cultural Sensitivity: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an understanding of diverse cultural aesthetics or communication needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing assets for the NYSA brand identity, considering the theme "PRIDE" and the core values.
• Prepare to outline your process for designing a yearbook, from initial layout concepts to final print-ready files.
• Think about how you would handle constructive criticism or feedback from team members and stakeholders.
• Consider how you would ensure accuracy and manage multiple photo assets within a complex layout.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "cultural competence" and "diverse populations" in the requirements suggests interviewers will probe candidates on their ability to understand and design for varied perspectives. Candidates should be prepared to share examples of how they've navigated these aspects in past projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for this role.
  • Adobe InDesign: Primary tool for yearbook layout and multi-page document design. Proficiency in page-setting, master pages, text flow, and image integration is critical.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and T-shirt designs.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and preparing photos for print and digital use.
• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: For general communication, document creation, and slide decks (e.g., Word/Docs, PowerPoint/Slides).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this design role, understanding basic file management and version control for design assets is important.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this graphic design internship role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. Candidates should be ready to discuss their specific experience and comfort level with each application, and how they leverage them for different design tasks.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding honesty and ethical standards in all design work and collaborations.
• Service: Dedication to providing high-quality design support that directly benefits the NYSA program and its participants.
• Equality: Designing inclusively, ensuring that all materials are accessible and representative of the diverse student body.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of design projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering professional results.
• Collaboration: Working closely and effectively with program staff, coordinators, and photographers to achieve shared goals.
• Efficiency: Managing time and resources effectively to produce high-quality deliverables within program constraints.

Collaboration Style:

• The IRC fosters a collaborative environment where team members support each other to achieve program objectives.
• Expect a dynamic, team-oriented approach, with regular communication and feedback loops between the intern, Yearbook Coordinator, Photographers, and program management.
• The culture values open communication and a shared commitment to the IRC's mission and the success of the youth programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct" (Integrity, Service, Equality, Accountability) are foundational. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and work approach align with these principles, especially in the context of working with vulnerable populations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Working with Unpaid Status: Motivating oneself and maintaining high performance in a role that does not offer direct financial compensation requires strong intrinsic motivation and a focus on the learning and impact aspects.
• Diverse Audience Needs: Designing for a broad age range (5-21) and diverse cultural backgrounds requires sensitivity, adaptability, and creative problem-solving to ensure materials resonate effectively.
• Deadline Management: Balancing multiple design tasks for brand identity and yearbook production within program timelines can be demanding.
• Integrating Feedback: Effectively incorporating diverse feedback from multiple stakeholders while maintaining design integrity and vision.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Real-World Project Experience: Gain practical experience in graphic design for a significant program within a reputable humanitarian organization.
• Industry Exposure: Understand the operational nuances and creative requirements of the nonprofit and humanitarian sectors.
• Skill Enhancement: Master advanced features of Adobe Creative Suite applications through hands-on project work.
• Portfolio Building: Produce a substantial portfolio piece (NYSA Yearbook) that demonstrates practical application of design skills and project management.
• Networking: Build professional connections within the IRC and the humanitarian field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "challenges" section should frame potential difficulties as opportunities for growth. For instance, managing feedback is a key skill for any operations or creative role, and this internship provides a safe space to hone it.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a brand identity from scratch, from initial concept to final assets. How would you incorporate a theme like 'PRIDE' and specific values into this process?" (Assesses conceptualization, process, and thematic integration)
• "Walk us through a complex layout project you've completed, such as a multi-page document or yearbook layout. What were the key challenges, how did you solve them, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses layout skills, problem-solving, and project management)
• "How do you approach receiving and integrating feedback on your designs, especially if you disagree with it?" (Assesses communication, adaptability, and professionalism)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with the International Rescue Committee and specifically supporting refugee youth?" (Assesses motivation, alignment with mission, and cultural awareness)
• "How do you ensure your designs are inclusive and culturally sensitive when working with diverse populations?" (Assesses cultural competence and inclusive design principles)
• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple competing priorities or deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure all tasks were completed?" (Assesses time management and organizational skills)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects that best demonstrate your skills in yearbook layout, brand identity (T-shirt design, posters), and your proficiency with InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Process Over Perfection: For each project, clearly explain your design journey: research, ideation, sketching, software application, revisions, and final output.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): While harder for design, if a project had measurable outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, positive feedback), mention it. For the yearbook, talk about the intended impact on the students.
• Showcase Software Skills: Be ready to briefly discuss specific tools or techniques used within Adobe Creative Suite for particular effects or efficiencies.
• Emphasize Collaboration: If any projects involved teamwork, highlight your role and how you collaborated with others.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely probe not just technical skills but also the candidate's understanding of the humanitarian context and their ability to work with diverse groups. Be prepared to speak to the "IRC Way" values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer Intern position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.
• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight graphic design skills, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), organizational abilities, and any experience with diverse populations or project management. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features projects demonstrating layout design, brand identity creation, and your design process. Organize it logically and make it easily accessible.
• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter (if applicable): If a cover letter is requested or optional, clearly articulate your passion for the IRC's mission, why you are interested in this specific internship, and how your skills align with the role's requirements.
• Research the IRC: Familiarize yourself with the International Rescue Committee's mission, values, and recent work. Understand the context of refugee resettlement and the importance of programs like the NYSA.
• Practice Your Portfolio Presentation: Be ready to walk through key projects in your portfolio, explaining your process, challenges, and outcomes. Prepare to discuss how you would approach the NYSA's design needs.

⚠️ 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. This is an unpaid internship, so candidates should prioritize learning objectives and professional development opportunities.