Summer 2026 Intern - Graphic Designer (Memphis, TN)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Summer 2026 Intern - Graphic Designer Company: ALSAC Location: Memphis, TN Job Type: Intern, Part-Time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: January 30, 2026 Experience Level: Entry-Level / Internship (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a paid summer internship program focused on graphic design within a nonprofit marketing context.
• The role involves hands-on experience in developing design and marketing collateral to support the mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
• Interns will gain exposure to campaign development, creative strategy, and cross-functional collaboration within the Content Studio.
• The position offers a structured 10-week program designed for professional development, mentorship, and impactful project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data lists the job title as "Graphic Designer," given the context of ALSAC (the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude), the role likely sits within a marketing or creative services department, requiring an understanding of how design supports fundraising and awareness campaigns. Therefore, the category is refined to "Marketing Operations / Creative Services" to better reflect its operational function within marketing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and creation of design and marketing collateral that communicates the St. Jude mission effectively to various audiences.
• Participate actively in brainstorming sessions and idea generation for marketing campaigns, contributing creative concepts.
• Shadow experienced designers within the Creative & Content Studio, providing support on their ongoing projects and learning practical application of design principles.
• Gain understanding of marketing strategy and learn how to interpret and execute creative briefs, translating strategic objectives into visual designs.
• Develop creative assets for various marketing pieces, potentially including campaigns for younger audiences (Trikeathon, St. Jude You, PlayLive), core campaigns (Walk/Run, Marathon), and strategic partnership initiatives (Thanks and Giving).
• Ensure all design work aligns with ALSAC's brand guidelines and contributes to a compelling and differentiated storytelling approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are derived from the "Internship Focus" section of the provided description. These points are elaborated to emphasize the practical, hands-on nature of the work and the strategic alignment required for design within a nonprofit marketing context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college/university.
• Expected graduation date no earlier than May 2026.
• Preferred majors include Graphic Design, Marketing, or related fields.

Experience:

• Foundational understanding of graphic design principles and practices.
• Experience working with design software, specifically Adobe Creative Suites (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Familiarity with standard office software such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
• (Bonus, but not mandatory) Experience with project management or collaboration tools like Jira, Confluence, or Ziflow.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Graphic Design principles and application.
• Strong command of Adobe Creative Suites.
• Excellent written and verbal Communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• A Passion for ALSAC's mission to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design thinking methodologies.
• Understanding of marketing strategy and campaign development.
• Ability to conceptualize and produce engaging designs for diverse formats (brochures, campaign collateral, apparel, etc.).
• Familiarity with project management workflows and collaboration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Qualifications" section in the input was a mix of enrollment status, soft skills, and technical requirements. This has been structured into distinct Education, Experience, Required Skills, and Preferred Skills categories to provide clarity for applicants. The preferred majors and bonus software experience are highlighted as requested.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, demonstrating versatility across different formats and styles.
• Examples of projects that highlight conceptual thinking and problem-solving through design.
• Ability to present design rationale and explain how creative choices support project objectives or campaign goals.
• If available, include examples of work that demonstrate an understanding of nonprofit marketing or campaign-specific design needs.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the design process, from brief interpretation and concept development to final asset delivery.
• Showcase ability to receive and incorporate feedback effectively throughout the design iteration process.
• Highlight experience with file management and organization for design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is an internship focused on design within a marketing context, a portfolio is implicitly required to assess design skills. This section outlines what a strong design portfolio for such a role should contain, focusing on process, creativity, and strategic alignment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $18 per hour

Benefits:

• This is a paid internship program.
• The program includes exclusive chats with ALSAC's Executive Leadership Team.
• Interns participate in a capstone intern project involving design thinking, collaboration, and a final presentation to leadership.
• The program is structured for impactful, collaborative, and inspiring professional development.

Working Hours:

• Full-time commitment: 40 hours per week.
• Standard work week: Monday to Friday.
• Program Dates: June 1 – August 7, 2026.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided data explicitly states the hourly wage and program dates. Benefits are described in terms of the internship program's unique offerings and professional development opportunities, rather than traditional full-time employee benefits, as this is an internship role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Nonprofit / Fundraising & Awareness (specifically for healthcare/children's research) Company Size: ALSAC is a large organization, likely employing several thousand individuals across various functions and locations, though the specific internship team size in Content Studio would be smaller. The "large organization" context implies structured processes and opportunities for diverse exposure. Founded: ALSAC was founded in 1957. This long history suggests a stable organization with established operational frameworks and a deep-rooted mission.

Team Structure:

• The intern will be part of the Content Studio, which is situated within the Marketing department's Creative & Content team.
• This structure indicates a specialized design function operating within a broader marketing umbrella, suggesting opportunities for collaboration with marketing strategists and campaign managers.
• The role involves working alongside teammates and leaders, implying a supportive team environment with opportunities for mentorship.

Methodology:

• The team utilizes design thinking principles for project development, fostering innovation and user-centered approaches.
• Workflows likely involve creative briefs, brainstorming, design iteration based on feedback, and presentation of final concepts.
• Emphasis is placed on storytelling and compelling communication to drive engagement and support for the St. Jude mission.

Company Website: https://www.stjude.org/jobs/alsac/alsac-internships.html and intern@alsac.stjude.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description provided highlights ALSAC's mission-driven culture and its role in supporting St. Jude. The "Content Studio" being part of "Marketing's Creative and Content team" provides context for the team structure and operational focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role designed to provide foundational experience in graphic design within a professional marketing environment. It serves as a stepping stone for individuals looking to build a career in creative services, marketing, or nonprofit communications.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a manager within the Creative & Content team, likely a Design Lead or Manager, and will receive guidance and mentorship from experienced designers within the Content Studio.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of process optimization or system management, this internship contributes to the operational efficiency of the marketing department by supporting the creation of essential visual assets. The designs produced directly impact ALSAC's ability to communicate its mission, engage donors, and raise funds, thereby having a significant indirect impact on the organization's overall revenue and mission success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suites, learn design thinking, and gain practical experience in creating marketing collateral for diverse campaigns.
• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand insight into the operations of a large, respected nonprofit and understand how creative services function within a broader marketing strategy.
• Networking: Build professional connections through mentorship, collaboration with team members, and exclusive sessions with ALSAC's Executive Leadership Team.
• Presentation Skills: Develop the ability to articulate design choices and present work to leadership through the intern project.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section interprets the internship role within the broader context of career development and its impact, even though it's not a direct "operations" role. It highlights how creative roles contribute to the operational success of marketing and fundraising efforts.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Headquarters Office in Memphis, TN. This suggests a professional, corporate office environment. Office Location(s): Memphis, TN.

Workspace Context:

• The role is on-site, implying a collaborative office setting where interns can interact directly with colleagues and participate in team activities.
• Expect access to standard office technology and design software. Collaboration with designers and marketing professionals will be integral to the role.
• The environment is described as "impactful, collaborative, and inspiring," suggesting a positive and dynamic workplace culture.

Work Schedule: A consistent 40-hour work week from Monday to Friday, typical for a full-time internship, allowing for deep immersion in projects and team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the "Headquarters Office in Memphis, TN" designation and the full-time schedule, the work environment is characterized as a traditional, collaborative office setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Complete and submit the online application.
• Virtual Video Interview: Eligible candidates will receive an email to complete a HireVue video interview. This assesses initial qualifications and communication skills.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview with the hiring manager, likely focusing on design skills, project experience, and cultural fit.
• Final Selection: Final candidates will be chosen by April 1, 2026.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills relevant to graphic design and marketing collateral. Include a mix of conceptual and execution-based work.
• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain your role, the objective, your design process (ideation, tools used, iterations), and the outcome.
• Highlight Mission Alignment: If possible, include a project that shows an understanding of mission-driven design or nonprofit communication.
• Format for Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and professional. A PDF or a well-organized online portfolio link is recommended.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking Exercise: Be prepared to discuss how you approach a design problem, from understanding the brief to developing solutions.
• Case Study Presentation: The intern project involves presenting to leadership. Practice articulating your design choices, the impact of your work, and lessons learned.
• Team Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others, receive feedback, and contribute to a team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided text details the application stages. This section expands on how candidates should prepare, focusing on portfolio content and interview strategy relevant to a design internship.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Suites (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential; others like After Effects or Premiere Pro could be a plus depending on specific project needs).
• Collaboration & Communication: Zoom, Microsoft Teams.
• Productivity: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word.
• Project Management (Bonus): Jira, Confluence, Ziflow (demonstrates familiarity with workflow and project tracking tools).

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

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design internship role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Experience working with" section directly lists the required and bonus software. This has been categorized for clarity, highlighting the core design tools and supporting applications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Making a Difference: A core value driven by the mission to cure childhood cancer and save children. This translates to a purpose-driven work environment where contributions are meaningful.
• Innovation & Authenticity: Encouragement to be "different," a "game-changer," and bring your "whole, authentic self." This suggests a culture that values unique perspectives and creative problem-solving.
• Employee Development: Emphasis on developing and celebrating employees, as seen in the structured internship program with mentorship and leadership exposure.
• Collaboration: The program highlights collaboration with teammates, leaders, and other interns, indicating a team-oriented approach to achieving goals.
• Excellence: Striving to be one of the "world's most iconic and respected nonprofits" implies a commitment to high standards in all aspects of work, including creative output.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional: Interns will collaborate with designers and likely marketing strategists, campaign managers, and potentially other departments involved in content creation.
• Mentorship-driven: The program emphasizes mentorship, suggesting a culture where experienced professionals actively guide and support junior team members.
• Project-focused: Collaboration will be centered around specific design projects and campaigns, requiring clear communication and shared responsibility for outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The introductory and program description sections of the input provide strong indicators of ALSAC's culture and values, which are translated here into operations-relevant terms.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Mission into Visuals: Effectively conveying the emotional and impactful mission of St. Jude through design requires sensitivity and creativity.
• Meeting Diverse Campaign Needs: Adapting design style and messaging for different audiences (e.g., younger children, donors, partners) and campaign types (events, partnerships).
• Fast-Paced Environment: Working within a large nonprofit and marketing department may involve tight deadlines and multiple project priorities.
• Receiving and Implementing Feedback: Learning to constructively receive and incorporate feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Internship Program: Structured curriculum including meaningful projects, mentorship, and leadership sessions.
• Practical Design Experience: Hands-on work with industry-standard software and real-world marketing collateral.
• Industry Insight: Exposure to nonprofit marketing, fundraising strategies, and the operations of a major charitable organization.
• Networking: Opportunities to connect with professionals across ALSAC, including executive leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the specific demands of a design role within a mission-driven organization, and growth opportunities are directly linked to the program's stated benefits.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process Inquiry: "Describe your design process from receiving a creative brief to delivering final assets. How do you approach conceptualization?" (Prepare examples from your portfolio).
• Mission Alignment: "Why are you passionate about the mission of St. Jude, and how do you see graphic design contributing to that mission?" (Connect your personal values and design philosophy to ALSAC's goals).
• Collaboration & Feedback: "Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your ability to be coachable and adaptable).
• Tool Proficiency: "Which design tools are you most proficient with, and how have you used them in past projects?" (Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suites and any other relevant software).

Company & Culture Questions:

• ALSAC Knowledge: "What do you know about ALSAC and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and why do you want to intern here specifically?" (Research the organization's mission, recent campaigns, and values).
• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a collaborative team?" (Emphasize your ability to work well with others and support team goals).
• Intern Project: "What are your initial thoughts on design thinking, and how might you approach the intern project presentation?" (Show enthusiasm for the project structure and leadership exposure).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a brief story: the challenge, your solution, and the impact.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is clean, visually engaging, and easy to follow. Let your designs speak for themselves, supported by concise explanations.