Summer Intern, Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Summer Intern, Graphic Designer

Company: Targeted Victory

Location: Arlington, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Internship

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-02-20

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support a leading digital marketing agency in creating compelling visual assets for a diverse client base, including political and consumer brands.

• Gain hands-on experience in graphic design within a fast-paced, collaborative environment, focusing on digital platforms and campaign execution.

• Develop original content and ensure consistent branding across multiple projects, contributing to impactful public affairs, advertising, and fundraising initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with designers and cross-functional strategists to translate campaign objectives into effective visual communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly an internship, targeting individuals with foundational graphic design skills and a strong interest in digital marketing, politics, and public affairs. The "OTHER" employment type suggests it's likely a temporary or seasonal position, common for internships. The focus on digital platforms and client work implies a need for adaptability and a willingness to learn industry-specific design applications.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create and modify graphics for diverse client projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project scopes.

• Develop original visual content that aligns with creative best practices and client brand guidelines.

• Maintain brand consistency across all client assets and campaign materials.

• Collaborate effectively with senior designers, digital strategists, and campaign managers to integrate design solutions into broader marketing efforts.

• Adapt design approaches for various digital environments, including social media, advertising, and email campaigns.

• Assist in the conceptualization and execution of creative briefs, translating strategic objectives into visual concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities are focused on graphic creation, the emphasis on "collaboration with cross-functional digital strategists" and "knowledge of or willingness to learn about graphics in the digital environment" suggests a role that bridges creative execution with strategic application, pushing beyond basic design tasks into understanding how visuals function within broader marketing campaigns.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.

Experience: Entry-level; prior internship or project experience in graphic design is beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Strong understanding of fundamental design principles (typography, color theory, layout, composition).

• Ability to create original content and solve design challenges strategically.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills for effective teamwork.

• Adaptability and a willingness to learn about digital platforms and their design applications.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with design for digital platforms, including social media graphics, banner ads, and email templates.

• Experience or interest in the political, public affairs, or consumer brand marketing sectors.

• Understanding of campaign strategies and how design contributes to achieving specific goals (fundraising, advertising, reputation management).

• Basic knowledge of video editing or motion graphics software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of technical design skills (Adobe Suite) and a strategic mindset ("strategic thinkers who see design as a series of problems they can’t wait to solve"). The emphasis on "curious minds who never want to stop growing" and "open to working with political environments" indicates a need for candidates who are not only skilled but also adaptable and eager to learn within a specific, often demanding, industry context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design projects showcasing proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Demonstrations of original content creation and problem-solving through design.

• Examples of maintaining branding consistency across different applications or clients.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is unlikely for an intern, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial brief to final asset delivery.

• Be ready to explain how they approach creative challenges, iterative design, and feedback incorporation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, the emphasis is less on formal process documentation and more on demonstrating practical application and a structured approach to design. The portfolio should highlight the candidate's ability to follow creative briefs, execute designs efficiently, and maintain brand integrity, reflecting the agency's need for speed and client focus.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a summer internship, compensation is typically an hourly rate. Based on industry standards for graphic design internships in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, and considering Targeted Victory's status as a leading agency, an estimated hourly range could be $18 - $25 per hour. This is dependent on the intern's year in school and specific skill set.

Benefits:

• Hands-on experience in a high-profile marketing agency serving influential clients.

• Exposure to diverse areas of digital marketing, including public affairs, advertising, and fundraising.

• Opportunity to work with leading professionals and gain insights into the political and consumer brand landscape.

• Networking opportunities with industry leaders and potential for future career development.

• Access to cutting-edge digital platforms and campaign strategies.

• Potential for mentorship from experienced designers and strategists.

Working Hours: Full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), with potential for some flexibility depending on project needs and intern availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary for internships can vary widely. The provided estimate is based on general D.C. area internship rates for creative roles and the reputation of Targeted Victory. Benefits for internships are often experiential rather than traditional, focusing on learning, exposure, and networking.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Marketing, Political Consulting, Public Affairs, Advertising. Targeted Victory operates at the intersection of technology, politics, and marketing, aiming to provide optimized outcomes for clients in the digital age.

Company Size: Targeted Victory is a well-established agency with a significant team, evidenced by awards like "Washington Post Top Workplaces" and "Campaign Tech Award for Best Employer." This suggests a robust organizational structure and a substantial employee base, likely in the range of 200-500 employees.

Founded: Founded in 2008, Targeted Victory has a history of innovation and growth in the digital political and advocacy space.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design team likely operates within a broader Creative or Digital Strategy department.

• Interns will report to a Design Lead or Manager, with assignments potentially coming from various project managers or digital strategists.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and optimization are core to Targeted Victory's approach.

• A focus on performance metrics and ROI for clients is paramount.

• Agile project management and rapid iteration are likely employed due to the fast-paced nature of political cycles and digital campaigns.

Company Website: https://www.targetedvictory.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's multiple "Top Workplaces" awards suggest a positive and supportive work environment, particularly for a fast-paced agency. The blend of political and consumer brand clients indicates a dynamic and varied workload, requiring adaptability and a broad understanding of different communication styles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role, designed for individuals beginning their careers in graphic design and digital marketing. It serves as a foundational stepping stone.

Reporting Structure: Interns will report to a direct supervisor within the design or creative team, who will oversee their work and provide guidance. They will also work on projects assigned by various team leads and strategists.

Operations Impact: While this intern role is primarily focused on execution, the graphics created directly contribute to client campaign success, influencing fundraising, advertising reach, and reputation management. Interns will see how their visual contributions impact real-world outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Intensive learning in Adobe Suite, digital design best practices, and industry-specific visual communication.

• Industry Exposure: Deep dive into the digital marketing, public affairs, and political campaign landscape.

• Networking: Opportunities to connect with seasoned professionals and potentially secure future employment or references.

• Portfolio Building: Significant additions to a professional portfolio with real-world project experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The internship is positioned as a critical learning and development opportunity. Growth here is measured by skill acquisition, understanding of the industry, and the quality of portfolio pieces produced, rather than immediate advancement into a senior role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Targeted Victory is identified as an on-site role, requiring interns to work from their Arlington, VA office. This suggests a traditional office environment fostering collaboration and direct interaction.

Office Location(s): 2311 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201. This location is in a professional business district, likely with good access to public transportation and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative: The office environment is designed to facilitate teamwork, with designers working alongside strategists and other campaign professionals.

• Technology-Rich: Access to industry-standard design software and potentially advanced hardware necessary for creative work.

• Dynamic: The atmosphere is described as "fast-paced" and "streamlined," requiring quick thinking and efficient work habits.

Work Schedule: The internship is expected to be full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with standard business hours for efficient collaboration and project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the agency's culture of in-person collaboration and mentorship, which is often crucial for intern development in creative fields. The "fast-paced" environment suggests a need for interns who can manage their time effectively and thrive under pressure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to complete a small design exercise or present their portfolio to discuss their process, problem-solving approach, and creative thinking.

• **Behavioral/Team Fit