Graphic Design Intern

About the role

The Graphic Design Intern will report to the Senior Director, Visual Identity, and support the creation of original design for print, web, and digital formats. Responsibilities include assisting in branding event and fundraising design templates, design concepting, photo research, and using a project management system. As part of the Visual Identity Team, the intern will create strategic, on-brand communication collateral for the university's engagement and fundraising initiatives.

The intern will learn Rutgers’ brand, visual identity standards, audience differentiation, and visual approaches that create emotional connections at various stages of contact and decision-making. They will share responsibility for photo research and project management, interact with staff across the Foundation on various projects, and coordinate with print production vendors, photographers, and design freelancers as needed. The role also involves learning print production and web terminology.

Responsibilities

• Meet with team members and project managers to determine project design requirements
• Support the evolving design needs of the Foundation and departments such as Events, Alumni Engagement, Athletic Development, Estate and Gift Planning, and internal department design pieces
• Collaborate closely with a creative writer on design pieces
• Advise partners and departments on design strategies to reach target audiences and incorporate approved messaging
• Create on-brand designs that clearly communicate the Rutgers message and voice
• Develop visual concepts for partner buy-in and pitches on initiatives
• Select colors, images, text style, and layouts based on Rutgers visual guidelines
• Incorporate changes as needed into final designs or working files and review designs for errors before printing or web-publishing
• Collaborate and learn from Foundation leadership on project and event strategies
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and/or Experience

• The ideal candidate will be pursuing coursework in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field, or have equivalent education or experience; a completed degree is not required
• Candidates may be asked to provide a portfolio of relevant design work

Qualifications

• Foundational graphic design skills, including typography, layout, and visual communication
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
• Familiarity with photography, photo editing, and retouching
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and feedback
• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, print production processes
• Availability to work approximately 15–20 hours per week in a hybrid environment, including in-person work in downtown New Brunswick

Preferred Skills

• Experience with social media, web or responsive design, and creative writing

Tools and Platforms

The intern will use Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Stock, project management and cloud-based storage platforms, and Microsoft Office.