Graphic Design Intern

About the Role

The Graphic Design Intern will be responsible for creating original design for print, web, and digital formats. As a member of the department’s Visual Identity Team, the intern will create strategic, on-brand communication collateral for the university's engagement and fundraising initiatives. The intern will be introduced to and learn the Rutgers’ brand, visual identity and related standards, audience, visual elements that differentiate the brand, and visual approaches that create an emotional connection with the audience.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet with team members and project managers to determine project design requirements.
• Support the evolving design needs of the foundation and individual departments such as Events, Alumni Engagement, Athletic Development, Estate and Gift Planning, and internal department design pieces.
• Work closely and collaborate with a creative writer on design pieces.
• Advise partners and departments on design strategies to reach particular audiences and incorporate approved messaging into design.
• 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 the final design or working files and review designs for errors before printing or web-publishing.
• Collaborate and learn from Foundation leadership on project and event strategies.
• Assist in branding event and fundraising design templates.
• Assist in design concepting.
• Assist in photo research.
• Assist in using a project management system.
• Share responsibility for photo research and project management.
• Interact with staff throughout the Foundation on various projects.
• Coordinate with print production vendors, photographers, and design freelancers as needed.
• Learn print production and web terminology.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Adobe Stock.
• Project management and cloud-based storage platforms.
• Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Pursuing coursework in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field, or have equivalent education or experience. A completed degree is not required.
• Foundational graphic design skills, including typography, layout, and visual communication.
• 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.
• Candidates may be asked to provide a portfolio of relevant design work.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with social media, web or responsive design.
• Experience with creative writing.
• Prior experience with all specified platforms is preferred.