Graphic Design Intern

Job Title: Graphic Design Intern

Location: in person, Fort Collins, CO

Position Timeframe: Fall semester to the end of the Spring Semester

Position Type: Non-Exempt Part-Time (10-15 hours per week).  Must be CSU work-study eligible.

Salary Range: Pay is $19/hour

What it’s like to work at United Way

Are you passionate about empowering children and youth? Do you believe in the power of community to create meaningful, lasting change? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

At United Way of Larimer County, we’re building a future where every child has the support they need to thrive. We’re driving real impact by expanding access to affordable childcare, strengthening family financial stability, promoting literacy, and building community hubs that bring essential resources together under one roof.

We are committed to advancing equity, closing disparity gaps, and expanding opportunity for those historically excluded from access and resources.

As part of our fun, collaborative team, you’ll work alongside dedicated partners to champion innovative solutions that uplift kids and families across Larimer County. 

We welcome diverse perspectives and encourage candidates from historically excluded groups to apply. If you’re passionate about our mission — even if you don’t meet every qualification — we’d love to hear from you!

Scope of Position

Are you passionate about storytelling, design, media, and making a difference in your community? United Way of Larimer County is seeking a creative and driven Graphic Design Intern to help elevate the voices of local families, partners, and programs through engaging visual content.

This is a hands-on opportunity for a student to gain experience in nonprofit marketing, digital and print design, and visual storytelling. You’ll support our mission by creating branded materials that inform, inspire, and reflect the real impact of community giving.

The primary goal of this internship is to create print and digital media that brings UWLC’s mission to life. You’ll collaborate across departments to design materials that engage our audiences, promote key initiatives, and reflect the strength of our local partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

1. Branded Material Creation: Design clear, brand-aligned visual assets for use across UWLC departments. Create materials in Canva to ensure templates are accessible and editable by other team members.
2. Template Design & Brand Rollout: Design new Canva or Adobe templates (e.g., social media graphics, flyers, event signage) that align with UWLC’s updated brand guidelines. Help refresh existing materials and support consistent visual storytelling across departments and campaigns.
3. Independent Portfolio Project: Work with the Marketing Manager to develop a self-directed design piece (e.g., campaign concept, community poster series, t-shirt, or event brand package) that aligns with UWLC’s mission and can be included in your professional portfolio. This is your chance to apply your skills, explore your interests, and create something meaningful for both UWLC and your career.
4. Visual Updates & Administrative Design Tasks: Support visual content updates on UWLC’s website using provided assets and CMS tools. Assist with light design and production tasks such as name signs, business cards, and name tags using existing templates and branding.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Currently enrolled in a college degree program, preferably in a relevant field such as marketing or graphic design.
2. Proficiency in Adobe creative suite, especially photoshop and illustrator and Canva, previous internship or relevant work experience is a plus. 
3. Genuine passion for the non-profit sector and alignment with the organization's mission and values and commitment to equity. 
4. Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team environment, collaborating with colleagues to achieve shared goals.  
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and research tools is expected. 
6. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
8. Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. 
9. Enthusiastic about learning and contributing to emerging and best graphic design practices.
10. Bilingual: English and Spanish

Benefits

1. Forge Meaningful Connections: Network with a diverse Larimer County community, building lifelong relationships.
2. Unleash Creativity: Innovate and bring graphic design ideas to life in a supportive, independent-thinking environment.
3. Refine People Skills: Develop strong interpersonal abilities within a dynamic team and vibrant community.
4. Master Organization: Enhance administrative prowess, managing multiple projects seamlessly.
5. Boost Your Resume: Showcase contributions to a reputable national-level nonprofit for added recognition.
6. Join a Supportive Culture: Grow within a nurturing team, benefiting from valuable mentorship and collaborative learning.