Graphic Design Intern
Graphic Design Internship
Summer 2026 · Nashville, TN · Hybrid
⏱ Hours: 15 hrs/week (Hybrid with at least two days in the office)
Location: 161 Rains Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Compensation: $250 stipend + Academic Credit
Note: Book’em is offering two internship opportunities for Summer 2026 — Graphic Design Intern and Storytelling & Social Media Intern. Please review both descriptions carefully, as the focus and responsibilities differ.
About Us
Founded in 1989, Book’em has been a leader in Nashville’s literacy movement, working to eliminate disparities in book access that can hinder academic and personal success for economically disadvantaged children. Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, yet too many children in our community grow up without access to books or the resources they need to thrive.
Book’em addresses this gap by providing free, high-quality books and engaging literacy experiences to more than 22,000 children annually across Davidson County. Through five programs—Books for Nashville Kids, Reading is Fundamental, Book Bus, Ready for Reading, and Read Me Day—Book'em has become the largest provider of free books to Nashville children ages 0-18.
Since our founding, we’ve distributed over 1.5 million books. As a nonprofit, we’re supported by enthusiastic volunteers, community partners, donors, and team members who believe deeply in the transformative power of reading.
Position Overview
We're seeking a creative, curious, and motivated Graphic Design Intern to support our mission through impactful visual storytelling. This internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit design work while making a meaningful difference in children's lives. You’ll work closely with our Development and Communications teams to create print and digital design materials that inspire donors, energize volunteers, and connect with the communities we serve. If you’re interested in purpose-driven design, this is a role where your work will have a visible impact in the community. You’ll take ownership of real projects, see your work published, and graduate with a portfolio full of meaningful, professional-quality designs.
The Graphic Design Intern focuses on creating print and digital design materials that support fundraising and development efforts in close collaboration with Book’em’s Development team, while the Storytelling & Social Media Intern focuses on strengthening social media content through visual storytelling and content creation.
Responsibilities
- Design marketing materials, including social media graphics and digital campaign assets
- Create print materials like flyers, posters, bookmarks, and program brochures
- Develop visual content for fundraising campaigns and donor communications
- Design presentations and impact reports showcasing our work
- Support brand consistency across all organizational materials
- Assist with photo editing and basic video graphics as needed
- Collaborate with team members to conceptualize and execute creative projects
- Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute fresh design ideas
Qualifications
- Currently a junior or senior enrolled in a graphic design, visual communications, or related program
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Canva experience required (all final designs must be saved in Canva for future staff edits)
- Strong portfolio demonstrating creative thinking and design skills across print and digital formats
- A solid grasp of design principles including typography, color theory, and layout
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- Strong communication skills and comfort working with a team
- Interest in literacy, education, or community impact
- Bonus: photography or video editing experience
What You'll Gain
- Real-world design experience in the nonprofit sector
- Opportunity to build your portfolio with meaningful projects
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Exposure to all aspects of nonprofit marketing and fundraising
- Professional references and Nashville-based networking connections
- The satisfaction of using your creative talents to help children access books
To Apply
Please submit the following materials to olivia@bookem-kids.org:
- Résumé or CV
- Short cover letter about why this role (and Book’em’s mission) interests you
- Portfolio or link to your work (PDF or website), including 2-3 design samples that best represent your work
We look forward to seeing your work and learning more about you!
Book’em is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Questions? Contact us at olivia@bookem-kids.org or visit bookem-kids.org to learn more about our work.