Graphic Design Internship

Job description

Are you a creative individual who enjoys the outdoors and working in a collaborative setting? If so, apply to be part of a small communications team working to help Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) protect and restore Iowa’s land, water and wildlife.

INHF design interns gain real-world experience designing professional-quality publications, logos and graphics. The design intern works across departments to create print and digital collateral, display and marketing materials, and complete special projects. Design interns gain experience working within an established brand and representing that brand to in-person and digital audiences.

Work examples

The design intern will be asked to contribute to INHF’s quarterly magazine, annual calendar, outreach materials, project mailings, event collateral, merchandise, web and social media graphics among other projects. Depending on skills and interest, other marketing, video and/or photography work may be included.

Skills/Qualifications

This position usually goes to graphic design majors, journalism majors specializing in visual design or students with strong design experience and coursework. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite software is required. Skills in both graphic design and illustration is preferred. All programs and equipment provided by INHF. The position is open to both undergraduate and graduate students; applicants must be attending an Iowa school or originally be from Iowa.

We’re looking for students who are:

• Interested in nature and the outdoors
• Attentive to detail
• Creative, with a passion for visual design
• Enjoy seeking out and learning about new techniques and trends
• Flexible, organized and capable of working on multiple projects with varying deadlines
• Comfortable collaborating with a team

Availability

Timing for this internship can be flexible with school schedules, but typically begins mid-May and ends mid-August. Interns must be available to work 32 hours/week. Pay is $15/hr. 

Most work will be done in the INHF office, but there will be opportunities to work remotely, assist at outreach events and visit project sites in the field. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from work, if needed. INHF encourages interns to take advantage of active and mass transit options while in the Des Moines metro area (DART system, biking and carpooling).

Application information

Application period for summer 2026 has concluded. 

Applications should include: 

• A one-page cover letter
• Resume
• 5-6 samples of your work (published/professional examples are ideal, but classroom work is also accepted). Work samples can be in a PDF or Word document format or through a link(s) (for example, to an online portfolio).  However, we realize some graphic design projects can’t be duplicated or are too bulky to send. We assume that you will bring your portfolio if invited to interview.
• One letter of recommendation from a professor or professional in your major/area of interest. Please include reference contact information.

For more information, please contact Erica Place, communications and outreach manager, at 515-288-1846, ext. 26 or eplace@inhf.org.