Visual Arts Intern Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

We're protecting and enhancing America's National Park System for present and future generations.

National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), the nation’s oldest and largest national parks nonprofit advocate, has an exciting opportunity for Design Intern.   

The National Parks Conservation Association is seeking a multidisciplinary design intern to help communicate core values, impact of work, advocacy goals, and importance of our national parks. The design intern will have the opportunity to work within the Communications department, creating materials that enhance NPCA’s brand awareness. Other materials may include: outreach and fundraising materials, events collateral, regional support pieces, brand standardized resources, and graphics for store products.

As a valued member of the team, the design intern will support NPCA’s visual brand by creating fresh, engaging designs for internal clients while upholding brand standards. They will gain experience in communications strategy, learn how to develop visuals that advance a nonprofit mission, and build skills for working in a remote environment. Design Intern will complete internship with real-world pieces for their portfolio.

Location: Remote

Work Status: 16-20 Hours per week, September 2026 – May 2027

Schedule: Flexible Monday- Thursday. NPCA offices are closed on Fridays.

Compensation: Course Credit / $1,000 per month stipend

Tangible deliverables that will be achieved: 

• Collaborate with internal departments (Development / Regions / Communications) to create visually appealing designs for various projects, including but not limited to digital assets, outreach and fundraising materials, events collateral, regional support pieces, brand standardized resources, ongoing campaigns.
• Design graphic for merchandise in the NPCA online store
• Help build out Branding Toolkit for internal and external use.
• Develop and refine design concepts based on project briefs, incorporating feedback from team members to achieve the desired outcome.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions to contribute creative input to campaigns and projects.
• Other visual brand tasks as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current or recent college graduate (within one year of graduation) pursuing a degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field
• A portfolio showcasing design skills and range of projects is required.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or equivalent design software. (Comfort working in Microsoft Office)
• Ability to work on Mac or PC platforms.
• Strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout composition.
• A creative mindset with the ability to think outside the box and offer innovative design solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate within a team environment.
• Ability to manage time and priorities effectively.

Physical Effort and Dexterity: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is typically required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear. The employee may lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job may include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employer’s Rights: NPCA reserves the right to revise this position description at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between NPCA and employee and is subject to change by NPCA as the needs of NPCA and requirements of the job change. The above is not an exhaustive list of the requirements for the position.