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Visual Designer Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Communications Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

This position can be fully in-person, designed as a hybrid internship with partial in-person work ... Support the creation of visual and multimedia content, such as graphics or videos, to accompany ...

Graphic Design Intern

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

This internship is designed for students or aspiring designer interested in gaining hands-on ... Enjoy creative problem-solving and visual storytelling. * Are interested in graphic design ...

Creative Arts Coordinator

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$33.65 - $35/hr

... for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered ... About the Position Position is primarily responsible for designing a program that will enhance ...

Visual Designer Intern information

How does a Visual Designer Intern typically collaborate with other team members during projects?

As a Visual Designer Intern, you'll often work closely with UX designers, developers, and project managers to bring creative concepts to life. Collaboration usually involves participating in brainstorming sessions, receiving and incorporating feedback on design drafts, and ensuring your visual assets align with brand guidelines. You may also attend team meetings to discuss project timelines and hand off designs to developers for implementation. This role offers a great opportunity to build communication skills and learn how design fits into the broader product development process.

What does a Visual Designer Intern do?

A Visual Designer Intern assists in creating engaging visual concepts for digital and print media, such as websites, social media, advertisements, and branding materials. They work closely with senior designers and other team members to produce graphics, layouts, and illustrations that align with a company's brand guidelines. Visual Designer Interns often use design software like Adobe Creative Suite and gain hands-on experience in real-world projects. Their responsibilities may also include revising designs based on feedback and preparing files for production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Visual Designer Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Visual Designer Intern, you need a solid grasp of design principles, proficiency in graphic design, and a relevant portfolio or coursework in visual arts or design. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and prototyping platforms like Figma or Sketch is typically expected. Strong collaboration, openness to feedback, and effective communication distinguish outstanding interns in this role. These skills ensure the intern can create visually engaging work, integrate with creative teams, and contribute to impactful design solutions.

What is the difference between Visual Designer Intern vs Graphic Design Intern?

AspectVisual Designer InternGraphic Design Intern
Required SkillsDesign software, visual storytelling, brandingDesign software, layout, branding
Work EnvironmentCreative teams, marketing, digital mediaAdvertising agencies, marketing teams, print media
Industry UsageTech, media, advertising, digital productsPrint, advertising, branding, marketing

Both roles involve design skills and work in creative environments, but a Visual Designer Intern typically focuses on visual storytelling and digital media, while a Graphic Design Intern often emphasizes print and branding projects. The roles overlap in skills and industry usage, but the focus areas differ slightly, making the comparison useful for those exploring design internships.

What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Designer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Visual Designer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Visual Designer Intern jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Visual Designer Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Visual Designer Intern job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Internship, and 53% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution.

Communications Intern

U.S Comm for Refuge

Arlington, VA • On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in migration by advancing fair and humane public policy, facilitating and providing direct professional services, and promoting the full participation of migrants in community life. For over 115 years, we have shaped history with the belief that immigrants strengthen our communities, economy and social fabric through freedom, hard work, and family unity. To learn more about our work, please visit our official website at www.refugees.org.

OVERVIEW OF TEAM

USCRI’s Communications team, all based in Arlington, VA, supports USCRI’s mission by leading the organization’s strategic communications, email marketing, media engagement, and public education efforts. Through storytelling, media outreach, digital campaigns, and strategic messaging, the team works to shape public understanding, elevate refugee and immigrant voices, and drive lasting change locally, nationally, and globally. The Communications team works closely with programmatic, international, and policy and advocacy staff to achieve this mission.

This position can be fully in-person, designed as a hybrid internship with partial in-person work in Arlington, Virginia, or we also welcome applications from candidates seeking a fully virtual internship. Part-time and full-time options are available. This position does not entail providing or assisting with direct client services.

POSITION

The USCRI Communications Intern will support the Communications team in advancing USCRI's online storytelling, media engagement, digital communications, and public education efforts. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects, including developing content for social media, blogs, newsletters, and press materials; identifying and elevating compelling stories from USCRI's field offices and international programs; supporting media outreach and monitoring; assisting with the creation of print and digital communications materials; and brainstorming new ways to engage audiences through multimedia storytelling and campaigns.


While the position is unpaid, USCRI and supervisor(s) will provide support if any intern pursues academic credit.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with positions filled as qualified candidates are identified. Opportunities are available for immediate start, and internships are offered year-round during the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer academic terms.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist Communications staff in developing and implementing digital, media, and storytelling initiatives that support USCRI’s mission.
  • Draft and edit content for press releases, newsletters, social media, blog posts, and website updates.
  • Support the creation of visual and multimedia content, such as graphics or videos, to accompany digital campaigns.
  • Monitor news coverage and social media trends related to refugees, immigrants, and human rights.
  • Interns will be supported by Communications staff in producing, at minimum, the following examples of written or digital work:
    • One short-form story, blog, or social media series highlighting a refugee, immigrant, or USCRI program; and
    • One longer-form written or multimedia piece contributing to a campaign or publication.
  • Participate in Communications team meetings and cross-department collaborations, including with Policy & Advocacy and Program teams, on public education and advocacy strategies.

Other job-related duties may be assigned as agreed upon by the intern and supervisor(s).

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

  • Currently enrolled in OR recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program.
  • Experience or coursework in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, digital media, or a related field preferred.
  • Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences and platforms.
  • Experience with social media management, graphic design, photography, video editing, or other multimedia content creation tools is preferred.
  • Ability to work collaboratively on new and evolving projects.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint); familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with colleagues from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
  • Dedication to uplifting the voices of refugees, asylees, and immigrant communities.
  • Demonstrated sensitivity, empathy, and cultural awareness in working with displaced or marginalized populations. Dedication to advocating for human rights, an interest in policies affecting refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and displaced people.
  • Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with staff and collaborators of diverse backgrounds.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS (NOT REQUIRED)

  • Demonstrated interest in social services, human rights, international studies, global health, or displacement studies;
  • Internationally based work or courses of study; and
  • Proficiency in additional languages.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Ability to type, read, and listen or to adaptive typing, reading, and listening programs.
  • Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
  • Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.

Don’t meet every requirement above? We believe that all people are capable of great things, and we are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment. Because of this, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the requirements that are listed within this job description.

TO APPLY:

Candidates must submit both a resume and cover letter to be considered. In their application materials, candidates should highlight their experience or demonstrated interest in refugee protection, forced displacement, or related humanitarian issues. Finalists selected for an interview should be prepared to provide a brief writing sample (1–2 pages), an unofficial transcript, and two professional references.


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partnership status, marital status, physical or mental disability, AIDS/HIV status, age, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.