Graphic Design Intern

Job Overview

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

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. Preference will be given to applicants who can start in January of 2027, working between 10-15 hours/week, and continuing through the summer. In the summer, interns must be available to work 32 hours/week. The internship will end in August. 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

Applications are due November 4, 2026. An ideal candidate will be available to start in January of 2027 with limited hours and increase hours in the summer, working through August. Interns should be available to work between 10-15 per week during the school year, with flexibility for school projects, schedules and workload. In the summer, hours increase to 32 hours per week.

To apply, visit our website ( https://www.inhf.org/about-us/internships/graphic-design) to:

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. You can upload the letter to the application form, or your reference can choose to upload the letter. Applications will not be considered without a letter of recommendation.

For more information, please contact Sydney Algreen-Hunter, communications associate, at515-288-1846, ext. 36 or [email protected].

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10.0 – 15.0 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Des Moines, IA 50309