Design Internships

Equal Rights Washington is an organization constantly in need of print and digital collateral to support the efforts of our advocacy, development, and volunteer recruitment departments. Our design internship is the perfect opportunity for graphic design students to add real-world experience to their resume, and pieces to their portfolio. Working with our Brand Strategy Fellow, design interns at ERW are key in the development and implementation of creative concepts that convey powerful messages in support of LGBT equality for all Washingtonians. Interns are asked to maintain office hours at our Seattle headquarters on an average of 12-20 per week, with flexibility in specific days and hours according to each intern’s needs. All internships are unpaid. We are currently seeking interns for 2008.

Responsibilities include:

• Involvement in concept development and presentation for long- and short-term print media projects and campaigns based on operational requirements and message strategy.
• Drafting of creative briefs based on project requirements as developed by creative team including department heads, Executive Director, and Brand Strategy Fellow.
• Graphic implementation and production of single and multi-piece campaigns in coordination with the Brand Strategy Fellow as well as outside service providers (photographers, printers, etc.) and in keeping with the defined ERW brand and graphic standards.
• Participate in planning for, as well as set up and tear down of events with an eye toward maintaining the ERW brand and appearance standards.
• Other tasks as assigned by the Brand Strategy Fellow, Executive Director, and department heads.

Requirements include:

• Ability to design effective and attractive pieces within the limitations of a project’s scope, strategy, and budget.
• Knowledge and experience working with the tools of the digital design trade: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign are a must. Web tools such as Flash and Dreamweaver, and video editing tools such as FinalCut Pro, Premiere and After Effects are a huge plus.
• Strong in-house production skills (cutting, trimming, mounting, etc.) a must.
• Interns must provide their own up-to-date laptop computer and software.
• ERW strives to be an environment that fosters creativity, and is a fun place to work. This only comes with a positive attitude on the part of all of our staff members, and an ability to stay ahead of rigorous deadlines. These are a must for all potential candidates.

To Apply:

Please send two or three favorite examples of your work (PDF only please), as well as your resume and a cover letter to cate@equalrightswashington.org. Be prepared to discuss your work if you are asked in for an interview.

In your letter, tell us why you would like to be an intern at ERW and what LGBT civil rights issues concern you the most. Also, please include days and hours available, previous intern or volunteer experience, list any skills that are particularly suited for the internship position, and a phone number or e-mail at which you can be reached.