Graphic Design Intern | Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation | Handshake

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 contribute to INHF’s quarterly magazine, annual calendar, outreach materials, project mailings, event collateral, 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/web experience and coursework. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite software is required. Experience with Squarespace, WordPress or other web content building platforms. All programs and equipment (with the exception of a personal computer if working remotely) provided by INHF. We’re looking for students who are: Interested in climate solutions, the outdoors, land protection and/or stewardship 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 This internship is open to undergraduate students who live in or are attending a college, university or technical program in Iowa. 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 Application deadline is November 4, 2026. 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). One letter of recommendation from a professor or professional in your major/area of interest. The letter may be included in your application or sent separately by the author. Please include reference contact information.