Individual Placement - Graphic Design and Branding Participant

Position Summary 

Organization Description:
Since 1981, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (Parks Conservancy) has served as the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, collaborating with the Presidio Trust, partners, donors, and the community to support the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). The GGNRA stretches across three Bay Area counties north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge and includes iconic places such as Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site, Alcatraz Island, Crissy Field, Mori Point, Lands End, and the Presidio of San Francisco.
The Parks Conservancy engages at the intersection of national park sites, local communities, social justice, and climate resilience. Collaborating with partners, our staff are dedicated to enhancing public awareness and providing volunteer and educational opportunities in the parks. We are park builders, caretakers, ambassadors and educators, all working to connect people to parks in support of our vision Parks for All Forever. Join us.
Branch/Unit Description:
The Communications and Public Affairs Branch connects the Parks Conservancy with external audiences, sharing stories of the parks and its programs through marketing, publications, media, web, and social media. Within the branch, the Design Team bridges the gap between what we need to communicate and how it comes to life visually, collaborating across the organization to create thoughtful, engaging, and consistent print and digital experiences that bring our stories of belonging, connection, and possibility to life.
Position Overview:
The Graphic Design Intern will support the Communications & Creative Services team during a critical phase of organization-wide brand implementation and asset development. Working closely with the Creative Director and design team, the intern will assist with the creation, production, and organization of branded communications materials across print and digital platforms.
The ideal candidate is a thoughtful and highly motivated emerging designer who combines strong visual execution skills with strategic thinking. This internship offers hands-on experience contributing to real-world creative projects while gaining exposure to project management, administrative support, brand systems, and nonprofit communications.
This position is based in San Francisco and across the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and follows a hybrid work schedule. Work is performed in a mix of office and remote settings. One in-office day per week is required on Tuesdays, with additional onsite work as needed to support team collaboration, project reviews, production needs, or organizational events.

Hosting Organization

Golden Gate National Park Conservancy

Location 

San Francisco, CA

• This position is primarily in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are available within 30 minutes . Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
• This position may conduct work in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule 

January 26, 2027 - July 9, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Design and produce print and digital communications materials.
• Create graphics for presentations, social media, email, signage, events, and marketing campaigns.
• Support implementation of the Parks Conservancy's new brand across organizational materials.
• Assist with building and maintaining templates, design resources, and brand assets.
• Prepare files for production and help conduct quality assurance reviews.
• Organize and manage digital assets, photo libraries, and shared design files.
• Support project tracking, scheduling, and coordination of design reviews and feedback.
• Participate in creative brainstorming sessions and team meetings.
• Conduct research on design trends, accessibility, and audience engagement best practices.

Marginal Duties 

• Assist with administrative and project management tasks that support the creative team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications 

• Strong visual design skills, including typography, layout, and visual communication.
• Ability to develop creative solutions that support communication goals.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to receive and incorporate feedback.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and presentation software.
• Interest in branding, communications, nonprofit work, or mission-driven organizations.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• A high school diploma or equivalent experience is required
• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree, certificate, or training program in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• Portfolio demonstrates strong design fundamentals and creative thinking.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience gained through coursework, freelance projects, volunteer work, internships, student organizations, or personal projects is welcomed.

Hours 

32 per week

Living Accommodations 

N/A

Compensation  

• $640/week - Living allowance paid bi-weekly

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Driving

• Driving is not required

Additional Benefits 

• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.