Who we are:
The Vera Institute of Justice, founded in 1961, is a nonprofit criminal justice organization that strives to build just government institutions and safe communities free from the scourge of racism, white supremacy, profit, and inequity that is pervasive in this country’s legal systems. We are an “inside” lane organization that drives change at scale with ambitious public sector leaders who share our commitment to building anti-racist, reparative systems that deliver justice. We leverage our access to government to transform these systems and work collaboratively with stakeholders across many movements—including advocacy, grassroots, and grasstop organizations. Our role is to pilot solutions that are transformative and achievable, harness the power of evidence to drive effective policy and practice, and use advocacy and communications to change narratives and norms.
Vera has a staff of 300 people and offices in New York City, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace. We expect our staff to embody respect, independence, collaboration, commitment, anti-racism, and equity—both in our outward-facing work and the internal culture of our workplace. We value a range of experiences in people’s educational backgrounds and encourage people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system to apply.
Who you are:
The Communications and External Affairs Department inspires people to take action by sharing stories and evidence-based solutions that center the voices and experiences of people impacted by the criminal legal and immigration systems using editorial, digital, media, creative, and external affairs strategies. The team promotes Vera’s mission, coordinates messaging across all areas of work, and develops campaigns to help shift the narrative and realize Vera’s strategic goals.
The Graphic Design intern will support the work of the Creative Team, working within Vera’s Communication’s Team. Reporting to the Creative Director the position will also support the Graphic Designer and Senior Multimedia Producer. The Graphic Design Intern can expect to work on a variety of branding and key issue projects including supporting the organization’s digital asset management system and the production of printed materials and graphics for a variety of purposes.
What you'll do:
Support photo and video asset management system
- Determine suitability of images for upload
- Upload images
- Tag images
- Pay close attention to licensing, privacy, and other permissions schemes
Create Graphics and design collateral
- Editorial and print project support
- Social media design
- Online advertising design support
What qualifications are we looking for?
Preferred:
- Undergrad or post-graduate Graphic Design student OR equivalent experience in graphic design with interest in transitioning to the non-profit/NGO sector.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you'll bring:
- Digital design and/or print experience on Mac.
- Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.
- Premiere, After Effects or video editing skills welcome.
- Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced working environment.
Technical knowledge we need you to be prepared to use:
- Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.
Location:
Please note this role will report to our Brooklyn, NY, office. Vera interns and employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule. Full-time positions generally amount to 10 days per month. Part-time positions generally amount to 5 days per month.
Schedule:
The intern should be available to work up to 20 hours per week during the summer. The dates will be between June 3rd and August 9th, with some flexibility to accommodate personal and academic schedules.
Compensation:
The compensation range for internships is $16.00 - $25.00 per hour. Actual compensation will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. Applicants may choose to receive academic credit. For those who need to earn academic credit, Vera will gladly assist in working with the school or program to make arrangements and meet requirements.
How to apply:
Please submit cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please explain why you are passionate about criminal justice reform and what you hope to gain from this internship.
Applications may also be faxed to:
ATTN: People Resources / Summer 2024 – Graphic Design Intern, Communications & External Affairs
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Fax: (212) 941-9407
Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
In order to ensure a healthy and safe work environment, Vera Institute of Justice is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccine before their start date. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.
Vera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.
Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.
For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org.