Graphic Design Intern (Summer 2026)

Third Way is a national think tank and advocacy organization that champions moderate policy and political ideas. Since our founding in 2005, we have served as a critical bulwark against political extremism by advancing values-driven, reform-oriented solutions on the defining issues of our time. Our work is grounded in the mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, security, and democratic capitalism, and we advocate for the vital center across seven major areas: climate and energy, economy, education, health care, national security, politics, and social policy.

Third Way’s graphic design team is seeking a Graphic Design Intern for the summer. In this role, the intern will work alongside our in-house designers, collaborate with internal clients, and create a variety of visuals while contributing to a dynamic, forward-thinking organization that promotes center-left ideas.

The Graphic Design Intern will support policy and political work by translating complex information into clear, accessible graphics. Additional responsibilities include adding content to the website and researching emerging design trends.

A typical day for the Graphic Design Intern could include:

• Preparing products and other content for the website;

• Creating complex ideas and data into compelling visual content, such as charts, infographics, decks, and other visuals with support of the graphic design team;

• Ensuring all graphics are accessible, on-brand, and optimized for use across platforms;

• Supporting the graphic design team during staff portraits and video shoots;

• Archiving design files using the design team system;

• Staying current on design trends, tools, and technology to keep Third Way’s materials looking fresh;

• Supporting the graphic design team with other graphics design needs.

Project Timeline

Phase 1 – June: Onboarding & training on the CMS (June 2 – 23)

• Participate in the weekly Comms meeting;

• Attend CMS training to learn how to upload products and website content;

• Become familiar with Third Way’s brand and visual guidelines;

• Shadow the Graphic Designer II during meetings with internal clients;

• Select a design research topic with guidance from the Graphic Designer II. The intern will present findings to the COMMs team at the end of the internship.

Phase 2 – June/July: Skill Building & Research (June 23 – July 14)

• Add content to Third Way site with minimal supervision;

• Develop familiarity with MLA style guidelines for website content;

• Create graphics for the Third Way site with support and feedback;
  from the graphic design team;

• Continue researching the selected design topic.

Phase 3 –Late March-April: Applied Design Work (July 14 - August 4)

• Share research findings with the design team and refine how they support the team’s work;

• Create charts in Datawrapper following best practices;

• Design header graphics and other visuals aligned with the Third Way brand more independently;

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of Third Way’s brand and visual guidelines.

Phase 4 – May: Presentation Preparation (August 4-25)

• Conduct at least two practice presentations for the design team;

• Create charts in Datawrapper following best practices;

• Design header graphics and other visuals aligned with the Third Way brand;

• Upload website content independently while following MLA style guidelines.

Phase 5 - Capstone Presentation (Week of August 25)

• Present research findings, and share reflections and lessons learned to the Comms team.

*Please note all duties and events will require in-office participation. All Third Way staff are required to be vaccinated. This is a part-time, PAID INTERNSHIP. *

This might be a job for you, if you…

• Are a current student or recent graduate with a focus in a relevant field such as Graphic Design, Communication Design, or a related discipline preferred.

• Have strong design skills, with proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Willingness to learn from others and contribute to team goals.

• Time Management: Ability to manage time efficiently and meet deadlines. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and project requirements.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Capability to identify problems and propose practical solutions. Resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles and achieving project goals.

• Written Communication - Ability to make clear and convincing verbal presentations; listens effectively; clarifies information, as needed; writes in a clear, concise, and organized manner for intended audiences.

• Respectfulness - Treat others with courtesy, sensitivity and respect.  Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feeling of different people in different situations.

In the Third Way Culture, we are looking for…

• Self-starters: People who see and seize opportunities, take risks, learn from failure, and bring a sustained passion for our mission;

• Collaborators: People who work in teams—sharing ideas, brainstorming, co-authoring products, and advancing the team’s shared priorities;

• Creators: People who foster divergent thinking and aren’t afraid to take on the orthodoxies of the left or the right. Team members come up with original insights, find unique ways to look at data, and challenge their preconceptions;

• Results-oriented: People who function with an organizational commitment to clear objectives, ambitious timelines, accountability for results, and a focus on impact;

• Respectful: People who embrace the diverse perspectives of everyone and foster the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness at all times.

The Internship Program runs from Tuesday, June 2nd, through August 27th. Interns work part-time, in-person, and are paid $19.00/hour.  

Third Way is an equal-opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable laws.