Summer Internship 2022 - Design Intern, Communications (Remote

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 grassroots 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 almost 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 Senior Program Associate maintains a close relationship with legal service providers (LSPs) in Vera’s Unaccompanied Children Program Network via routine reporting and ad hoc communication to identify challenges and best practices, support contract compliance, and strategically brainstorm solutions to issues that arise. Employing their understanding of child welfare, legal, and social services, the Senior Program Associate will provide technical support and assistance to network providers with a focus on zealous, client-centered, and interdisciplinary approaches to advocacy. They will join a functional team with immigration advocacy, child welfare, finance, and research backgrounds.

Our mission is to inspire 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, external affairs and creative strategies. The role of Communications and External Affairs is to ensure all work within the Institute aligns with Vera’s strategic priorities and is persuasive to our audiences. We are the holders, shapers and protectors of the Vera brand. We are guided by strategy, it influences every decision we make, the stories we uplift, the language we use, our posts on social, etc. Using strategic frameworks ensures that all Institute communication and outward engagement aligns with Vera’s values and that our programs, campaigns, and initiatives are structured to reach segmented audiences, deliver impactful messages, and employ the right tools to create large-scale change.

The Design Intern uses their technical skills and conceptual thinking to push Vera to think more creatively and will bring a fresh aesthetic to the brand. The Design Intern works under the supervision of the Designer producing creative, inspiring, and impactful digital and print publications in close collaboration with the Vera editorial, web, and program teams. They also help with administrative tasks to fine-tune Vera’s digital asset management system.mpl

Schedule

The intern should be available to work up to 35 hours per week during the summer. The dates will be between June 6th and August 12th 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.  

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Design

• Layout research publications using Adobe InDesign and Illustrator and prepare files for printing and production.
• Collaborate closely with authors, editors, and designers in print projects incorporating feedback, copyediting, and proofreading markups.
• Participate in concept development and brainstorming sessions with the design team.
• Visualize research findings and data in close collaboration with the designer for print, web, and social media.

Photo and Image Research

• Research photography and illustration for editorial publications, including Vera’s blog
• Prepare and share design concepts and ideas with the rest of the design team

File Management

• Upload and verify file naming and accuracy in editorial and design archives

Asset Management and System Maintenance

• Verify licenses and names and upload images into the asset bank.

What qualifications do you need?

Required:

• Be enrolled in a graphic design program or similar discipline on a collegiate level (Junior or sophomore level).
• Moderate level of proficiency in Figma, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
• Ability to show initiative, ask questions, and adapt to changing priorities.
• The ability to work both independently and with others effectively and efficiently
• Ability to Identify areas in work where a racial equity analysis could/should be applied to advance or eliminate racial disparities and inequities.

Preferred:

• Work samples that show interest in design for social impact and editorial projects

List of required software applications:

• Adobe Creative Suite, Office 365, Figma, and other prototyping tools.

Applications may also be faxed to:

ATTN: People Resources / Summer Internship 2022 – Design Intern
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.

As a federal contractor, and 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