Title:  Graphic Design Intern 

Position Reports To:  Marketing and Communications Coordinator 

About Butterfly Pavilion: At Butterfly Pavilion, (BP) we transform the way people think about invertebrates. These small but mighty animals that surround us are so much more than people think. They are everywhere because everything depends on them. They are the hidden heroes of the animal kingdom. As the leader in invertebrate knowledge, inspiration and connection, Butterfly Pavilion works to foster an appreciation of these critical animals by educating the public about the need to protect and care for threatened habitats globally, while conducting research for solutions in invertebrate conservation. Whether it is providing unique, firsthand learning experiences in our exhibits and educational programs, conducting new research that sets the standard for zoos across the country or building innovative solutions for species and habitat conservation in countries around the world, Butterfly Pavilion is leading the way in ensuring invertebrates are protected for the future.   

Our Core Values are a large part of who we are as an organization:  

• We Live our Mission 
• Passion for Learning 
• Welcome All   

These aren’t just words, but words to live by here at Butterfly Pavilion.  

Commitment:   

• This Summer Internship runs from August 11th, 2026 – December 4th, 2026  
• Must complete 180 hours over the course of the internship, typically following a schedule of 12-15 hours per week  
• Must be available for orientation at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado on August 11th, 2026  
• Must be available for presentation of project at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado on December 2nd, 2026  

Stipend: Unpaid; school credit can be earned for this internship in most cases. 

Position Summary:   

Butterfly Pavilion is seeking a dedicated and creative individual to join our team as a Graphic Design Intern. The Graphic Design Intern will create illustrations, designs, and marketing materials for a nonprofit organization making a global impact through invertebrate education, research, and conservation. This intern will be responsible for designing and preparing branded promotional materials, including print and digital advertisements, posters, banners, educational signage, and other marketing assets that help engage audiences and promote Butterfly Pavilion’s programs, exhibits, events, and community offerings. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about graphic design, marketing, communications, and using creativity to inspire conservation while making a positive impact in the community. 

Key Skills Learned and Benefits Earned:

• Experience creating print and digital designs to promote exhibits, public events, educational programs, and other initiatives across social media, digital advertising, email marketing, and on-site signage.  
• Increased knowledge of marketing channels and how graphic design is used strategically to engage audiences and promote organizational goals.  
• Skills in professional communication, collaboration, and project management while working with multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Increased understanding of brand standards and how to apply design principles to support specific campaign and project objectives.  
• Experience incorporating feedback and revising creative materials to meet organizational needs and audience expectations.  
• Opportunities to build a professional portfolio featuring real-world marketing and design projects.  
• Knowledge of the invertebrates in our care, as well as the exhibits, conservation initiatives, educational programs, and events that support a world-class nonprofit organization.

Responsibilities:   

• Design print and digital marketing materials, including social media graphics, digital advertisements, posters, banners, educational signage, and other promotional assets.  
• Create original illustrations and branded creative materials that support Butterfly Pavilion’s exhibits, events, educational programs, conservation initiatives, and fundraising efforts.  
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to develop engaging visual content that advances organizational goals and supports audience engagement.  
• Apply Butterfly Pavilion’s brand standards across all creative materials to ensure a consistent visual identity.  
• Revise and refine designs based on feedback from staff and stakeholders.  
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail and design quality.  
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute creative ideas for marketing campaigns and organizational initiatives.  
• Complete an intern project and present outcomes, recommendations, and key learnings at the conclusion of the internship.  
• Other duties as assigned.   

Qualifications & Skills:   

• A portfolio of previously completed work showing an understanding of the fundamentals of graphic design.  
• Proficiency in using Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Canva to create visually appealing content.  
• Preference given to individuals currently pursuing or who have completed a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Art, Visual Communication, Marketing, Advertising, or a related field.  
• Excellent writing and proofreading skills and familiarity with formatting for print and digital media.  
• Professional, inclusive, and open communicator able to work, and solve problems, independently and on a team.  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint required.  
• Ability to learn new and work with innovative technology, as needed.  
• Openness to receiving feedback and incorporating constructive critique into designs. 

Minimum Age Requirement:  Applicants must be at least 18 years of age  

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:   

These work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the position will encounter while performing the responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.   

 At Butterfly Pavilion, the team member is occasionally exposed to moderate to loud environmental noise for extended periods of time. While performing the responsibilities of this position, the team member is required to talk and hear. The team member is often required to sit and stand, use their hands and fingers, to handle/feel/grasp. The team member is occasionally required to reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The team member should be able to lift, carry and items up to 50 lbs.   

 How to Apply:   

Butterfly Pavilion is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply for open positions and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or veteran status.  

Applicants must submit a Resume and Cover Letter.   

Position is open until  July 24th, 2026. No phone calls or drop in’s please.