Graphic Design Intern - FALL 2026

North Carolina Courage; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Hybrid/onsite flexibility

401(k)

Season tickets

Job summary

North Carolina Courage seeks a Graphic Design Intern to support its Marketing Department for the 2026 season, working 20–25 hours weekly onsite at the Raleigh Front Office. You will contribute to day-to-day operations and special projects, gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced sports environment.

The role emphasizes curiosity, proactivity, and accountability, with opportunities to grow skills across digital channels, brand assets, and real-time content for game days and community

Qualifications

• Portfolio showcasing design work is required to be considered.
• Sports-related design experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with designing for social media and digital platforms is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Design and produce graphics for digital channels (social, email, app, website).
• Assist game-day creative needs, including match graphics and promotions.
• Create simple motion graphics or animated assets when needed.
• Support brand consistency and NC Courage guidelines.

Skills

Creativity

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Graphic Design / Visual Communications degree

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

After Effects

Premiere Pro

Job description

About Us

The North Carolina Courage, a member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), is seeking a Graphics Design Intern to join our team for the remainder of the 2026 season. We hire people who help us work smarter, sharper, and more Courageous and this position will impact special projects within the Marketing Department, contributing directly to the success of the Club throughout the season.

As a member of our Club, you will contribute to an environment grounded in our Operational Standards: Set the Standard. Own the Results. Lead the Club. We are looking for individuals who embody Integrity, Community, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence in everything they do and who are motivated to elevate the Courage through their work, attitude, and professionalism.

This Person must be able to work 20-25 hours a week ONSITE in our Front Office in Raleigh NC.

About The Role

The Graphic Design Intern will support day-to-day operations and special projects within the Marketing Department, contributing directly to the success of the Club throughout the season. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and best suited for someone who is curious, proactive, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment.

Interns are expected to bring a strong work ethic, a growth mindset, and a willingness to learn quickly while operating with professionalism and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Creative Execution

• Design and produce graphics for digital channels, including social media, email marketing, mobile app, and website use
• Assist with game-day creative needs, including match graphics, promotions, and real-time content
• Create simple motion graphics or animated assets as needed (experience with animation tools is a plus, but not required)
• Support brand consistency across all visual assets and ensure adherence to NC Courage brand guidelines

Campaign & Content Support

• Collaborate with marketing, social, and partnerships teams on creative concepts and campaign executions
• Assist in developing visual assets for ticketing, promotions, sponsorships, and community initiatives
• Help prepare creative files for multiple formats and platforms

Asset Management & Production

• Assist with organizing, updating, and maintaining the creative asset library
• Support resizing, updating, and versioning of existing creative materials
• Help ensure accuracy, quality, and timeliness of all design deliverables

Game Day & Event Support (as needed)

• Provide on-site design and creative support for matches and special events
• Assist with real-time creative needs in a live sports environment
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed during matchdays

(Responsibilities will vary by department and may evolve throughout the season.)

Learning & Development

As Part Of The Courage Formation, Interns Will

• Gain hands‑on experience within a professional sports organization
• Develop practical skills relevant to their field of study
• Receive regular feedback and coaching from their manager
• Gain exposure to matchday operations, cross‑functional teams, and Club leadership
• Build a strong foundation for a career in sports, business, or related fields

Additional Opportunities

• Gain hands‑on experience designing for a professional sports brand
• Build a diverse portfolio of published work across digital, social, and in‑stadium platforms
• Learn how creative teams collaborate with marketing, ticketing, and partnerships
• Receive mentorship and feedback from experienced designers and marketers

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for interns who:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Digital Media, or a related field
• College senior, or recent graduate
• Strong desire to learn, grow, and gain real‑world design experience
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to receive feedback

Required Application Materials

• Portfolio showcasing design work (website link or PDF) is required to be considered
  • Portfolio may include digital, social, branding, motion, or illustrative work
  • Sports-related work is a plus, but not required

Preferred Experience (Not Required)

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Experience using Canva for quick‑turn creative
• Basic knowledge of motion graphics or video tools (After Effects, Premiere Pro, etc.)
• Familiarity with designing for social media, email, and digital platforms
• Interest in sports, live events, or fan engagement

OUR VALUES

We Hire Through The Lens Of Our Club Values

• Integrity – Transparent, trustworthy relationships with our fans and ourselves.
• Community – Creating a sense of belonging in a diverse, inclusive environment
• Accountability – Responsible for our words, our actions, and our results.
• Respect – Regard for treating others with dignity and acceptance.
• Excellence - Strive towards greatness in ourselves, club, and community and culture.

WHY IT’S BETTER AT THE COURAGE

• Comprehensive Health Benefits. Choose between PPO or HSA options because your health matters on and off the pitch.
• Flexible PTO - We trust you to take the time you need to recharge, reset, and perform at your best. It’s simple: do great work, take great breaks.
• Work‑From‑Anywhere (2x per year) - Whether it’s visiting family or a change of scenery, enjoy the flexibility to work remotely outside the Raleigh area twice a year.
• Hybrid Work – In office work environment with flexibility to work from home for the 2026 season. The perfect balance for productivity and connection.
• 401(k) - Build your future with our 401(k) plan. Enrollment eligibility starts at 3 months.
• Courage Swag - Rep the badge with pride. Staff receive exclusive team apparel and gear throughout the season plus 4 season tickets to share with friends & family.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.