Application Guide
How to Apply for Graphic Designer, Girls on the Run Headquarters
at Girls on the Run International
🏢 About Girls on the Run International
Girls on the Run International is a national nonprofit with a mission to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. They are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to eliminate barriers to participation, making a real impact in communities across the US. Working here means contributing to a cause that empowers young girls to realize their limitless potential.
About This Role
As the Graphic Designer, you will report to the Creative Director and be responsible for developing engaging, on-brand creative across print and digital channels. Your work will directly support marketing initiatives for program participation, volunteer recruitment, fundraising, merchandise sales, and brand awareness. This role is impactful because your designs will help reach and inspire girls, volunteers, and donors, furthering the organization's mission.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with checking emails and project updates, then diving into designing a new program brochure or social media graphics. You'd collaborate with the Creative Director and marketing team on a fundraising campaign, iterate on designs based on feedback, and prepare files for print or digital distribution. Throughout the day, you might also work on updating templates, ensuring brand consistency across various materials, and participating in team meetings to align on upcoming projects.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Girls on the Run International Is Looking For
- A portfolio demonstrating strong skills in both print and digital design, with a keen eye for typography, color, and layout, and experience creating for a variety of audiences.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and familiarity with digital design tools like Canva or Figma, as well as basic knowledge of HTML/CSS for email design.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, development, and program staff.
- A passion for the mission of Girls on the Run and an understanding of branding, with the ability to adapt designs to resonate with girls, volunteers, and donors while maintaining brand consistency.
📝 Tips for Applying to Girls on the Run International
Tailor your portfolio to include pieces that show your ability to design for a nonprofit or youth-focused audience, and highlight any work that demonstrates an understanding of diversity and inclusion in design.
In your cover letter, specifically mention how your design skills can help drive program participation and fundraising, and reference the organization's commitment to eliminating barriers to participation.
Research the current brand guidelines and visual identity of Girls on the Run (check their website and social media) and subtly reflect that in your application materials, such as using similar colors or tone.
Quantify your impact in previous roles (e.g., 'increased email click-through rates by X% through redesigned templates') to show how your design contributes to organizational goals.
Proofread your application carefully, but also ensure that your resume and portfolio are presented in a clean, visually appealing format that showcases your design sensibility.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for the mission of Girls on the Run and how it aligns with your personal values.', 'Specific examples of how your design work has contributed to achieving marketing or fundraising goals in past roles.', 'Your ability to translate complex ideas into engaging visuals that appeal to diverse audiences, including girls, parents, volunteers, and donors.', 'Your collaborative approach and experience working with cross-functional teams, as well as your ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore the Girls on the Run website, particularly the 'About Us' and 'Our Impact' pages, to understand their programs, brand voice, and visual style.
- → Look at their recent marketing materials, such as annual reports, social media posts, and merchandise, to see how they present themselves and what design trends they use.
- → Read their blog or press releases to learn about recent campaigns, partnerships, or initiatives that you could reference in your application or interview.
- → Check their careers page for any additional insights about the team culture, benefits, and expectations for this role.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic portfolio that doesn't showcase any work relevant to nonprofits, youth, or cause-driven organizations.
- Ignoring the specific requirements mentioned in the job description, such as experience with both print and digital design, and not addressing them in your application.
- Failing to demonstrate knowledge of Girls on the Run's mission and brand, which can make your application seem impersonal and not tailored.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Girls on the Run International!