Application Guide
How to Apply for Multimedia Graphic Designer
at FIRST Global
🏢 About FIRST Global
FIRST Global is a unique nonprofit that uses the excitement of robotics competitions to inspire the world's two billion youth to pursue STEM education and careers. As a mission-driven organization with a global reach, you'll have the opportunity to create designs that impact young people from over 190 countries, making every project meaningful and far-reaching.
About This Role
As a Multimedia Graphic Designer, you will be the creative force behind FIRST Global's visual identity, from annual branding and event signage to digital content and printed materials. Your work will directly support the organization's goal of uniting youth through robotics, ensuring that every piece of communication—whether a program book, social media graphic, or website update—reflects the excitement and global spirit of the mission.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with checking emails and project management updates, then diving into an InDesign layout for the annual impact report. You might collaborate with the communications team on social media graphics for an upcoming event, review proofs for printed merchandise, and end the day by updating the website's homepage with new branding elements using WordPress.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who FIRST Global Is Looking For
- A designer with 2+ years of experience in graphic design or multimedia, ideally in a nonprofit or mission-driven setting, who understands how to balance creativity with organizational goals.
- Someone highly proficient in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, and comfortable with both print and digital design, including WordPress for web updates.
- A detail-oriented communicator with strong written skills and international cultural awareness, able to create designs that resonate with a diverse global audience.
- A team player who thrives in a fast-paced remote environment, managing multiple projects like event materials, social media content, and annual reports simultaneously.
📝 Tips for Applying to FIRST Global
Tailor your portfolio to include examples of print design (e.g., brochures, reports) and digital content (e.g., social media graphics, website banners) that show versatility and attention to branding consistency.
Highlight any experience with nonprofit work or global audiences—mention specific projects where you designed for diverse cultures or for a mission-driven cause.
In your resume and cover letter, use keywords from the job description like 'Adobe InDesign', 'branding looks', 'event signage', and 'WordPress' to show you've read the requirements carefully.
Prepare a brief case study of one design project that demonstrates how you managed multiple components (e.g., a brand rollout or event kit) and how your work impacted the organization's goals.
Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience with remote collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Asana) and your ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express genuine passion for FIRST Global's mission of empowering youth through STEM and robotics, and explain how your design skills can help amplify that mission.", "Showcase your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, and provide specific examples of print and digital projects you've led.", 'Demonstrate your cultural awareness and ability to design for a global audience, perhaps by mentioning experiences designing for international events or diverse communities.', 'Highlight your experience in creating consistent brand aesthetics across multiple platforms, from print collateral to social media and websites.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore FIRST Global's website and social media channels to understand their current branding, visual style, and tone of voice across platforms.
- → Read about their annual robotics competition and the impact they've had on youth globally—this context will help you design materials that resonate with their audience.
- → Look at their past event program books, annual reports, and promotional materials (if available) to get a sense of the design challenges and opportunities.
- → Research the organization's values and mission statement to align your design philosophy with their goals.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic portfolio with no print design examples or nonprofit-related work, as the role heavily involves print and mission-driven content.
- Failing to demonstrate attention to detail—e.g., typos in your application or inconsistent branding in your portfolio can signal carelessness.
- Ignoring the global aspect of the role; avoid designs that are culturally insensitive or overly Western-centric without showing awareness of international audiences.
📅 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!