Communication and Graphic Design Intern

Program Overview and Responsibilities - The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) is planning to hire a Communication and Graphic Design Intern for the Fall and Spring semesters. The CRA internship program aims to empower aspiring Communications professionals by offering training, mentorship, projects for their portfolio, and a supportive environment to foster equitable work experience. The intern reports to the Communications Manager. 

Working collaboratively as part of the CRA’s administrative team, the intern will support the implementation of social media marketing, design outreach material, and assist administration of community engagement efforts for the CRA. The intern will be assigned to a curated set of projects aligned with their professional interests to provide a breadth of experience. Interns will work under The CRA’s communications manager will, guide interns to complete dedicated projects and help refine their technical skills, while the CRA’s Leadership Team will offer valuable insights to support their broader career growth. We look forward to benefiting as an organization from the skills interns have gleaned through their lived and curricular experiences as we seek to reshape and expand public understanding of redevelopment. 

While there is no typical day, examples of the kinds of activities the intern will support include:   

Graphic Design: Design impactful, visually engaging designs that communicate the CRA's work to diverse audiences. Design a wide range of digital and print materials including annual reports, brochures, flyers, social media graphics, infographics, signage, event materials, and other marketing and outreach materials by using Adobe Creative Suite, with advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign. Prepare print-ready files and ensure all materials meet high standards for quality, accessibility, and brand consistency. 

Brand Strategy & Visual Identity: Help shape and strengthen the CRA's visual brand by ensuring consistency across all communications. Collaborate on the development and evolution of branded assets, templates, and design standards for digital and print communications. Create and maintain professional Microsoft PowerPoint and Word templates, reports, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and other organizational materials that reflect the CRA's brand identity. 

Social Media Content Creation: Develop creative and engaging content tailored for Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, and Bluesky, including posts, stories, reels, and graphics. Track social media engagement and recommend strategies to improve audience reach. 

Website Updates & Maintenance: Help maintain and update website content using Squarespace platforms. 

Community Engagement & Outreach: Assist in developing outreach materials and coordinating public events. 

Digital Outreach: Assist in creating, designing, and distributing engaging newsletters using email marketing platforms to keep audiences informed and engaged. Build a better way to connect with the Cambridge community digitally.  

Photography & Visual Storytelling: Capture high-quality photos and short videos at events and project sites to showcase CRA’s work. 

The Communication and Graphic Design Intern’s work is done indoors in a professional office setting in Kendall Square, as well as outdoors at various local project and meeting sites that may require protective equipment and closed-toe shoes.  Travel by public transportation may be required within Cambridge. This role may involve attendance at some evening meetings. The CRA anticipates interns will work 20-25 hours per week over the fall and spring semester commencing in early September and concluding at the end of April 2027.  The exact start and end dates are flexible.  

Qualifications 

• Preferably a graduate student. Open to currently enrolled junior or senior undergraduate students pursuing a graduate degree or certificate in Communications, Graphic Design, Branding, Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, or a related field. 
• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) is required for content creation and printed materials. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and Squarespace platforms. Experience designing professional templates for PowerPoint and Word documents. 
• Strong written communication and grammar skills, with the ability to craft clear and compelling narratives. 
• Experience or a desire to engage with a diversity of residents and community groups in planning processes and/or development projects. 
• Strong knowledge of using LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, and Bluesky for an organization or business 
• Basic photography and video editing skills (smartphone and/or DSLR).  
• Highly organized with attention to detail. 
• Receptive to feedback and open to new ideas, with a willingness to adapt and improve. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. 
• Experience in a nonprofit, government or college organization, or a previous internship with similar responsibilities is a plus. 

Compelling candidates will possess or be seeking to further develop most of the following qualities: 

• Analytical: An effective and creative problem-solver.  
• Organized and Adaptable: Self-directed and comfortable with overlapping responsibilities.  
• Passion: Compelled to do work that matters and interested in urban communities. 
• Commitment to Equity: Seeking to understand the structures that inhibit equity across race, gender, income, ability, and other areas, and intentional in working to advance equity. 
• Communication Skills: A strong and open communicator.  
• Collaborative: Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills and work well in a small team environment.  
• Learner: Love to learn and reflect on personal and technical areas of strength and growth.  

Organizational Overview - The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority is committed to implementing creative development projects and initiatives that promote social equity and environmental sustainability. As a real estate entity that works in the public interest, we offer distinctive public investment tools and a human dimension to our projects and partnerships throughout the city. This mission requires the CRA to be both nimble and strategic in taking on new projects and initiatives. In recent years, the CRA has completed the Foundry Building adaptive reuse project, amended the Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan (KSURP), initiated the Forward Fund nonprofit grant program, and purchased and renovated the nonprofit office building at 99 Bishop Allen Drive, among other efforts. Current project priorities include the development of affordable homeownership projects, the preservation of commercial spaces that advance economic opportunity, and the delivery of vital community infrastructure including transportation facilities.    

The CRA knows that diversity, equity, and inclusion make us stronger as individuals, organizations, and a society. Our work requires understanding of the problems that cities face and the impact of our interventions on residents and communities. The CRA provides a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment and supports all staff in implementing their work, including people with disabilities. We are also committed to a work culture that values the commitments employees have to their families, including members of all generations. 

Compensation – The CRA commits to compensating the Communications Intern with an hourly wage of $24.00 per hour. Position can be flexible in terms of working within existing internship, fellowship, or work-study frameworks provided by the interns’ home institutions in structuring this compensation package, as applicable.  

Application - Respond no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, August 10, 2026, by uploading your application consisting of your cover letter and resume (maximum of one page for each document) through the CRA’s careers portal located at https://www.cambridgeredevelopment.org/careers. Portfolios or work samples are optional but encouraged, and can be uploaded along with your cover letter and résumé to be reviewed as part of your application. This position will remain open until filled post the application deadline. The CRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and values diversity of experience, opinion, and approach.