Graphic Design Intern

About the Role

The New York Islanders, a legendary sports franchise with a rich history crowned by four consecutive Stanley Cup victories in the 1980s, now operate from the state-of-the-art UBS Arena in Floral Park, NY. This venue is not only a premier hockey arena but also a hub for live music and major events, part of a larger redevelopment in Belmont Park aimed at enhancing entertainment offerings.

We are seeking a motivated Graphic Design Intern to join our creative team supporting both the Islanders and UBS Arena. This position offers hands-on experience developing design and production skills across various channels including team branding, game presentation, venue marketing, live events, digital platforms, social media, print materials, partnerships, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and produce digital and print assets such as paid and social media graphics, email templates, web banners, and sales collateral focused on ticketing, partnerships, premium hospitality, and community outreach.
• Prepare production-ready files for multiple formats including print, digital displays, large-format signage, and in-venue installations.
• Maintain brand integrity by managing templates, layouts, and asset libraries aligned with both organizations' standards.
• Effectively communicate project progress, raise questions promptly, and flag potential challenges early.
• Keep up to date on current trends in design, live entertainment, sports marketing, and digital best practices.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in graphic design, visual communications, or a related discipline.
• Some prior experience through coursework, freelance projects, or internships, preferably with sports teams, live entertainment venues, music brands, agencies, or hospitality sectors.
• Portfolio submission required showcasing diverse work such as layout designs, typography, social/digital marketing creatives, print designs, presentations, photo editing, and image compositions.
• Familiarity with core design principles including typography, layout, color theory, hierarchy, composition, and visual storytelling.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite tools, primarily Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Able to take constructive feedback, apply edits, and maintain high attention to detail alongside eagerness to learn production processes.
• Strong organizational skills, effective time management, and proactive communication abilities.
• Knowledge of project management software like Asana is advantageous.
• Interest in hockey, music, live entertainment, and sports culture is a plus.

Work Environment and Schedule

• This role is based in Floral Park, NY, with the requirement to occasionally attend home games and events at UBS Arena, which may occur during evenings, weekends, or holidays.
• The internship entails roughly a 30-hour workweek.

Desired Attributes

• Adaptability to rapidly shifting priorities and assignments.
• Self-motivation and initiative to drive individual and team success.
• Ability to work independently and manage workflow effectively.
• Collaborative mindset fostering positive interdepartmental relationships.
• Innovative thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Accountability and ownership of assigned tasks.
• Conflict resolution capabilities and sound decision-making.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers an hourly wage between $20 and $25, with compensation reflecting skills, education, experience, and market factors. Benefits include the opportunity to gain broad exposure to an iconic NHL franchise and venue marketing, mentorship from creative leads, and real-world experience producing portfolio-worthy work spanning two brands.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The New York Islanders are committed to equal opportunity employment, valuing diversity without discrimination on basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.