Content & Designer Intern | Sophomores & Jr.'s | Reston, VA

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Content & Designer Intern | Sophomores & Juniors

Company: Ellucian

Location: Reston, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-time Internship

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: February 25, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on developing external communications and visual assets, blending content creation with graphic design principles within the higher education technology sector.
• The role requires proficiency in content drafting, editing, and visual design using tools like Canva and potentially Adobe Creative Suite, emphasizing brand consistency and audience engagement.
• Interns will collaborate with senior designers and content producers, contributing to campaigns and storytelling initiatives that shape Ellucian's external presence.
• A key aspect involves transforming complex technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives and visuals, leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity and creativity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "Content & Designer Intern," the responsibilities and required skills strongly align with roles in Marketing Operations, specifically those that bridge content strategy, brand management, and visual communication. The emphasis on transforming complex topics into clear messaging and supporting campaigns indicates a need for operational excellence in content delivery and brand execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Draft and edit external communications, including press releases, thought leadership articles, marketing collateral, and internal messaging, ensuring alignment with Ellucian's brand voice and strategic objectives.
• Design branded visual assets for various platforms (one-pagers, presentations, reports, digital content) using Canva, and potentially Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) for enhanced visual storytelling.
• Collaborate closely with senior graphic designers and content producers to support integrated marketing campaigns and overarching storytelling initiatives.
• Translate intricate educational technology concepts and product features into easily understandable and engaging content for diverse external audiences.
• Utilize AI tools to assist in content generation, brainstorming, editing processes, and the creation of visual elements, staying abreast of emerging technologies in content production.
• Ensure all created content and designs strictly adhere to Ellucian's established brand guidelines, maintaining a consistent and professional external image.
• Actively contribute fresh ideas and innovative approaches during team brainstorming sessions for content and design strategies.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including Marketing and Communications departments, on high-visibility projects that require integrated communication efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for structured content development and a systematic approach to visual asset creation. The emphasis on brand alignment and cross-functional collaboration suggests that operational efficiency in producing high-quality, on-brand materials is a core expectation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education

• Currently enrolled in a community college or a 4-year institution pursuing a degree relevant to Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Graphic Design, or a related field.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience through class projects, internships, campus organizations, or freelance work in copywriting and content creation.

Required Skills

• Strong passion for storytelling, communications, marketing, journalism, or design.
• Proven copywriting and editing skills with a keen attention to clarity, tone, and grammar.
• Proficiency in Canva for creating professional-looking visual assets and marketing materials.
• Excellent organizational skills with the demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• A creative and discerning eye for design principles, layout, and visual appeal.
• Eagerness to receive feedback and a proactive attitude towards learning and skill development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, for more advanced design capabilities.
• Familiarity with AI tools for content creation, editing, or design ideation.
• Understanding of brand voice and visual identity principles in corporate communications.
• Basic knowledge of marketing campaign support and content production workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level for an internship implies that practical application of skills through academic or extracurricular work is highly valued. The emphasis on Canva with Adobe as a plus suggests a tiered approach to design proficiency, prioritizing accessibility and foundational skills for broader application.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of work demonstrating copywriting and editing skills, such as blog posts, marketing copy samples, or press release drafts.
• Visual design samples created in Canva, showcasing an understanding of branding, layout, and audience-appropriate aesthetics for one-pagers, social media graphics, or presentations.
• Examples of transforming complex information into clear, concise, and engaging content, illustrating problem-solving through communication.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not expected from an intern, demonstrating an understanding of how content and design processes contribute to broader marketing and communication workflows is beneficial.
• Ability to follow established brand guidelines and content creation workflows efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship role, the "portfolio" is less about formal client deliverables and more about showcasing foundational skills and potential. The focus will be on the applicant's ability to articulate their creative process, demonstrate core competencies in writing and design, and show their capacity to learn and adapt to established operational workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for paid internships in the Reston, VA area, and considering the specific responsibilities and full-time commitment (40 hours/week), a competitive hourly rate is expected. For interns in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, rates typically range from $18 to $25 per hour for roles requiring creative and technical skills.
• Estimated Hourly Rate: $18 - $25 USD

Benefits

• Paid Charity Days: Two paid days to volunteer for charitable causes, reflecting a commitment to corporate social responsibility.
• Paid Holidays: Standard paid holidays observed by the company, providing time off during key periods.
• Meal Stipend: A $100 meal stipend to support daily living expenses during the internship period.
• Rewards & Recognition: Access to the Bonusly platform for peer-to-peer recognition, fostering a positive and appreciative work environment.
• Professional Development: Participation in an award-winning internship program with structured mentorship, executive Q&A sessions, and "day-in-the-life" conversations with alumni and leaders.

Working Hours:

• Full-time commitment, typically 40 hours per week, running from May 18, 2026, to August 7, 2026.
• The hybrid work arrangement suggests a structured schedule with specific days allocated for in-office collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical paid internship compensation in the Reston/DC area for roles requiring specialized skills like content creation and design, factoring in the full-time commitment. The benefits package emphasizes professional development and employee well-being, aligning with a structured internship program.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech), Software as a Service (SaaS)

Company Size: Ellucian is a significant player in the EdTech space, with a global presence and a large customer base (over 2,800 customers in 50+ countries, serving over 20 million students). While the exact current employee count isn't provided, the company's market leadership and extensive reach suggest a large, established organization.

Founded: Ellucian has decades of experience in the higher education technology sector, indicating a stable and mature company with deep domain expertise.

Team Structure:

• The intern will report to the Director of Content Production and Design within the External Communications team.
• The team structure involves close collaboration with Senior Graphic Designers, Content Producers, and cross-functional partners from Communications and Marketing departments.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Storytelling: The company emphasizes using data to inform its AI-powered platform and drive insights, suggesting that content and design efforts are ideally grounded in understanding audience needs and business objectives.
• Agile Content Development: The mention of supporting campaigns and transforming complex topics implies a need for flexible and responsive content creation processes, likely involving iterative development and feedback loops.
• Brand Consistency: A strong emphasis is placed on aligning content and design with Ellucian's brand voice and visual standards, indicating established brand governance processes.

Company Website: https://careers.ellucian.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Ellucian's focus on higher education technology and its large customer base suggest a culture that values expertise, innovation, and a commitment to student success. The internship program's structure points towards an organization that invests in talent development and provides significant learning opportunities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, serving as a foundational ste