Graphic Designer (Volunteer)

WhoWhatWhy whowhatwhy.org Open · verified Sep 16, 2026

Remote Worldwide Mid-level Graphic Design

Mid-level Graphic Design role at WhoWhatWhy. Remote.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Create visuals for stories, support branding, and help improve the website
Turn written ideas into rough and final layouts, securing approval along the way
Work with Visual, Copy Writing, Editorial, Marketing, and IT teams on graphics
Use Canva or Adobe tools to prepare visual materials
Stay detail-focused, manage deadlines, and contribute to related team work

What you bring

Bring graphic design experience or relevant proven experience, with one to two years preferred
Show proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
Offer layout skills and a visually strong portfolio
Hold a bachelor's degree in graphic, industrial, or interior design, or equivalent experience
Share WhoWhatWhy's values and commitment to public-interest journalism

Who this fits

This role suits a designer who wants flexible, part-time volunteer work supporting nonprofit journalism. You will work remotely on your own schedule with a globally distributed team, while attending recurring department meetings and responding promptly through Slack, email, and conference calls. The commitment is at least ten hours weekly for a minimum of six months, and the position is unpaid.

From the employer

Graphic Designer (Volunteer)

*Note: The following is an opportunity for flexible, part-time, volunteer work. Please DO NOT APPLY if you are only looking for paid employment. All positions are remote/ work-from-home.

WhoWhatWhy is a nonprofit news organization working to give the public verified, thoughtful information and we rely primarily on a volunteer team of skilled individuals.

Are you a highly experienced Graphic Designer who is passionate about making a difference? Would you like your designs to be seen by a thoughtful, engaged audience? Would you find it exciting to work with smart and talented individuals committed to producing great journalism in the public interest? Can you commit 10 hours a week to our mission, working remotely on your own schedule with our far-flung, diverse team?

WhoWhatWhy is seeking to build our team of top-notch, outside-the-box graphic designers. These designers will work closely with our Visual, Copy Writing, Editorial, Marketing, and IT Teams to create compelling visuals to accompany our stories, aid in branding efforts, and improve our website. Successful candidates will have experience with news, media, and journalism, as well as a visually stunning portfolio.

Our organization is a nonprofit that is not funded by a zillionaire. We do not accept corporate ads. As such, we are only currently able to pay a small core team, as well as experienced professional freelancers, relying primarily on skilled volunteers to fill out our growing organizational infrastructure (this role is not paid). Age does not matter. We have among us young students, vibrant retirees, and everything in between, from all walks of life.

Join us!

Responsibilities

Make a post on Canva or Adobe
Detail oriented
Understand a picture through a sentence
Able to work closely with Visual, Copy Writing, Editorial, Marketing, and IT Departments
Able to work closely and in sync with Copy Writer
Creative visualization
Able to work in fast-paced environment
Illustrates concept by designing rough layout of art and copy regarding arrangement, size and style, and related aesthetic concepts
Obtain approval of concept by submitting rough layout for approval
Prepares finished copy and art by operating typesetting, printing, and similar equipment; and purchasing from vendors
Prepares final layout by marking and pasting up finished copy and art
Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed
Attention to detail
Deadline-oriented
Time-management skills
Share our values and commitment to a higher form of journalism
Preferred; Ability to create and edit 1-minute video

Qualifications

1 to 2 years of experience in graphic design (preferred) or relevant proven experience
Proficiency in programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and In Design
Collaborating with art director, branding experts, front end developers, marketing, content and other professionals to create media
Layout skills
Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, industrial design, or interior design, or equivalent experience

Perks

Channel your passion in a stimulating environment
Learn the nuts and bolts of nonprofit operations in an up-and-coming organization
Develop new skills and gain valuable experience that can enhance your professional trajectory
Do amazing work on a flexible, part-time basis
Have fun while you make a difference

Expectations

You will be expected to attend your department’s recurring meetings. Beyond this, you will work on your own schedule. We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months for at least 10 hours a week. Because our team is spread throughout the world, we rely on a combination of Slack, email, and conference calls, and expect everyone to be responsive in a timely manner.

To Apply

We will not review applications that appear to be mass submissions. To apply, send your resume and a customized cover letter, making clear you are familiar with our mission and work. You should confirm your understanding that this is a volunteer position. If there is no option to attach a cover letter, please send a cover letter to [email protected].

Please note that response emails from us sometimes end up in spam folders; don’t forget to check them. Thank you!