Independent Contractor - Design Specialist, Creative Services

About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families (BSF) is a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting military families by providing programming and resources while strengthening their connections to their local communities. We partner with businesses, government agencies, and local organizations to create impactful programs that empower and uplift military families.

Independent Contractor Engagement Terms

This independent contractor will be retained solely for project-based, outcome-driven services, and will not be an employee, agent, or representative of Blue Star Families.

The independent contractor:

• Will provide their own tools, equipment, and software necessary for completing deliverables

• Is responsible for determining work methods, scheduling, and location of work

• Maintains full control over how services are executed

• Will invoice BSF on agreed terms and is responsible for their own tax obligations, insurance, and business expenses

• May perform work for other clients and is not subject to BSF employee policies or supervision

Project-Based Scope of Work

The Independent Contractor (Design Specialist, Creative Services) will provide design support for Blue Star Families’ collateral needs, ensuring all materials align with BSF branding and design guidelines. Responsibilities include:

• BSF social media graphics, including animated graphics

• BSF email newsletter graphics

• Reports, presentations, and slide decks

• Event signage and digital assets, including infographics

• Fundraising collateral

• Other campaign materials, as needed

Independent Contractor will ensure all materials maintain consistency with Blue Star Families brand identity. Chapter designs should be editable in Canva, allowing Chapters to update and modify materials as needed. Independent Contractor will respond in a timely manner, typically within 24 hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-4 years of professional or relevant internship experience in graphic design, marketing/communications, or a creative services environment

• Proficiency with design tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), experience with Canva, and experience with maintaining templates and folders within these design tools for org-usage

• Experience creating animated graphics or motion assets (After Effects, Canva, or similar tools)

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established design systems, templates, and brand standards

• Solid visual design skills, including layout, typography, color, and composition

• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Comfort working in a remote environment and using project management and collaboration tools

• May be required to work nights, weekends, or holidays as necessary to support key organizational moments or events

Deliverables & Payment Terms

All services shall be delivered in accordance with agreed deadlines and milestones. Payment structure to be outlined in a separate contract. BSF shall not direct how services are performed – only that deliverables meet agreed results.