Summer/Fall 2026: Development & Communications Intern (Unpaid)
International Rescue CommitteeAbout the role
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 50 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments.
SCOPE OF INTERNSHIP: The role will offer vital assistance to the Development Team at the IRC in San Diego, aiding in stakeholder engagement by organizing strategic events, leading the local communications planning, and other assigned business development projects. The intern plays a pivotal part in involving the community and producing materials to back the IRC's work in significant ways.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support the planning of IRC in San Diego fundraising events, including strategy around social media, outreach, material production, sponsorship research, and ticket sales
Brainstorm and create a strategic outreach plan and content to engage new community partners, university contacts, and other groups supporting IRC events
Manage IRC webpages and social media to ensure information is current and regularly updated
Aid in content collection and storytelling projects for web and social media platforms
Opportunity to transcribe client interviews, gather content for IRC social media accounts
Aid the Development Team in securing in-kind donations for refugee and asylum-seeking clients
Provide administrative support to the Development Team by assisting with data entry, producing acknowledgments, and other cultivation activities
Participate in weekly meetings with the Development Team and bi-weekly staff meetings
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Student will learn how to plan and execute major fundraising and community events
- Student will learn about strategic planning for fundraising and communications
- Student will learn about administrative processes in the non-profit space.
REQUIREMENTS:
Currently in an undergraduate or graduate degree program or graduated within one year, preferably event planning, marketing, communications or related area of study
Proficient in spoken and written English
Experience in graphic design or Canva a plus
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