Development Intern

Location: Salt Lake City, UT USA

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.

NOTE ABOUT COMPENSATION

Internships at the IRC are unpaid. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available. Reimbursement is available for mileage when using a personal vehicle. Eligible interns will also receive a nominal per diem reimbursement aligned with current intern reimbursement policies.

BACKGROUND

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in the United States. Each year, thousands of people, forced to flee violence and persecution, are welcomed by the local communities across the U.S. into the safety and freedom of America. These individuals have survived against incredible odds. The IRC works with government bodies, civil society actors, and local volunteers to help them translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities. Since 1994, the IRC in Utah has resettled 14,200 refugees helping them rebuild their lives while providing life-changing services to thousands more, from helping their children enroll in school, finding their first job to learning more about life in the U.S. and working to gain citizenship.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK

The development intern, supervised by the development director, provides a wide array of support to the IRC in Utah's development team. By supporting communications and donor relations, the successful applicant will gain insight into the processes necessary to run an efficient, multi-faceted nonprofit that builds relationships with donors. Specifically, the intern will work to support ongoing communications to engage supporters as well as liaising with in-kind donors.

MINIMUM COMMITMENT

10 – 20 hours per week for 10-12 weeks

START DATE

January 12, 2027 (final start date to be confirmed)

RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications

Prepare at least one newsletter story each month for publication in the IRC’s monthly e-newsletter.

Gather content ideas and other leads for future storytelling efforts.

Draft and prepare at least two social media posts monthly, specifically to engage audiences on Instagram and Facebook.

Organize one photography shoot with a professional photographer to support year-end appeal communication preparations.

In-Kind Donor Engagement

Oversee general communications with in-kind donors, supporting inquiries related to furniture donations, service projects, etc.

Liaise internally to ensure timely processing of inquiries across housing and operations teams.

Respond to donor contributions with timely acknowledgements.

General Support, as feasible

Support donor engagement and community engagement event logistics.

As feasible, attend development team meetings & other all staff connections.

Other duties as assigned & relevant, based on capacity and availability.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Develop an understanding of partnership engagement and stewardship best practices.

Develop professional communication skills, specifically related to mass market communications and social media.

Improve professional communication skills when engaging with supporters, donors, and volunteers.

Gain a better understanding of the refugee resettlement process and how the IRC fits into that process.

REQUIREMENTS

Must be currently enrolled in a graduate/undergraduate program, or have graduated less than 6 months ago.

Students pursuing degrees in the fields of communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit management, business, or other related fields may be particularly interested in this position and are encouraged to apply.

Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts; adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.

Previous experience in community engagement or donations management preferred, especially in the nonprofit industry. Graphic design skills and knowledge of photography/Photoshop is a plus.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, additional proficiency in a refugee language preferred.

Reliable, self-motivated, independent, and able to take on a project assignment and ask for help when needed

Access to a vehicle and willing to use personal vehicle to transport donated and purchased items for delivery is preferred

Physical ability to lift 50+ pounds

Complete IRC background check & all related orientations/trainings.

IRC leading the way from harm to home.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [email protected] to request any needed accommodation.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined i