Community Engagement Intern Winter 2026

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the worlds 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 worlds 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 youre a solutions-driven passionate change-maker come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Title: Community Engagement Intern

Location: Hybrid

State Date: February/March 2026

Duration: 4-6 Months; 16 hours per week; Standard business hours.

***** NOTE: This is an unpaid internship. *******

ABOUT US:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the worlds worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities to restore safety dignity and hope the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

ABOUT THE JOB:

The Community Engagement Intern will play a key role in supporting the Volunteer Specialist as they expand their reach and impact through volunteer engagement social media community partnerships and the implementation of Golden IRCs new volunteer management system. This intern will also assist with general outreach graphic design event coordination and donation drives contributing to cross-program visibility and support.

This is a hybrid position based in Los Angeles and reports to the Volunteer Specialist. Interns should be available to work a minimum of 15 hours per week during standard business hours with flexibility based on academic schedules.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Intern will gain experience in volunteer and community engagement strategies at a leading refugee resettlement agency.
• Intern will develop professional communication marketing and administrative skills using tools such as Golden Salesforce Canva and social media platforms.
• Intern will learn how to support cross-program collaboration through event planning donation coordination and relationship-building with community partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with the transition to Golden the IRCs volunteer engagement platform including onboarding existing opportunities and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Draft and upload volunteer and intern role descriptions into the new system.
• Assist with research on prospective donors foundations and government funding opportunities. Analyzes grant information and identifies where IRC-LA matches grantors goals.
• Support preparation of grant proposals by gathering information reseraching and drafting sections under supervision. Supports program staff in general grant writing efforts.
• Support ongoing email communication with volunteers and external partners.
• Monitor and help track volunteer hours ensuring accurate documentation.
• Create step-by-step guides and FAQs for new Golden users.
• Contribute to social media and outreach campaigns to increase public awareness and volunteer participation.
• Provide design support for flyers emails and promotional materials using Canva.
• Help coordinate community events and donation drives across IRC-LA programs.
• Attend and support IRC events as needed (virtually and in person).
• Provide general support to staff and in other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proficiency in written and oral English
• Effective communication and strong attention to detail
• Experience or interest in community engagement refugee resettlement or nonprofit work
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skillsExperience with Canva CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce Golden) or social media platforms is highly desirable
• Previous volunteer experience or experience with refugee and immigrant communities is a plus
• Any second language ability is a plus

Our Hiring Process:

• Attend an info session to learn more about this opportunity. RSVP HERE.
• Submit your online application here.
• Interview with our team.
• A background check was done via HireRight (a donation of $49 to help cover the cost).
• Attend an orientation.

Dont hesitate to contact if you have any questions.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity Service Equality and accordance with these values the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding Conflicts of Interest Fiscal Integrity and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection power sharing debate and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Cookies: Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of the US these include: 10 sick days 10 US holidays 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure medical insurance starting at $163 per month dental starting at $6.50 per month and vision starting at $5 per month FSA for healthcare and commuter costs a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching disability & life insurance and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race sex color national origin religion sexual orientation age marital status veteran status disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.