Communications Intern

U.S. Comm For Refuge•Arlington, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization dedicated to protecting the rights and addressing the needs of persons in migration through policy advancement, direct professional services, and promoting full participation in community life. For over 115 years, USCRI has operated with the belief that immigrants strengthen communities, economies, and social fabric. The Communications team, based in Arlington, VA, supports USCRI's mission by leading strategic communications, email marketing, media engagement, and public education. This team utilizes storytelling, media outreach, digital campaigns, and strategic messaging to shape public understanding, elevate refugee and immigrant voices, and drive change. The team collaborates closely with programmatic, international, and policy and advocacy staff. This internship offers flexibility with options for fully in-person, hybrid (partial in-person in Arlington, Virginia), or fully virtual arrangements. Both part-time and full-time commitments are available. This role does not involve direct client services. The USCRI Communications Intern will support the Communications team in advancing USCRI's online storytelling, media engagement, digital communications, and public education efforts. Interns will contribute to various projects, including content development for social media, blogs, newsletters, and press materials; identifying and highlighting compelling stories from USCRI's field offices and international programs; supporting media outreach and monitoring; assisting in the creation of print and digital communications materials; and brainstorming innovative ways to engage audiences through multimedia storytelling and campaigns. While this is an unpaid position, USCRI and supervisors will provide support for interns pursuing academic credit. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and positions are filled as qualified candidates are identified. Opportunities are available for immediate start, and internships are offered year-round during Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer academic terms.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in OR recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program.
Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences and platforms.
Ability to work collaboratively on new and evolving projects.
Knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint).
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with colleagues from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
Dedication to uplifting the voices of refugees, asylees, and immigrant communities.
Demonstrated sensitivity, empathy, and cultural awareness in working with displaced or marginalized populations.
Dedication to advocating for human rights, an interest in policies affecting refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and displaced people.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with staff and collaborators of diverse backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience or coursework in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, digital media, or a related field.
Experience with social media management, graphic design, photography, video editing, or other multimedia content creation tools.
Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools.
Demonstrated interest in social services, human rights, international studies, global health, or displacement studies.
Internationally based work or courses of study.
Proficiency in additional languages.

Responsibilities

Assist Communications staff in developing and implementing digital, media, and storytelling initiatives that support USCRI’s mission.
Draft and edit content for press releases, newsletters, social media, blog posts, and website updates.
Support the creation of visual and multimedia content, such as graphics or videos, to accompany digital campaigns.
Monitor news coverage and social media trends related to refugees, immigrants, and human rights.
Produce, at minimum, one short-form story, blog, or social media series highlighting a refugee, immigrant, or USCRI program, and one longer-form written or multimedia piece contributing to a campaign or publication.
Participate in Communications team meetings and cross-department collaborations, including with Policy & Advocacy and Program teams, on public education and advocacy strategies.
Other job-related duties may be assigned as agreed upon by the intern and supervisor(s).