Community Engagement intern (Fall 2026)

International Rescue Committee•Silver Spring, MD

21h•Onsite

About The Position

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. SCOPE OF WORK: The aim of community engagement is to establish strong, mutually-beneficial connections between the community and the IRC in Silver Spring order to garner monetary, in-kind and volunteer resources for humanitarian immigrant clients. The Community Engagement Intern will work towards these goals in order to enhance the IRC in Silver Spring’s ability to meet newcomer client needs.

Requirements

Minimum commitment of 20 hours per week.
Availability for some weeknights and weekends required.
Ability to work in-person required.
Passionate about immigration, refugees and serving others.
Ability to work independently and under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects.
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Minimum commitment of 24 hours per week.
Ability to work in-person at the Silver Spring office
Fall 2026 interns are expected to begin their internship term by attending an in-person intern orientation on September 7th, 2026 from 9:15AM-3:30PM.
Candidates applying not enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and outside of 12 months from graduation are welcome to apply. These candidates will be processed as volunteers.
To protect our clients, the IRC requires all selected applicants to complete background checks.
We ask that you make a $30 donation to help us cover the associated costs.

Nice To Haves

Intern will acquire detailed knowledge of programs available for refugees and asylees by way of a humanitarian non-profit.
Intern will learn to communicate effectively with clients across cultures.
Intern will learn reporting requirements for resettlement agencies and how to capture data to improve services

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach to and coordinate meetings with community partners to recruit volunteers based on volunteer needs.
Support overall volunteer programming by onboarding volunteers, researching volunteer best practices, and suggesting changes to programs based on volunteer feedback.
Assist in planning events to recognize community partners and volunteers and deepen engagement with the community.
Support in the creation of content for social media, the IRC website, monthly newsletter and outreach materials.
Track community partnerships across IRC in Silver Spring programs.
Coordinate in-kind donation opportunities

Benefits

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
vision starting at $5 per month
FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
disability & life insurance
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.
per diem reimbursement at the rate of $15/day to offset the costs of food and travel.