NYSA Photography Teaching Assistant Intern (Unpaid)

International Rescue Committee•New York, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Photography Teaching Assistant Intern for the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) program at its NYC Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration (RAI) office. NYSA is a six-week program designed to help newly arrived refugee youth succeed in the New York City public school system. The intern will support the lead photography instructor in teaching photography to newcomer youth and assisting with a collaborative photo project. This internship provides an opportunity to work directly with refugee and immigrant youth, fostering their creative skills and teaching them technical photography aspects in a positive, educational, and supportive environment.

Requirements

Currently enrolled or graduated from a college or master’s program in Photography, Art, Design, Media Studies, or a related field.
Minimum of 1 year of coursework in photography or visual arts.
Minimum of 2 years of experience using DSLR cameras.
Portfolio of 5–10 original images demonstrating understanding of composition, lighting, and visual storytelling.
Experience working with youth, particularly those from refugee or immigrant backgrounds.
Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with students and collaborating in a classroom setting.
Organizational skills and attention to detail for managing logistics and student work.
Photo equipment management and file management skills for organizing digital assets.
Fluency in written/verbal English.
Self-starter and team player.
Competency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google Apps (Google Drive), and Adobe Creative Suite.
Must be based in the US, be a US citizen or have US work authorization.
Willing to adhere to IRC intern and workplace policies.

Nice To Haves

Preferred fluency in Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Dari, Pashto, and/or Arabic.

Responsibilities

Assist the lead photography instructor in facilitating weekly lessons on camera operation, composition, lighting, and storytelling.
Plan and lead photography learning sessions under supervision.
Provide one-on-one and small group support to students, offering feedback and troubleshooting technical issues.
Set up and break down photography equipment before and after each class.
Support the preparation of class presentations and ensure necessary materials are available.
Assist with equipment management, maintenance, inventory, and storage.
Help organize, label, and archive student images and maintain digital folder structures.
Assist students with photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom.
Accompany the group on photography field trips, providing supervision and assistance.
Facilitate communication with parents and students regarding class updates and events.
Help translate written materials into different languages using a provided language service.
Track progress on the collaborative photo project and communicate updates.
Document project activities, behind-the-scenes moments, and events through photo and/or video.
Assist with exhibit planning, coordination, and production.

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
403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
Disability & life insurance
Employee Assistance Program for counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles