Development Intern

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.

LOCATION: IRC in Utah Office 

START DATE: August/September 2026 

DURATION: 10 hours a week for at least 12 weeks  
 

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.  

COMMITMENT: At least 10 hours a week for at least 12 weeks, August 2026 through December 2026 

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 efforts, including in support of upcoming Virtual Town Halls. 

• As feasible, support community engagement event logistics for Winter Clothing Drive and the holiday gift drive, Light One Candle. 

• 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 

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, or recent graduate. 

• 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 

This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available. Note that a background check is required for this position. 

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 Accountability. In 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: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In 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.

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Why Choose the IRC?

Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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