Fall 2026 Community Engagement Intern - UNPAID

About the role

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.

Background

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC in Atlanta office was established in 1979 and has resettled over 30,000 refugees from 67 countries into the Greater Atlanta area. Domestically, our 28 offices across the US ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

Scope of Community Engagement Intern Work

This internship is located within the Resource Development department, whose purpose is to establish strong, mutually-beneficial connections between the community and the IRC in Atlanta order to garner monetary, in-kind and volunteer resources for clients. The Community Engagement Intern will work closely with the Resource Development team towards these goals in order to enhance the IRC in Atlanta's ability to meet client needs. Please note that all internship positions are unpaid.

Responsibilities

• Assist Community Engagement Coordinator in maintaining accurate, up-to-date data across pertinent databases;
• Collect and record community engagement prospect information
• Attend community engagement events and information sessions
• Provide direct service to clients as needed by the Resource Development team;
• Assist with Resource Development needs including community engagement, external communications, event planning and fundraising;
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and special staff development programs;
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• An interest in international affairs and refugee/immigrant issues;
• Effective communication and writing skills;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects;
• A strong desire to help people and enthusiasm to work in a multi-cultural setting;
• Time management;
• Submit intern hours on volunteer dashboard.

Requirements

• Must submit intern hours on volunteer portal.
• Must pass a background check.
• Must commit of 15 hours per week for a minimum of 3 consecutive months. Commitment through Spring 2026 semester preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. Please note that we are unable to provide sponsorship for a US work authorization.

This will be an in-person role. This role will report to the Development Supervisor.

• The internship will be filled on a rolling basis.
• We will continue to accept applications until August 14th, 2026, or until the position is filled, whichever occurs first.
• Internship will begin the week of September 8th, 2026.

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.

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.