NYSA Photography Teaching Assistant 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.

Scope of Work

The Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) is a six-week program focusing on preparing newly arrived refugee youth to succeed at their grade level in the New York City public school system. Up to 135 students from ages 5 - 21 from over 20 countries will participate in academic, creative arts, physical education, and life skills classes.

The Photography Teaching Assistant Intern at the NYC Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration (RAI) office will support the lead photography instructor during a photography class for newcomer youth and a collaborative photo project of NYSA and IRC HQ. This internship offers an exciting opportunity to work directly with refugee and immigrant youth, helping them develop creative skills while learning the technical aspects of photography.

The intern will assist in creating a positive, educational, and supportive environment where students can express themselves and document their personal experiences through photography.

Photography Class Duties

• Assist the lead photography instructor in facilitating weekly lessons, ensuring that students understand concepts such as camera operation, composition, lighting, and storytelling.
• Planning and leading photography learning sessions under the supervision of the lead photography instructor.
• Provide one-on-one and small group support to students during class activities, helping them with camera settings, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing feedback on their work.
• Set up and break down equipment (cameras, tripods, lighting, etc.) before and after each class. Support the preparation of class presentations or visual aids as needed and ensure that all necessary materials are available for each session.
• Support equipment management and maintenance, ensuring cameras and accessories are properly handled, stored, inventoried, and kept in good working condition.
• Assist with file management, including organizing, labeling, and archiving student images and maintaining clear digital folder structures.
• Assist students with photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom), helping them enhance their images and learn basic editing techniques.
• Accompany the group on photography field trips, providing supervision and assisting students with their photography projects in real-world settings.
• Facilitate communication with parents and students about class updates, special events, or any issues that may arise during the program.
• Help with translating written materials into different languages through a language service (training provided).

Collaborative Photo Project

• All responsibilities as listed above, and:
• Track progress on different parts of the project and communicate updates to the team.
• Document project activities, behind-the-scenes moments, and events through photo and/or video.
• Assist with exhibit planning, coordination, and production as requested.

Learning Objectives

• Gain experience in photography education and mentoring, particularly in working with refugee and immigrant youth.
• Develop skills in classroom management, lesson planning, and providing individualized instruction in a creative subject.
• Build professional experience in an educational, nonprofit setting with a focus on youth development and cultural integration. Enhance planning and facilitation skills by supporting photography-based partnerships between IRC NY and other IRC departments.

Requirements

Competitive applications will represent most/all of the following

• 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 (can include continuing education programs).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience using DSLR cameras, either through formal education or self- directed/personal projects.
• Portfolio of 5-10 original images that demonstrate a strong understanding of composition, lighting, and visual storytelling.
• Experience working with youth, particularly those from refugee or immigrant backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with students and work collaboratively in a classroom setting.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing class logistics and student work.
• Photo equipment management skills and file management skills for organizing digital assets.
• Fluency in written/verbal English required; preferred but not required fluency in any of the listed languages: Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Dari, Pashto, and/or Arabic.
• Self-starter and team player.
• Competency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google Apps (i.e. Google Drive), and Adobe

Creative Suite.

• Must be based in US, must be a US citizen or have US work authorization.
• Willing to adhere to IRC intern and workplace policies.

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.