Summer 2026: Development & Communications Intern (Unpaid)

Company: International Rescue Committee
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

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. IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 51 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments. SCOPE OF INTERNSHIP: The role will offer vital assistance to the Development Team at the IRC in San Diego, aiding in stakeholder engagement by organizing strategic events, leading the local communications planning, and other assigned business development projects. The intern plays a pivotal part in involving the community and producing materials to back the IRC's work in significant ways. RESPONSIBILITIES: Support the planning of IRC in San Diego fundraising events, including strategy around social media, outreach, material production, sponsorship research, and ticket sales Brainstorm and create a strategic outreach plan and content to engage new community partners, university contacts, and other groups supporting IRC events Manage IRC webpages and social media to ensure information is current and regularly updated Aid in content collection and storytelling projects for web and social media platforms Opportunity to transcribe client interviews, gather content for IRC social media accounts Aid the Development Team in securing in-kind donations for refugee and asylum-seeking clients Provide administrative support to the Development Team by assisting with data entry, producing acknowledgments, and other cultivation activities Participate in weekly meetings with the Development Team and bi-weekly staff meetings LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Student will learn how to plan and execute major fundraising and community events Student will learn about strategic planning for fundraising and communications Student will learn about administrative processes in the non-profit space. REQUIREMENTS: Currently in an undergraduate or graduate degree program or graduated within one year, preferably event planning, marketing, communications or related area of study Proficient in spoken and written English Experience in graphic design or Canva a plus Proficient in Microsoft Office suite Detail-oriented and able to multi-task efficiently Experience in event planning, sales or marketing, or managing social media a plus Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills Able to work in fast-paced, deadline driven, team-oriented environment Intern will need to supply their home workspace, computer, internet access, etc. This position reports to the Development Manager. Compensation : This is an unpaid internship opportunity. Working Environment: The Development and Communications Internship can be in-person at the San Diego office or fully remote. San Diego Office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm PST. Selected interns can choose their hours based on this window of availability. 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.

Keywords: International Rescue Committee, Temecula , Summer 2026: Development & Communications Intern (Unpaid), Administration, Clerical , San Diego, California