Development Intern

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.