Current opportunities
Sponsorship and Events Volunteer
The Sponsorship and Special Events Volunteer will support the development manager in seeking new and renewed sponsorship opportunities for and planning the logistics of the IRC’s annual fundraiser, A Taste of the IRC and provide support the day of the event.
Advocacy and Communications Volunteer
Have a passion for advocacy? The IRC is looking for a committed community member interested in empowering the voices of refugee and immigrant populations. Click here!
Volunteer Coordination Assistant
Learn how nonprofit management functions on an organizational level! With over 500 active volunteers, coordination is a crucial part of our work. Learn more here!
Citizenship Assistant
The Immigration Department provides citizenship classes at our El Cajon office. In this role, you would have the opportunity to assist clients in their road towards obtaining citizenship through critical behind the scenes administration support.
Immigration: Front Desk Assistant
Are you passionate about the U.S. Immigration system? Help our clients apply for U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Resident Status, petition family members, family reunification, DACA, and much more.
Employment Assistant
Perfect your resume building and job search skills as you support clients looking for their first job!
Basic Skills Youth Tutor
Dare to dream with young adults looking towards a brighter future, tutor 17-21 year old out of school refugees in our El Cajon Office!
El Cajon Front Desk Assistant
Be the first friendly face clients see as they check into our lobby!
San Diego Internship Opportunities
Academic internships currently available at the IRC in San Diego
Volunteer process
Review our current available volunteer positions and choose 3 that best fit your interests, skills, and schedule.
Complete a volunteer application by following this link. You will be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator as needs arise for your chosen position.
After your application is reviewed, you may be selected for an interview.
Once the interview is confirmed and conducted, successful interviewees will complete the necessary background checks. To protect our clients, we require background checks for all our volunteers, and we ask volunteers to make a $49 donation to cover associated costs. Currently, 92% of our funding goes directly to our clients, and your help to cover this cost allows us to continue providing the best service possible. This step can add 1-2 weeks to the process, but is typically very fast.
Once cleared, you will attend a general orientation before training and scheduling the first day.
Additional things to note
*You must be 18 years or older to volunteer and complete a background check. For High School Opportunities, please email [email protected] or see our Youth Ambassador Program page.
Most positions require a 3 month volunteer commitment with 5 hours per week. If this is not feasible for you, please email us about our on-call opportunities.
Please email [email protected] with questions.