LOCATION
Hybrid with in-person content days in Oakland or San Jose 

SCHEDULE & COMMITMENT
Negotiable (6-9 months commitment preferred), flexible schedule

 

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 45 countries and 29 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.
 

SCOPE OF WORK

The Strategic Communications Intern helps execute strategic communications for the IRC in Bay Area, supporting both content creation and increasing reach and engagement. This is a dynamic internship with opportunities to gain experience in non-profit communications — from fundraising to advocacy to working with local media, elected leaders, and community partners. 
 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Story Development & Story Sharing 

  • Work with IRC staff to identify compelling client, volunteers, partner, donor, and program stories that demonstrate the impact of IRC Bay Area’s work. 
  • Support the storytelling process from start to finish, including identifying story opportunities, preparing interview questions, conducting interviews when appropriate, drafting content, and coordinating internal review and approval. 
  • Help ensure stories are shared in ways that center the dignity, voice, agency, and experiences of the people and communities represented. 
  • Organize approved stories, photographs, quotes, and other content so they can be effectively used across social media, fundraising, newsletters, web content, and other communications. 

Content Creation & Digital Communications 

  • Develop engaging short-form content for social media, including posts, captions, graphics, short videos, and other digital content. 
  • Support the development of longer-form content, including client and program stories, website features, newsletters, donor communications, and community updates. 
  • Help maintain a communications calendar highlighting programs, events, client stories, community partnerships, relevant awareness days, and fundraising opportunities. 
  • Create and adapt graphics and communications materials using Canva and other approved tools. 
  • Repurpose longer stories and program updates into engaging content appropriate for different digital platforms and audiences. 

Media & Community Outreach 

  • Research Bay Area journalists, publications, community outlets, newsletters, and other media opportunities relevant to IRC programs and the communities we serve. 
  • Maintain and strengthen local media lists and support outreach around events, client stories, program milestones, and other opportunities. 
  • Assist with drafting media pitches, talking points, event descriptions, press materials, and other external communications. 
  • Identify opportunities to amplify IRC Bay Area’s work through community partners and other local networks. 

Analytics & Communications Strategy 

  • Track social media and digital engagement metrics, including reach, impressions, engagement, audience growth, and content performance. 
  • Help identify trends in which stories, topics, formats, and campaigns resonate most strongly with different audiences. 
  • Prepare regular, concise summaries of communications performance and recommend opportunities to improve future content. 
  • Use analytics and audience insights to help the Development team refine content strategy, messaging, and communications priorities.  
     

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Gain hands-on experience developing and implementing a nonprofit communications strategy. 
  • Build skills in short- and long-form writing, social media, digital storytelling, interviewing, graphic design, and content planning. 
  • Learn how ethical and client-centered storytelling is developed within a humanitarian organization. 
  • Gain experience using analytics to evaluate communications performance and inform strategy. 
  • Develop an understanding of how communications supports nonprofit fundraising, donor engagement, media relations, community partnerships, and program visibility. 
  • Build a portfolio of communications work across multiple formats and audiences. 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Exceptional Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a proven capacity to draft clear, compelling, and accurate content for diverse audiences across multiple channels.
  • Digital and Social Media Literacy: Strong familiarity with major social media platforms and digital communication strategies; experience with basic graphic design (e.g., Canva), email marketing tools (e.g., Salesforce), or content management systems is highly desirable.
  • Strong Organizational Abilities: Outstanding time-management skills and attention to detail, demonstrating the ability to independently prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, and juggle multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously.
  • Commitment to the Mission: A demonstrated passion for and genuine interest in international humanitarian relief, refugee resettlement, and global human rights issues, strongly aligning with the IRC’s core values.
  • Proactive and Collaborative Mindset: A flexible, team-oriented approach with the ability to adapt to shifting priorities, take initiative on ongoing campaigns, and work effectively within a dynamic organizational environment.
     

STANDARD OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
 

Application Process

Fill out an application online and include your resume and cover letter. If you are a good fit for this opportunity, someone will be in touch with you. 

Please note we have three onboarding cohorts throughout the year. We recommend you apply 1-2 months before the start of your desired cohort.

  • Fall: Starts in September
  • Spring: Starts in February
  • Summer: Starts in May-June