Community Engagement Intern – Humanitarian/Non-Profit

BACKGROUND

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading non-sectarian non-profit

organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The IRC responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity, and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. This year, the IRC in Oakland will be resettling international refugees from Afghanistan, Burma, Eritrea, Syria, among others. Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency and ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Volunteer & Donations Program is responsible for recruiting and leveraging volunteer resources to support in the delivery of the organization's programs and services. The program serves as the main contact for capitalizing and managing external interest in IRC Oakland. The Volunteer & Donations program is responsible for designing effective volunteer opportunities to support core IRC programming. The Volunteer & Donations program is responsible for the procurement, management, delivery of and attaining goals of ‘in-kind’ contributions. IRC’s different programming relies on the in-kind donations from its community of supporters.

SCOPE OF INTERNSHIP:

The Community Engagement & In-Kind Donations Intern will work closely with the Volunteer

Coordinator and be the main point of contact for community members who reach out to support the IRC with Volunteering, In-Kind Donations, or request for information about the populations we serve. The intern will assist with over 200 volunteers each year to recruit, train, and support volunteers. The intern will facilitate intake of donations, prepare and deliver items to be given to newly arrived refugees and work with caseworkers to identify refugee needs. Additionally, the intern will work with local communities to gather donations as well as record the monetary value of each item given away. The intern will also facilitate Informational Sessions with local community members, staying up-to-date on the current political climate and the work that IRC does in the local area. Every intern will work on a project developed with staff that will benefit the IRC program, clients, and/or organization while providing an opportunity for the intern to practice skills and gain deeper knowledge relevant to their educational and/or career goals.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Gain firsthand experience on how to run and manage a broad volunteer support program.

Leverage the resources of an active and giving community through engaging presentations, targeted

outreach and meaningful follow-up. Build and maintain positive relationships with community

partners and on site volunteers. Expand knowledge of the non-profit sector and resources required

to maintain effective programs.

• Expand network of local area businesses, employers and organizations while learning best

practices on outreach opportunities.

• Gain familiarity in cross-cultural training techniques, skills development, and many other

useful resources for career development.

COMMITMENT:

• 15 – 30 hours per week

• Six months minimum commitment

• IRC is committed to working with student schedules. We will accommodate time off necessary

for midterms and school holidays, and altering weekly schedules to adapt to changing class

schedules.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• External: lead informational sessions, conduct volunteer orientations; write and distribute the

Volunteer & Intern e-newsletter; solicit in-kind donations from current and prospective donors.

• Internal: update volunteer and internship opportunities on the website; manage correspondence

with interested volunteers & community members; maintain relationships with program staff to stay

current on program needs.

• Program Management: Orient new volunteers on their first day of arrival; update volunteer

handbook; research potential donors or organizations that would be willing to provide in-kind

support for the IRC.

• Logistical Support: register new volunteers with the IRC; send out background checks; enter and

maintain volunteer contact list; update volunteer picture/info board; coordinate all incoming

donations and assist Caseworkers in distributing all donations.

• Administrative Support: Monitor and track all in-kind donations; create donation records for gift

cards and bundle kits that are contributed by the community.

• Event Planning: plan unique volunteer appreciation events.

• Collaborate with staff to develop, complete, and present a project (TBD) that benefits the program

and program clients and/ or staff.

INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS:

• Meet scheduled weekly commitment

• Perform all required tasks and functions

• Attend supervision, intern, and other meetings as requested and scheduled

• Develop, complete, and present a project to be determined with staff

INTERN QUALIFICATIONS:

We require that candidates have the following qualities:

• Must demonstrate relevance to career development and/ or higher educational goals (life or

work experience may be substituted for higher education)

• Strong communication skills (both interpersonal and with supervisors)

• Possess great attention to detail and organizational skills

• Strong sense of personal initiative and be able to work independently in a fast-paced office

• Computer literacy with PC systems and softwares

• Experience working with multi-cultural populations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Energetic and friendly

• Enjoys working with people and is comfortable with speaking in front of groups

• Based in Oakland/Bay Area