NYSA Photography Teaching Assistant Intern (Unpaid)

International Rescue Committee; New York (NY); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

10 sick days

10 US holidays

Medical insurance

Dental and vision coverage

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The International Rescue Committee is seeking a Photography Teaching Assistant Intern in New York, NY, to support a summer program for refugee youth. The role involves assisting with photography lessons, managing equipment, and helping students enhance their artistic skills.

Candidates should have photography education, experience with DSLR cameras, and strong communication abilities. Fluency in English is required, along with an interest in mentoring young people from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Portfolio of 5–10 original images showcasing composition and storytelling.
• Experience working with refugee or immigrant youth.
• Fluency in English required; Spanish or other languages preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in weekly lessons on camera operation and storytelling.
• Provide individual support during class activities.
• Manage and maintain photo equipment properly.

Skills

Photography

Youth mentorship

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Photo editing software

Education

Currently enrolled or graduated in Photography, Art, Design, or related field

1 year of coursework in photography

Tools

DSLR cameras

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

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.

Scope of Work

The Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) is a six-week program focusing on preparing newly arrived refugee youth to succeed at their grade level in the New York City public school system. Up to 135 students from ages 5 – 21 from over 20 countries will participate in academic, creative arts, physical education, and life skills classes. The Photography Teaching Assistant Intern at the NYC Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration (RAI) office will support the lead photography instructor during a photography class for newcomer youth and a collaborative photo project of NYSA and IRC HQ.

Responsibilities

• Assist the lead photography instructor in facilitating weekly lessons, ensuring that students understand camera operation, composition, lighting, and storytelling.
• Plan and lead photography learning sessions under the supervision of the lead photography instructor.
• Provide one-on-one and small group support to students during class activities, helping with camera settings, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing feedback on their work.
• Set up and break down equipment (cameras, tripods, lighting, etc.) before and after each class. Support the preparation of class presentations or visual aids and ensure that all necessary materials are available for each session.
• Support equipment management and maintenance, ensuring cameras and accessories are properly handled, stored, inventoried, and kept in good working condition.
• Assist with file management, including organizing, labeling, and archiving student images and maintaining clear digital folder structures.
• Assist students with photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom), helping them enhance their images and learn basic editing techniques.
• Accompany the group on photography field trips, providing supervision and assisting students with their photography projects in real-world settings.
• Facilitate communication with parents and students about class updates, special events, or any issues that may arise during the program.
• Help with translating written materials into different languages through a language service (training provided).

Collaborative Photo Project

• All responsibilities listed above.
• Track progress on different parts of the project and communicate updates to the team.
• Document project activities, behind-the-scenes moments, and events through photo and/or video.
• Assist with exhibit planning, coordination, and production as requested.

Learning Objectives

• Gain experience in photography education and mentoring, particularly in working with refugee and immigrant youth.
• Develop skills in classroom management, lesson planning, and providing individualized instruction in a creative subject.
• Build professional experience in an educational, nonprofit setting with a focus on youth development and cultural integration.
• Enhance planning and facilitation skills by supporting photography-based partnerships between IRC NY and other IRC departments.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled or graduated from a college or master’s program in Photography, Art, Design, Media Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of coursework in photography or visual arts (including continuing education programs).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience using DSLR cameras, either through formal education or personal directed projects.
• Portfolio of 5–10 original images that demonstrate a strong understanding of composition, lighting, and visual storytelling.
• Experience working with youth, particularly those from refugee or immigrant backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with students and work collaboratively in a classroom setting.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing class logistics and student work.
• Photo equipment management skills and file management skills for organizing digital assets.
• Fluency in written/verbal English required; preferred but not required fluency in Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Dari, Pashto, and/or Arabic.
• Self‑starter and team player.
• Competency with Microsoft Office, Google Apps, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Must be based in the U.S., must be a U.S. citizen or have U.S. work authorization.
• Willing to adhere to IRC intern and workplace policies.

Professional Standards

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. IRC upholds Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability, and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, Reporting Wrongdoing, and Protection from Retaliation.

Benefits

US benefits include 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20–25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance, dental, vision, FSA, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.

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.