Summer Program Assistant

International Rescue Committee, Inc.; Oakland (CA); Remote; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking humanitarian organization as a Summer Program Assistant, where you'll play a vital role in enhancing volunteer engagement in Northern California. This position offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills in program development and nonprofit operations while making a meaningful impact on the lives of refugees and displaced communities. You'll conduct research, design volunteer frameworks, and create resources to foster a vibrant volunteer community. Embrace this chance to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and contribute to a mission-driven organization dedicated to restoring dignity and hope to those in need.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plans with Matching

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Interest in volunteer management and nonprofit operations.
• Strong organizational and research skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and design a volunteer program framework.
• Create recruitment materials and maintain a volunteer database.

Skills

Volunteer Management

Program Development

Research Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Canva

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), operating in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities. We help people survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities. As a force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity, and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, join us in positively impacting lives worldwide for a better future.

The Summer Program Assistant will play a key role in designing and launching a regional volunteer program to enhance IRC's capacity in Northern California. This role is ideal for individuals interested in program development, volunteer management, and nonprofit operations. Responsibilities include conducting research, creating resources, and establishing processes to facilitate meaningful volunteer engagement across multiple IRC offices in Northern California.

Primary Responsibilities

• Research and benchmark best practices in volunteer programs at other IRC offices and organizations to inform IRC NorCal’s approach.

• Assist in designing a volunteer program framework, including application processes, onboarding, engagement, and offboarding procedures.

• Develop volunteer recruitment materials such as position descriptions, outreach materials, and informational packets.

• Support the creation of a volunteer handbook outlining expectations, policies, and procedures, along with a Standard Operating Procedure for utilizing interns in the program.

• Build and maintain a database of potential volunteer groups and partnerships, including corporate, faith-based, and university organizations.

• Assist in setting up tracking and evaluation systems to measure volunteer impact.

• Provide recommendations for sustainable volunteer engagement and retention strategies.

Learning Objectives

• Gain experience in nonprofit volunteer program development and community engagement.

• Develop project management and strategic planning skills within a humanitarian organization.

• Understand how volunteer engagement supports refugee resettlement, economic empowerment, and community wellness programs.

• Gain exposure to nonprofit operations, including partnerships, development, and community outreach.

• Understand the objectives and operations of the IRC as a humanitarian organization.

Requirements

• Interest in volunteer management, program development, or nonprofit operations.

• Passion for supporting refugees, immigrants, and displaced communities.

• Strong organizational and research skills, with the ability to synthesize information into actionable recommendations.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Comfort using Windows systems, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Familiarity with online tools such as Canva is a plus.

• Preferred but not required: Experience volunteering or working with refugee or immigrant communities.

Working Environment

• Fully remote, must use own laptop/equipment.

• Occasional travel to the office required.

• Must have a workspace suitable for completing service during scheduled hours (any U.S. time zone).

• All positions contingent upon passing a background check at no cost to the applicant.

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates, based on factors like labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers depend on work location, experience, and skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC considers all applicants on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics.

US Benefits: We offer comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical, dental, vision insurance, FSA, retirement plans with matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and its workers adhere to the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct emphasizing Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.