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. 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, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
SCOPE OF WORK:
The Development Intern will support the International Rescue
Committee's (IRC) development programming in the Silver Spring office by assisting with donor prospecting, research, data collection and grant management activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Research potential major donor prospects and assist with donor outreach and cultivation.
• Provide data collection and research, including tracking all forms of funding sources.
• Update prospecting and proposal management trackers
• Develop a list of potential donors to be prospected for six months to come
• Perform an audit on folders and templates ensuring a smooth back end of Development Records
• Assist in the organization and drafting of grant proposals
• Assist with administrative tasks of proposal development
• Participate in grant reporting and/or grant program training for staff
• Submit intern hours on volunteer dashboard
• Other duties as assigned
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Gain proficiency in research and writing
• Develop skills in donor prospecting and outreach
• Learn about managing the grant life cycle
• Expand understanding of nonprofit development strategies
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION:
• Pursuing undergraduate or master’s degree
• Previous experience demonstrating high-level writing and research skills
• Prior relevant coursework preferred
• Strong communicator with clear verbal and written expression
• Solid organization skill and administrative skills
• Able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, collaborative environment.
• Strong attention to detail
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
• Proficient in spoken and written English
• Ability to work independently and be resourceful
TO APPLY
Click Apply Now at the top of this page. Please attach a resume, cover letter, and a list of (at least) three references to your application. The deadline to apply is May 22, 2026.
This position is for the Summer semester and requires a minimum commitment of 22.5 hours per week. Ability to work in-person at the Silver Spring office and at a minimum of 15 hours per week is required.
Summer 2026 interns are expected to begin their internship term by attending an in-person intern orientation on June 1st, 2026 from 9:15AM-3:30PM.
We currently offer internships during the following semesters:
Spring: January – May
Summer: June – August
Fall: September – December
Internships are typically posted 2-3 months prior to the anticipated start date.
Note: Internships with the IRC in Silver Spring are unpaid. Summer 2026 interns may be eligible for per diem reimbursement at the rate of $15/day to offset the costs of food and travel. For information on scholarship opportunities, contact your university or the IRC Silver Spring Community Engagement Coordinator Michalina Kulesza at michalina.kulesza@rescue.org.
*Candidates applying not enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and outside of 12 months from graduation are welcome to apply. These candidates will be processed as volunteers.
To protect our clients, the IRC requires all selected applicants to complete background checks. We ask that you make a $30 donation to help us cover the associated costs. Currently, 87% of our funding goes directly to programming to support our clients, and your help to cover this cost will ensure that no funding is directed away from serving our clients. Instructions will be provided after you have been selected to intern or volunteer.
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.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings
US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
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.