Youth Photography Teaching Intern

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.

The Youth Photography Teaching Assistant Intern at the NYC Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration (RAI) office will support the lead photography instructor in facilitating a youth photography program for newcomer youth. This internship provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with refugee and immigrant students, helping them develop both technical photography skills and creative expression. In addition, the intern will help foster a welcoming and supportive learning environment that nurtures students’ social-emotional growth, sense of identity, and belonging. Through this role, the intern will play a key part in empowering young people to share their stories, explore their creativity, and build community through photography.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Youth Photography Class Planning, Pre-Class Phase:

• Curriculum and Materials: Research photography concepts and examples; help create slides, graphics, and handouts; assist with translation of class materials.
• Classroom Logistics: Prepare and organize cameras and equipment; track inventory; set up digital storage for student photos.
• Photography Equipment Support: Prepare and organize photography equipment; maintain inventory of cameras, lenses, and accessories; report and track any issues or repairs.
• Program and Student Support: Help with recruitment, enrollment, and consent forms; assist with classroom reservations and supply needs.
• Field Trips and Guest Speakers: Support planning of photography outings; assist with scheduling and coordination of guest speakers.
• Team Collaboration: Attend curriculum meetings, share feedback and ideas, and communicate progress with the instructor and staff.
• Communication and Language Support: Provide support through direct interpretation or using a language service (training provided), translating materials, interpreting instructions, or using translation tools.

Youth Photography Class Duties, Teaching Phase (October – December):

• Classroom Instruction: Assist and/or lead facilitation of weekly lessons on camera operation, composition, lighting, and storytelling. Provide one-on-one and small group support to students, helping with camera settings, troubleshooting, and feedback.
• Equipment and Supplies Support: Set up and break down cameras and other gear before and after class. Ensure all materials and visual aids are prepared for each session.
• Editing and Portfolio Management: Help collect, organize, and maintain student portfolios. Import, label, and archive project photos using Lightroom or Bridge.
• Field Trips and Events: Accompany students on photography outings, providing supervision and technical guidance. Assist in documenting project activities and behind-the-scenes moments through photos or video.
• Communication and Language Access: Support language access by direct interpretation or a language service (training provided), translating materials, interpreting instructions, or using translation tools.
• Team Collaboration: Track project progress, communicate updates to the team, and contribute creative input to enhance student learning experiences.

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 departments and photography organizations.

REQUIREMENTS: Competitive applications will represent most/all of the following:

• Volunteers must be based in the U.S. Interns must be based in US, must be a US citizen or have US work authorization.
• Currently enrolled in 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 (can include continuing education programs).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience using DSLR cameras, either through formal education or self-directed/personal projects.
• Proficiency in Adobe Lightroom;
• 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.
• Fluency in written/verbal English required; preferred but not required fluency in any of the listed languages: Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Dari, Pashto, and/or Arabic.
• Self-starter and team player.
• Competency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google Apps (i.e. Google Drive), and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Willing to adhere to IRC intern and workplace policies.

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.

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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 $143 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.