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.

Job Overview

Under the direction of the Community Relations Manager, the Volunteer Specialist is responsible for collaborating with IRC staff to determine volunteer, intern, mentor, and AmeriCorps needs. The Specialist will recruit, screen, train, and supervise recruited volunteers, interns, and mentors; provide on-going support and guidance; and manage volunteer information in a central database system. The Volunteer Specialist will also assist the Community Relations Manager with community engagement efforts by facilitating in-kind donations; preparing outreach and communication materials; and assisting with events as needed.

Major Responsibilities

Internship Coordination

• Ensure the IRC maintains an active, effective, professionally managed intern and volunteer program.
• Liaise actively with program managers and other staff members on intern/volunteer opportunities for their respective programs. Ensure assignment descriptions align with staff and client needs and are consistently formatted and posted.
• Organize three recruitment cycles (fall, spring, summer) and manage office-wide application and interview process.
• Oversee onboarding and exit process for all interns. This includes processing background checks, setting up and closing IRC accounts, leading general orientation sessions, and managing other situations as needed.
• Maintain relationships with all universities in the area; and keep volunteer/intern recruitment platforms up to date.

Volunteer Coordination

• Coordinate with staff to determine volunteer needs and assist with assignment description development.
• Conduct outreach activities to attract new volunteers, recruit and interview candidates.
• Conduct regular information sessions for potential volunteers, interns, and mentors.
• Maintain regular communication with volunteers, keeping them up to date with opportunities and resources, and act as a liaison between IRC staff and volunteers.
• Maintain an active list of volunteers; enter case notes and records in Salesforce database; manage timesheets and timesheet entries each month.
• Oversee onboarding and exit process for all volunteers. This includes processing background checks, setting up and closing IRC accounts, leading general orientation sessions, and ongoing supervision.
• Solicit opportunities to speak publicly about the work of IRC and actively recruit community involvement.
• Actively participate in the Volunteer Coordination Communities of Practice and other HQ trainings as necessary.
• Conduct recognition and appreciation events for volunteers and interns.

Outreach, Training and Other

• Collaborate with Community Relations Manager to create content and outreach materials.
• Aid Community Relations Manager with events, fundraisers, and community engagement as needed.
• Support in facilitating in-kind donations from volunteers, community groups, and donors.
• Represent IRC at local meetings, seminars, forums, and other community outreach opportunities as needed.
• Conduct outreach, networking activities, and other advertising to recruit and educate potential donors, interns, volunteers, and partners as needed.
• Assist in managing shared mailboxes, social media pages, and other external-facing communication.
• Organize and lead info session webinars to provide an overview to potential volunteers of all current volunteer opportunities.
• Update and develop resources to manage intern and volunteer lifecycle.
• Supervise community engagement interns or other volunteers as needed.
• Other tasks and projects as assigned.

Job Requirements

Work Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of related experience.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies

• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Well, organized with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural setting.
• Self-direction and initiative, when needed, to take the lead and to follow through to completion.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college preferred.

Language Skills: Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment, some evening and weekend hours will be required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with legally required insurance as position may require using own transportation within the service delivery area. Mileage reimbursement is available.
• IRC Los Angeles office hours are 9am to 5pm.

This position is expected to end on September 30, 2026.

Compensation: (Pay Range: $24.00-$26.78) Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

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.

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.

This is a short-term role with an anticipated end date of September 30, 2026, and is not eligible for IRC's full benefits package.

U.S. Benefits for Short‑Term Employees: Short‑term roles are not eligible for IRC’s full benefits package. However, U.S.‑based short‑term employees are eligible for a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting), paid sick leave in accordance with policy, and access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counseling and mental health support for employees and their families.