Spring 2025: Grants Management Intern (Unpaid)

*Please note: this is an unpaid internship*

IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 48 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments.

SCOPE OF INTERNSHIP:This internship is an excellent opportunity for a current or recent graduate/undergraduate student to gain exposure to the operations of a large international organization while practicing and applying Grant Management methods to maximize the reach of IRC programming in San Diego, CA. The Grants Management Intern will work closely with the Grants Coordinator and Grants Specialist on three initiatives:

1. The first is on building and maintaining our pre-award/post-award grant management databases. 

1. The second is to provide material support, such as the drafting of concept notes for programs that are both client and donor-facing, as well as Grant Summary Sheets and Compliance Cheat Sheets to ensure compliance with donor requirements.

1. The third is an initiative to work closely with the Grants Coordinator and Grants Specialist to develop a Stakeholder Analysis project, Proposal Language Bank, and Partner Welcome Packet.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with the Grants Coordinator and Grants Specialist to review IRC San Diego’s donor prospecting strategy, grow a database for opportunities identified, and conduct ongoing research related to the pre-award grant processes.

• Work closely with the Grants Coordinator and Grants Specialist to maintain the Asana and Box databases, as well as the Proposal Data Bank that houses relevant and common proposal data that can be updated regularly.

• Aid with post-award activities, including reporting reminders and creating Grant Summary Sheets and Compliance Cheat Sheets.

• Provide Support for a Stakeholder Analysis project.

• Research best practices for assigned topics.

• Provide support as needed in other areas of identified projects.

• Participate in weekly meetings with the Development Team and bi-weekly staff meetings.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

1. Student will gain experience in grant management, which is a crucial skill to move up in the non-profit sector. 

1. Student will learn more about the pre-award process for building a funding portfolio in a non-profit.

1. Student will learn more about the post-award process as it relates to program implementation, management, reporting, and compliance. 

1. Student will learn the basics of proposal development and play a key role in ensuring proactive responses to business development needs. 

1. Student will develop an in-depth understanding of IRC Resettlement, Asylum, & Integration programming.

1. Student will gain experience drafting material for internal marketing and/or communications of aligned projects.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Currently enrolled graduate student or undergraduate student (or graduated within one year) in a related field of International Relations/Development, Social Work, Global Human resources, Learning and Development; Non-Profit Management, International Business, or other relevant fields.

• Excellent organization skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate.

• Comfort with research, organizing content, and liaising with staff.

• Strong writing skills and graphic design experience.

• Detail-oriented and able to multi-task efficiently. 

• Ability to use basic functions of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office programs 

• English fluency is required.

• Experience with Asana (a web app designed to organize, track, and manage) is a plus.

• Intern will need to supply his/her/their home workspace, computer, internet access, etc.

This position reports to the Grants Coordinator and Grants Specialist. 

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship opportunity.

Working Environment:

• The Grants Management Internship can be in-person at the San Diego office or fully remote.

• Selected interns may choose their hours between Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm PST.