Research And Development Intern Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

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 Data and Research Intern will support IRC Silver Spring's Development team by organizing program data, creating impact materials and conducting research to support fundraising efforts. The intern will analyze FY26 outcomes, research local benchmarks, coordinate with program teams to verify data and support donor prospecting and funding research.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review and organize program data, tracking sheets and reports to identify key FY26 results and achievements.

• Create data summaries, program one-pagers and materials that show IRC Silver Spring's impact for proposals.

• Research local data and trends to compare IRC Silver Spring's results with community needs.

• Work with program teams to collect program data updates, confirm information and ensure data accuracy.

• Maintain organized data files, templates and resources for fundraising and reporting.

• Research potential foundation, corporate and individual donors aligned with IRC Silver Spring programs.

• Identify funding opportunities and update donor research and proposal tracking tools.

• Support proposal development, reporting and other Development team projects as needed.

• Submit intern hours through the volunteer dashboard.

• Other duties as assigned

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Gain experience organizing program data and creating clear impact materials for fundraising and reporting.

• Learn how nonprofits use internal and external data to support grant proposals and donor communications.

• Develop skills in donor prospecting, funding research and nonprofit development strategies.

• Build experience collaborating with program teams to collect information and communicate outcomes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION:

• Pursuing undergraduate or master's degree.

• Previous experience demonstrating strong research and analytical skills.

• Prior relevant coursework preferred.

• Strong communicator with clear verbal and written expression.

• Strong organization and administrative skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, collaborative environment.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.

• 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 list of (at least) three references to your application.The deadline to apply is 08/21/2026.
This position is for Fall 2026 and requires a minimum commitment of 12 weeks and 22.5 hours per week. This is not a fully remote position and interns must be able to work in the office at least one day per week. Overall ability to work in person is preferred.
Fall 2026 interns are expected to begin their internship term by attending an in-person intern orientation on September 7th, 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. Fall 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.