Volunteering and Internships

Interns and volunteers at IDEX’s annual event.

Since 1985, hundreds of volunteers and interns have contributed thousands of hours to our work.

We welcome new ways to involve interns and volunteers to help us reach our goals. Opportunities change frequently, and those listed below may or may not be available at the time of application.

All of our intern and volunteer positions are at capacity through the end of 2009.

Application Process

Review both the available positions and the Intern/Volunteer Overview below.
Submit a volunteer/intern application online. After submitting the form an email address will pop up.
Email your resume to IDEX using the email link you receive after submitting the application form.
If writing samples are requested (check specific job descriptions) please include them in the email with your resume.

In your application, please state a specific internship job position or organizational function that most interests you. This helps us match your skills and experience with IDEX’s needs.

Internship Opportunities

Spanish Translators

IDEX always needs fluent Spanish speakers to help with translation projects. A translation internship can be done online. You are not required to come into the office. As part of the application process, you will need to provide translations from both English to Spanish, and Spanish to English. We accept interns who are strong in both types of translation, or just one of the two. To apply, please review our two samples and submit your translations with your application and resume.

Program Intern

IDEX is seeking a Program Intern for spring 2010. To learn more and for details on how to apply please review the job description.

Volunteer Opportunities

Administrative/Organizational

Provide administrative support
Help with reception, correspondence, mailings, maintenance of office systems

Marketing / Social Media / Events

Help organize annual dinners and other special events
Support our online social media activities
Assist with IDEX's marketing

Program

Review correspondence from regions, review/summarize project reports, region-related research projects, assist with administrative support
Present trends in grassroots international development and summarize findings
Assist with hosting visiting IDEX partners
Assist Program staff in day-to-day administration
Research issues requested by IDEX partners
Spanish translation from and to partner organizations
Prepare documents for presentations using graphics software

Fundraising

If you wish to fundraise on IDEX’s behalf, please contact our main office to have a conversation about this with our development staff. This may include house parties, brown-bag lunches at your place of work, birthday or wedding celebrations or other ideas. We would love to hear your ideas.

Volunteer / Intern Overview

IDEX receives many more applications than available positions. Our priority is to find the best match for our needs. Once we receive your volunteer/intern profile and resume, we will acknowledge your application within 10 business days.

Before submitting your application and resume please be aware of the following:

All positions are in IDEX’s San Francisco office.
Only apply if you are based in the San Francisco Bay Area or planning to be in the area for at least 3 months (except for translation assistance or fundraising).
We do not offer international/overseas internships.
All intern and volunteer positions are unpaid.
We cannot offer relocation assistance or reimbursement.
IDEX staff work from 9am to 6pm, Monday through Friday. We need interns and volunteers during regular office hours.
Volunteers must be able to commit to a weekly schedule of 4 to 6 hours for a period of 3 to 6 months.
Interns must be able commit to a minimum of 8 to 16 hours per week for a period of 3 to 12 months during regular office hours.
IDEX does not offer full-time internships.
Internships can be connected to a course of study. IDEX can assist in processing paperwork towards credit or grants.
Necessary training, supervision and evaluation will be provided for volunteers and interns.