Youth Program Assistant

The Opportunity

Position Title: Youth Program Assistant

Location: San Diego, CA

Reports To: Executive Director

Classification: Non-Exempt

Status: Part-Time, temporary through December 31, 2027

Requirements : Driver's license and the ability to travel throughout San Diego area is required.

Compensation: $23.48-$29.35/hourly, commensurate with experience.

Join the team behind the mission

Every day, people across California turn to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) when they face discrimination, threats to their civil rights, or challenges to their freedom to practice their faith. As the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in California, we protect constitutional rights, advance justice, and empower communities through legal advocacy, public policy, civic engagement, and education.

Since 1994, that work has been made possible by a dedicated team committed to serving individuals, families, and communities across California. Behind every case, campaign, and initiative are people working together to create meaningful change.

Whether you serve clients directly or support our mission behind the scenes, your work helps build a more just, inclusive, and equitable California.

Why CAIR-CA

Meaningful Work: Your work directly contributes to protecting civil rights, advancing justice, and strengthening communities throughout California.

Collaborative Culture: Team members value respect, teamwork, innovation, and continuous learning.

Professional Growth: We support your development through mentorship and opportunities to expand your skills and impact.

Purpose-Driven Environment: Colleagues create meaningful change and serve communities with dedication and integrity.

Statewide Impact: No matter your role, your contributions advance CAIR-CA's mission and create lasting impact throughout California.

How You'll Make an Impact

The Youth Program Assistant works collaboratively with the team to develop and assist with strategic programming focused on youth development, political education, and youth organizing, grounded in the diverse experiences, cultures, and traditions of Black, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian communities.

The Youth Program Assistant will help create welcoming, nurturing, and empowering spaces that support the diverse experiences and needs of Muslim youth in the San Diego area. This may include developing programs that respond to the needs of newly arrived Afghan youth and families, as well as initiatives that foster identity, belonging, and resilience through school-based programming, anti-bullying efforts, storytelling, and other youth-centered activities.

The ideal candidate will play a central role in fostering civic and political engagement among Muslim high school and college students by developing and facilitating educational programs, leadership opportunities, and platforms for meaningful youth organizing and participation.

In this role, you will do the following:

• Assist and coordinate youth programs that support youth leadership, civic engagement, community connection, and social responsibility. Assess the needs and interests of local youth and families and develop programs, workshops, forums, and educational activities responsive to those needs.
• Support regional youth initiatives , including programs such as the Muslim Gamechangers Network, Muslim Youth Leadership Program, anti-school bullying initiatives, and other youth leadership and civic engagement programs. Work collaboratively with CAIR-CA and other offices as needed to support consistent and effective program delivery. Support youth-led organizing and civic engagement initiatives by creating opportunities for young people to identify issues affecting their communities, develop leadership skills, and participate in community engagement and advocacy activities consistent with CAIR's organizational priorities.
• Deliver youth-focused educational programming and curriculum on topics such as leadership development, civic engagement, community history, school climate, bullying prevention, cultural awareness, social responsibility, and racial and economic justice.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with youth-serving organizations, Islamic centers, Muslim student associations, schools, community organizations, other faith communities, and other community partners to expand youth programming, identify resources, and support program goals. Support building relationships with key community and institutional partners, including schools, universities, elected officials, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and coalition partners, to support program objectives and strengthen opportunities for youth engagement.
• Recruit volunteers and interns to support youth programs and other community initiatives. Support the coordination of onboarding, orientation, training, placement, and ongoing engagement to promote a positive and meaningful volunteer and internship experience. Recruit and engage program participants for youth programs, workshops, forums, campaigns, and other community activities through schools, community organizations, outreach events, digital communications, and other appropriate channels.
• Represent CAIR-SD at community events , coalition meetings, school activities, and other outreach opportunities, including occasional evening and weekend events and travel as needed. Maintain accurate program records and support program evaluation and reporting, including tracking participation, program activities, outcomes, and other information needed for grant and organizational reporting. Collaborate with CAIR-SD and staff across CAIR-CA on youth programming, community engagement, communications, and other initiatives that advance the organization's mission and strategic priorities. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Other duties as assigned, dependent on organizational needs and employee skills. All CAIR staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, weekly outreach, and other office tasks.


What You Bring

Required

• Minimum one year of experience in a related field.
• Ideal candidates possess experience working with youth and/or community organizing.
• Previous engagement with the American Muslim community.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and internet research.
• Ability to convey information in a professional and diplomatic manner.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to manage a variety of tasks.

Preferred

• Arabic, Farsi, Somali language skills.

What You'll Gain

At CAIR-CA, we believe our employees are essential to advancing our mission. We strive to provide a workplace where employees can grow professionally while doing meaningful work.

Depending on eligibility, our benefits include:

• Competitive compensation
• Hybrid work schedules temporarily available
• 5 sick days per calendar year
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match

Equal Opportunity Employer

CAIR-CA is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

Empowering American Muslims. Protecting Civil Rights. Promoting Justice.