College Internship

College Internship

Internship Term - Internship Dates - Application Deadlines

Winter/Spring Internship - In Session - 2027 Dates TBD

Summer Internship - June 17, 2026 - August 21, 2026 - June 3, 2026

Fall Internship - September 9, 2026 - November 20, 2026 - August 26, 2026

At CAIR-SFBA, we believe that the best way to secure a better future for all of us is to empower young Americans with the skills they need to make a difference. Experience is the best teacher. Interns will work with leaders on substantive projects that lay the foundation for a more just and inclusive America. They will:

• Develop professional skills.
• Gain insight into the impact of public service.
• Work with different departments to holistically understand the daily operations of a non-profit civil rights organization.

Interns will gain hands-on experience in one of the following departments:

Civic Engagement

Responsibilities include organizing meetings with local elected officials to discuss issues affecting the Muslim community, assisting with voter registration campaigns, and acting as a liaison between CAIR and public officials. An interest in political science is desirable.

Communications

Responsibilities include informing the media about Islamic activities and practices, monitoring the local media, writing editorials, and assisting in issuing the CAIR-California newsletter. Interns will develop their skills for writing in a journalistic style. Interns will also learn how to effectively engage the community through social media and be responsible for creating posts, updates, tweets, and more to promote and enhance CAIR-SFBA's image through said mediums. They will also learn how the media works and how to develop press releases and media packets. An interest in media and communications is desirable.

Event Planning/Outreach

Responsibilities include organizing events sponsored by CAIR (such as the Muslim Day at the Capitol), proposing and creating new material to promote CAIR, preparing an exhibit, and helping with inquiries from members and guests. Other responsibilities may include acting as a liaison between CAIR and the local Muslim and non-Muslim communities, organizing outreach programs with Islamic centers, and developing and implementing strategies to attract individuals to become involved with CAIR. An interest in marketing, public relations, and graphic design is desirable.

Operations

Responsibilities include working closely with the Operations Manager to maintain office productivity. Interns will assist with daily operations, such as coordination of staff meetings, trainings, and activities; greeting guests and interacting with patrons; and assisting with office organization projects. The internship also includes a membership component with responsibilities such as donor and community outreach, development of membership programs, and more.

Youth Development

Responsibilities include implementing CAIR's youth programming, which engages high school and college students around issues of identity, leadership development, civil rights, civic engagement, and social justice. Programs include:

• Muslim Youth Leadership Program
• Muslim Gamechangers Network
• Muslim Day at the Capitol

Interns will research a wide range of issues affecting the Muslim community to develop relevant and engaging curriculum and program content. Interns will work on all aspects of program planning, including, but not limited to, marketing, outreach and recruitment, program execution, and evaluation.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be college students pursuing a bachelor's degree or an advanced degree, or recent graduates (17 and older)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office platforms
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Passion and familiarity with the work that CAIR does

While CAIR-SFBA does not compensate interns, we encourage candidates to apply for funding through scholarships and/or fellowships. For more information, contact your college career services office.

Internships typically last from 10-12 weeks, depending on the student's academic calendar. Hours for an academic term internship are 15 hours per week for a Fall or Spring internship and 20 hours for a Summer internship. CAIR-SFBA currently operates a hybrid schedule for staff and requires interns to work in-office a minimum of two days per week with Friday being a mandatory on-site day.

Internship Agreement

I understand that by submitting this application, CAIR has the liberty to place me in the position most suited to my qualifications or needs of CAIR. If I am selected as an intern, I agree to notify CAIR, in writing, of my acceptance within 7 days of selection. If CAIR does not receive notification from me, then CAIR can assume that I am not participating in the internship program. I certify that I have read and understood all the information mentioned above and the information I have provided is complete, accurate, and to the best of my knowledge.

How to Apply

Please submit :

• A cover letter discussing your interest in the position, as well as CAIR and its mission. Explain your preferred area of focus or department to be placed in, and your preferred internship term: Spring, Summer, Fall.
• Your resume.
• The names and contact information of three references.
• Your hours and availability to be in person on Wednesday or Thursday.

We will contact you once we have received all of your materials.