Nonprofit OPT Jobs in Washington DC

Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.

The Need

For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Communications Fellow.

International Justice Mission has a powerful story to tell a world that is both overwhelmed by and under-informed about the reality of everyday violence against the poor. We have an opportunity to show a global audience that justice for the poor is possible. The Communications Fellow will support the Regional President, Asia Pacific and national staff on guiding how the organization talks about IJM’s work around the world by sourcing and developing compelling content from IJM’s field offices. Depending on your level of experience, your role may involve some of the following responsibilities as well as other relevant duties assigned by the supervisor.

• Partner with the Regional President, Asia Pacific, to develop executive communications and speeches for external speaking engagements, ensuring alignment with the President's voice and creating accompanying graphics as needed.
• Conduct research, verify facts, and provide context that positions IJM's work within regional and global conversations.
• Conduct field research and write compelling, issue-focused stories that highlight IJM's impact and work.
• Research, compile, and analyze information to support the office's communications initiatives.
• Develop written materials based on studies, surveys, interviews, and other information sources.
• Serve as an entrepreneurial internal reporter, identifying and capturing stories and news that showcase IJM's work and impact.
• Maintain promotional materials, inventory records, and related tracking systems.
• Support the planning, execution, and promotion of key events.
• Provide additional departmental and communications support as needed.

Position may be available in: Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Jakarta, Indonesia; or Manila, Philippines.

Program duration is 12 months, with start dates in early 2027 and completion dates occurring in late 2027 or early 2028.

Fellowship General Qualifications and Required Skills

• Three or more years of relevant professional experience and/or a graduate degree;
• Prior work experience in Communications, Media, and/or Public Relations;
• Demonstrated experience in writing and public speaking, shown via writing samples and recorded speaking engagement(s);
• Expert knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Windows XP; and
• Experience with deep research and analysis in a professional and/or academic setting.

Critical Qualities

• Mature orthodox Christian faith;
• Humble and resilient;
• Pursues excellence;
• Culturally aware and appreciative of difference;
• Strong service ethic;
• Innovative problem solver;
• Ability to build trust and strong partnerships with others;
• Courageous in pursuing opportunities and challenges;
• Tenacious in achieving goals; and
• Professional.

As volunteers, interns and fellows receive a monthly stipend to help defray their expenses related to participating in the fellowship program. This volunteer stipend is not an hourly wage, nor wages paid for services provided by the intern or fellow.

Application Process:

Upload Resume, Cover Letter & Statement of Faith* in one PDF document.

What is a statement of faith?

A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.

IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidate’s value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.

At IJM, we’re committed to building a diverse workforce through fair and equitable employment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, marital status or political ideology to apply for employment. While we welcome everyone into this work, we truly believe that the work we are doing is God’s work, not our own, and practice spiritual disciplines together daily. That’s why we legally require under SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that all employees practice a mature orthodox Christian faith, as defined by the Apostles’ Creed.

IJM requires a background check, police clearance and thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.