Internships

Internships


Summer 2026 Internship at the Joint Distribution Committee Archives - JDC (NYC)

Center for Israel Studies - JDC Archives Summer Internship:

Preference and priority are given to minors in Israel studies.

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), a leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization established in 1914, seeks an intern to work in summer 2026. The Archives internship provides the opportunity to learn about archival research as well as archival arrangement, description, and preservation. Students will gain hands-on experience working with historians and archivists to describe historical materials for research use. Opportunities vary by semester. 

The JDC Archives is one of the world’s most important repositories for the study of modern Jewish history and of American humanitarian intervention. To learn more about the JDC Archives, visit our website and find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook!

For Summer 2026, the following projects are expected:

  1. Create a study/research guide of the material we have on the  Yishuv in our collection to be published online (similar to The Odyssey of the S.S. Exodus | JDC Archives)
  2. Participate in a project focused on the opening of the JDC’s Jerusalem office in 1976, which may include compiling background materials or contributing to a blog post.
  3. Dependent on time, there is potential to work with the Film and Photo Archivist on cataloging images from Israel during the 1950s-1960s. There are at least 1,000 photographs from this time period. 
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS GAINED

You will gain: 

  • Familiarity with archival concepts
  • Familiarity with archival research techniques
  • Insights into 20th century Israeli history and JDC’s history
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Faculty recommendation from Binghamton University Center for Israeli Studies
  • Current or previous coursework in Jewish Studies and/or Jewish History
    Strong interest in archives, librarianship, or Jewish history
  • Ability to bend, reach, and lift up to 30 lbs. Occasionally, up to 10 lbs. regularly
  • Ability to read words and numbers
  • Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment
  • Ability to communicate in person or over the telephone
PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work on one’s own and as part of a team
  • Ability to ask clarifying questions, troubleshoot, and solve problems
  • Proficiency with common computer applications (MS Office Suite, etc.)
  • Familiarity with Hebrew is an asset
LOCATION:

Typically, the intern will work at JDC’s New York headquarters in midtown Manhattan and at its climate-controlled offsite facility in Long Island City where some of the collection is stored. Remote work is a possibility. 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

Employment Type: Part Time

Hours: 12-20 hours a week, between the hours of 8:45AM – 4:45PM. Schedule dependent on intern availability.

Location: New York, NY

Reports to: Deputy Director of the JDC Global Archives

Job Function/Department: Archives

Expected/Preferred start date: To be determined - typically open as semester or summer programs

Why work at JDC?
  • The People - What we hear most from our team members is that they enjoy working with others who share their passion for doing good; Our staff aim to use their skills to make a positive difference in the lives of others
  • A Global Environment – you will have the opportunity to develop a global perspective, working with staff from the U.S., Israel, the Former Soviet Union, and all over the world
  • Tikkun Olam – This Jewish value of “repairing the world” is deeply important to us. Collectively we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others
Equal Employment Opportunity

JDC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As the world’s leading global Jewish humanitarian organization, we are committed to treating people with compassion and respect. All qualified applications will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, mental disorder, familial status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

About JDC

Join The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization. JDC works in around 70 countries and in Israel to alleviate hunger and hardship, rescue Jews in danger, create lasting connections to Jewish life, and help Israel overcome the social challenges of its most vulnerable citizens, both Jewish and non-Jewish. Our reach extends beyond the global Jewish community by providing immediate relief and long-term development support for victims of natural and man-made disasters worldwide.

JDC has over 100 years of experience providing social and humanitarian services to Jewish people. You can learn more about JDC at www.jdc.org.