Sewing Instructor

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Background of the project  

,

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are disrupted by conflict, disaster, and the climate crisis to survive, recover, and regain control of their future. IRC teams provide health, infrastructure, education, and economic support in over 50 countries worldwide. In the United States, the IRC supports thousands of refugees resettling in 29 cities each year through housing assistance, case management, job readiness and placement, cultural orientation, health and wellness programs, immigration services, and youth programming.

• Scope of work

The Sewing Instructor will work closely with the Sewing Program Coordinator to facilitate twice-weekly sewing classes and guide participants through skill-building projects. Specific responsibilities include:

• Preparing, cleaning, and organizing the classroom space, materials, and tools before and after each class session.
• Leading hands-on sewing lessons and projects that build progressively from beginner to intermediate skills.
• Teaching proper use, care, and maintenance of sewing machines and tools.
• Providing constructive and encouraging feedback to participants to support confidence and learning.
• Fostering a friendly, inclusive, and culturally sensitive classroom environment that encourages participation.
• Assisting with special activities such as field trips to local sewing supply stores and end-of-cohort celebrations.

Deliverables:

The consultant will be responsible for completing the following deliverables within the contract period:

• Lesson Plan and Weekly Schedule – Provide a brief outline of the class sessions, learning objectives, and materials needed.
• Instructional Sessions – Deliver 8 in-person sewing classes (10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. every Monday and Tuesday) focused on practical sewing skills and basic business knowledge.
• Participant Sewing Projects – Support each participant in completing at least one finished sewing project by the end of the cohort.
• Classroom Management and Setup – Maintain a clean, organized, and safe sewing environment and ensure all supplies are properly handled.
• Attendance and Progress Records – Track class attendance and participant engagement throughout the cohort.
• Final Summary Report – Submit a short written summary (1–2 paragraphs) at the end of the program outlining key accomplishments, challenges, and participant outcomes.

Payment Rate and Schedule:

Payment will be based on the total instructional and preparation hours worked and the completion of all agreed-upon deliverables.

• Rate: $30.00 per hour
• Total Hours: 36 hours (8 class sessions at 4 hours each, plus 1 hour of preparation per week for 4 weeks)
• Payment Schedule: Payment will be processed in one installment upon completion of all deliverables and submission of the final summary report.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in sewing, including machine operation, garment construction, alterations, and craft sewing.
• Familiarity with using and maintaining a variety of sewing machines (standard and serger/overlock preferred).
• Prior experience teaching or facilitating sewing classes, especially for adult learners in multicultural settings.
• Ability to create an inclusive, supportive, and culturally sensitive classroom environment.
• Effective communication skills in English. Fluency in a refugee language (e.g., Swahili, French, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Tigrinya) is helpful but not required.
• Cultural awareness and respect for refugee and immigrant communities; ability to work sensitively with participants from diverse backgrounds.
• Reliable, organized, and punctual, with the ability to plan lessons and prepare materials in advance.
• Flexibility and a positive attitude when adapting to participant needs and class dynamics.
• Must be able to travel to the IRC SeaTac office (1200 S 192nd St, Suite 101, SeaTac, WA 98148)

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.