Summer Associate, Strategic Communications

The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking a Summer Associate for our Communications team.

We value our Summer Associates and want to invest in and mentor future leaders who will grow personally and professionally and create an impact in the philanthropic sector. As a Summer Associate at The Rockefeller Foundation, you will have the chance to contribute to our initiatives through engaging, meaningful work assignments.

Program Details

• This position is open to graduate students only.
• A cover letter and writing sample are required.
• The 2025 summer program will run 11 weeks from June – August 2025.
• This position will be based in New York City with either a hybrid or fully remote schedule. Students engaged in fully remote work must be based in the United States.
  
  

Pay Range: $30 - $35 hourly rate. This represents the present low and high end of the Foundation’s pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to experience. This is a non-exempt position and thus eligible for overtime pay.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities

• Elevate engagement and increase awareness of key programs and initiatives, both within and outside of the Foundation.
• Work with Communications team to coordinate internal and external communications and announcements. Collaborate with speechwriting and internal communications colleagues to draft meaningful messages that resonate with target audiences.
• Research events, programs, issue areas, leaders, and more to inform speeches, op-eds, social media posts, etc. Review drafts for factual accuracy and consistent messaging.
• Research and draft briefing documents and memos for meetings, convenings, and events with government and multilateral leaders and stakeholders.
• Research and conduct due diligence on external events and invitations to inform senior leadership participation and engagement.
• Draft messaging on behalf of Foundation leaders.
• Support the production of monthly Town Halls and other all-staff events and communications. This includes scheduling, coordinating with partners and teams, and drafting briefs and talking points for leadership.
  
  

Education, Experience, And Skills

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in one of the following areas: business, communications, public policy, government, international development, or a related field.
• Interest or experience working in the nonprofit sector and communications.
• Strong research/writing/editorial capabilities; able to conduct thorough research and synthesize complex topics into simple, engaging stories.
• Collaborative, innovative, eager to learn, and interested in how foundations create and implement strategies alongside partners.
• Previous work experience in the nonprofit sector and/or communications field preferred.
• Must be a proactive self-starter, with strong communication skills and attention to detail.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Committed to the mission of the Foundation.
  
  

Qualifications And Competencies

• Bias for Action: Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Decision Quality: Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Plans and Aligns: Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Values Differences: Recognizes the value of different perspectives and commits to being self aware, respectful, and seeks to learn from new and different voices.
  
  

About The Rockefeller Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at http://rockefellerfoundation.org and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn .

As an organization, we focus on six values to advance our culture and continue our success. We are dedicated to being Transparent, Optimistic, Accountable, Collaborative, Trusted, and Equitable. We expect all employees at the Foundation to contribute by developing their unique perspectives and talent, challenging conventional wisdom through evidence and reason, and amplifying marginalized voices.

The Rockefeller Foundation is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, the Foundation ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status, liability for service in the United States Armed Forces, or any other protected status.

The Rockefeller Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.