The Rockefeller Foundation’s US Program and Policy Team is seeking Summer Associates for the Economic Opportunity Initiative.
The Economic Opportunity initiative’s strategy is to mobilize public and private resources and to achieve economic stability and opportunity for America’s low-wage workers, with a focus on two key pillars:
- Economic Policy: State and national policies that maximize tax benefits for low-wage workers, brought about by policy design, coalition building, and field influence. We are creating collaborations to build a fairer tax system and support for pro-worker tax and revenue policies.
- Equitable Climate Solutions: We advance programs at the nexus of climate and economic opportunity, establishing a foundation for sustainable, scalable progress in underserved communities. Our objective is to implement high-potential, locally-led initiatives and ensure all communities can access climate funding. Our biggest investment in this space is to Invest in Our Future, a donor collaborative aimed at unlocking federal funding to ensure that the clean energy economy includes everyone.
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 is 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
- Conduct research, analyzing current and proposed policies, evaluating the effects of existing and/or proposed policy changes, and reporting on findings.
- Assist with our measurement and learning agenda, including but not limited to researching new indicators and data displays for our grant-making and investments.
- Draft/edit issue briefs, memoranda, and internal or external presentations on climate issues, government programs, private investments, social and economic data, and other topics relevant to the initiative.
- Assist in designing, planning, and implementing Economic Equity grantee convenings, if applicable.
- Participate in grantee check-in calls and webinars and correspond with applicants and grantees.
Education, Experience, And Skills
- Currently enrolled in a graduate program in one of the following fields: public policy, sociology, economics, business, data science, or a related field.
- Interest or experience working in the nonprofit sector.
- Commitment to economic opportunity and experience working with low-income communities.
- Experience with data analysis and qualitative and quantitative research, including statistics.
- Passionate about making data relevant and useful, able to write about data and develop user-friendly data displays for non-experts.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment and be a proactive self-starter.
- Collaborative, innovative, eager to learn, and interested in how foundations create and implement strategies working alongside partners.
- 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 inclusion, equity, and diversity in every aspect of work.
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 operate from a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything that we do. It is not only the right thing to do – we could not make an impact without our team members' diverse perspectives and experiences. 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.
