The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking a Summer Associate for our Food Initiative 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 is required.
- The 2025 summer program will run for 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 landscape research on food system actors and initiatives relevant to the food team’s U.S. strategy. A primary focus will be on Food is Medicine, which is a growing area of emphasis for the Foundation. Other focus areas include school nutrition, institutional food procurement, and regenerative agriculture.
- Track and synthesize key policy and regulatory developments related to the food team’s U.S. strategy.
- Support the U.S. food team in preparing issue briefs, drafting internal and external presentations, and collecting data to inform evaluation and direction-setting.
- Review and synthesize academic and grey literature related to the food team’s strategy and learning questions.
- Engage with and help track grantee deliverables, turning points, and impact metrics, for internal reporting.
Education, Experience, And Skills
- Currently enrolled in a graduate program in one of the following areas: food systems, public health, public policy, government, nutrition, sustainability, or a related field.
- Strong research and analytical capabilities and excellent written communication skills; able to synthesize research and data to guide program strategy.
- Understanding of racial injustices in the U.S. food system, and commitment to advancing racial equity.
- Knowledge of the intersection of food systems and climate change, including a range of food systems solutions for advancing climate mitigation and resilience.
- Familiarity with the U.S. healthcare system, including Medicare and Medicaid, is preferred.
- Collaborative, innovative, eager to learn, and interested in how foundations create and implement strategies working alongside a diverse set of partners.
- Previous work experience in the nonprofit sector, philanthropy, public policy/government, or research field preferred.
- Must be a proactive self-starter.
- 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.
