The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking a Summer Associate for our Program Strategy team. The Program Strategy Team (PST) sits within the Office of the Executive Vice President, Programs, which is headed by Elizabeth Yee. PST is responsible for the creation and coordination of our Foundation-wide climate strategy. PST works in tandem with our programmatic teams to implement and execute strategic objectives to achieve the goals set across the Foundation. As a member of the PST, this summer associate will have the ability to assist in the crafting and execution of Foundation-wide strategic initiatives.
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
- Provide project management support towards the development and execution of The Rockefeller Foundation’s emerging climate strategy, which is centered on deepening the Foundation’s climate focus and impact through 2030.
- Conduct research and draft slide decks & memos on topics ranging from foundation strategy, catalyzing impact capital, impact optimization, effective convenings, and network building.
- Review RF’s programmatic solutions across our four systems (Energy, Health, Food, & Finance) and develop plans that can accelerate their effectiveness within their ecosystems.
- Collaborate with teams across the Foundation’s program areas (clean energy, food & agriculture, climate-smart health systems, carbon markets, impact investing, etc.)
- Communicate and collaborate with internal and external partners of the Program Strategy Team to accomplish collective goals.
- Identify key players, individuals, and organizations in the philanthropic world who focus on similar areas of RF and develop strategies to partner and build alliances with them.
Education, Experience, And Skills
- Currently enrolled in a graduate program in one of the following areas: business, finance, public policy, government, international development, or a related field.
- Passion for project management, analytic work, and working in the nonprofit sector.
- Strong writing and communication skills and ability to research new, potentially unfamiliar topics with limited guidance.
- Collaborative, innovative, eager to learn, and interested in how the Foundation creates and implements strategies working alongside partners.
- Previous work experience in project management, strategy consulting, or nonprofits 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.
