Summer Associate, Resource Mobilization

The Rockefeller Foundation (RF) seeks a Summer Associate for the Philanthropic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization team. The team is responsible for identifying and cultivating new and existing partnerships with a broad range of funders (e.g., private and corporate philanthropies, family offices and donor-advised funds, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, development banks, and bilateral aid agencies) to deliver on the Foundation’s strategy to improve the wellbeing of humanity. As a member of the team, the summer associate will have the ability to directly assist in 1) developing institutional partnerships across the private and public sectors, 2) working directly with program teams on developing partnership and resource mobilization strategies and 3) providing support for key foundation initiatives. 

This role will gain experience in building strategic partnerships and alliances; as well as mobilizing capital and other resources to scale the Foundation’s people-centered climate strategy. We value our Summer Associates and want to invest in and mentor future leaders who will grow personally & 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 a hybrid schedule.

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 support towards the execution of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Resource Mobilization strategy, which is centered on expanding the Foundation’s partnerships and alliances across our programmatic areas.
• Collaborate and work with teams across the Foundation’s program areas (clean energy, food & agriculture, climate-smart health systems, carbon markets, impact investing, etc.) to execute resource mobilization and partnership strategies that help catalyze engagement and investment from others for RF solutions.
• Work with the Resource Mobilization team’s Vice President, Director, and Senior Associate to develop engagement strategies for priority potential partners and others.
• Conduct research and identify key players, individuals, and organizations in the philanthropic space who focus on similar sectors as RF, prioritizing which organizations have the highest likelihood to partner with RF.
• Design PowerPoint presentations & draft internal memos on a specific topic in preparation for meetings and events with external collaborators.
• Maintain and update Salesforce to ensure up-to-date and accurate documentation of contacts and partner interactions.
• Learn about RF’s programmatic solutions across our four systems (Energy, Health, Food, & Finance) and act as a liaison of the Resource Mobilization with teams across the Foundation.
• Communicate and collaborate with internal and external partners of the Resource Mobilization Team to accomplish collective goals.

Education, Experience, and Skills

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in one of the following areas: public policy, international relations, international development, business, finance, sustainability, 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 managing partnerships, business development, fundraising, international development, strategy consulting, or nonprofits preferred.
• Must be a proactive self-starter.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be committed to the mission of The Rockefeller 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.