Summer Associate, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking a Summer Associate for our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core to who we are at The Rockefeller Foundation (RF). We are at our best when the talented people of RF work and thrive in a dynamic environment, where inclusion is encouraged, differences are respected, and equity is paramount, for our team members, grantees, and partners.  

This position will work closely with the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and report to the Senior Associate, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This team reports to the Chief Operating Officer and leads strategic efforts across our organization in alignment with our operational and programmatic priorities. This role will engage with various internal and external stakeholders to support our global diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, projects, and programs. 

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 resume are required.
• The 2025 summer program will run from June – August 2025.
• This position will be based in New York City and requires a hybrid work arrangement, working onsite Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

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 work experience. This is a non-exempt position and thus eligible for overtime pay. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the OneRF diversity, equity and inclusion strategy.
• Support assessment of the RF Affinity Groups to establish best practices for success and sustainability.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking research to develop RF’s diversity, equity and inclusion professional development curriculum.
• Provide project management support for the planning and execution of convenings, events and workshops.
• Support team operations as requested, including knowledge management, document and deliverable review, and data analysis.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders, fostering partnerships that advance RF’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals.

Education, Experience, and Skills

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in one of the following areas: non-profit management, diversity, equity and inclusion, human resources, environmental sustainability, organizational development, change management, public administration, or similar areas.
• Passion for employee engagement, culture building, and working in the social sector.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and ability to research new, potentially unfamiliar topics with limited guidance.
• Excellent analytical, project management, and strategic planning skills.
• Collaborative, innovative, eager to learn, and committed to RF’s mission.
• Must be a resourceful and proactive self-starter with the ability to prioritize and multitask.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

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.

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.