Summer Intern, US Program and Policy

The Rockefeller Foundation • New York, NY

17d • $30 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

Position Overview The Intern supports the US Economic Opportunity initiative within the Rockefeller Foundation’s US Program & Policy team, which advances strategies and grantmaking to expand economic opportunity. Key responsibilities include researching best practices for economic development in distressed communities, identifying policy interventions at the federal, state, and local levels, and sharing evidence-based learnings. The position involves supporting grant management, learning evaluations, and convening design, while fostering alignment with partners and funders. This work connects to broader efforts across AI, energy, food, and health systems, driving transformative innovations that create good jobs, rebuild hope in the American Dream, and shape an inclusive economy. Program Details Open to graduate students currently enrolled in an accredited program. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter as part of the application process. Work authorization in the United States is required. This is a summer internship , full-time (35 hrs/week) from June through August 2026. The position is based in New York City and requires in-office presence Monday- Thursday . Hiring 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 Monitor and research trends and innovative approaches for economic development in urban, rural, and Tribal communities facing economic distress and technological change. Assist with the team’s measurement and learning agenda, including but not limited to researching new indicators and data displays for grant-making and investments Draft/edit issue briefs, memoranda, and internal or external presentations on economic development, wraparound services, government programs, AI/automation, private investments, social and economic data, and other topics relevant to the initiative. Assist in designing, planning, and implementing convenings. Participate in grantee check-in calls and webinars, and correspond with prospective and existing grantees to support grants management. Liaise across USPP initiatives to support communications and influence efforts. Education, Experience, and Skills Currently enrolled in a graduate program in one of the following areas: economic development, economics, public policy, government administration, business, finance, or a related discipline. Foundational understanding of economic development, workforce development, responsible AI policy, and community change in the U.S., including program design, systems, policy, and partnerships. Excellent writing and communication skills with the ability to research and synthesize unfamiliar topics effectively. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, think creatively, and learn quickly while engaging with diverse partners and strategies. Experience in economic development, data analysis, or public policy is preferred. Self-starter with the ability to take initiative and manage tasks independently. 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. Strategic Learning : Actively learns through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder. Values Differences : Recognizes the value of different perspectives, commits to being self-aware and respectful, and seeks to learn from new and different voices. 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 in food, health, energy, and finance, including through our public charity, RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC). For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation . 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 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.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in one of the following areas: economic development, economics, public policy, government administration, business, finance, or a related discipline.
• Foundational understanding of economic development, workforce development, responsible AI policy, and community change in the U.S., including program design, systems, policy, and partnerships.
• Excellent writing and communication skills with the ability to research and synthesize unfamiliar topics effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, think creatively, and learn quickly while engaging with diverse partners and strategies.
• Self-starter with the ability to take initiative and manage tasks independently.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in economic development, data analysis, or public policy is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and research trends and innovative approaches for economic development in urban, rural, and Tribal communities facing economic distress and technological change.
• Assist with the team’s measurement and learning agenda, including but not limited to researching new indicators and data displays for grant-making and investments
• Draft/edit issue briefs, memoranda, and internal or external presentations on economic development, wraparound services, government programs, AI/automation, private investments, social and economic data, and other topics relevant to the initiative.
• Assist in designing, planning, and implementing convenings.
• Participate in grantee check-in calls and webinars, and correspond with prospective and existing grantees to support grants management.
• Liaise across USPP initiatives to support communications and influence efforts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees