Summer Associate, Media Relations

The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking a Summer Associate for Media Relations to join our Communications, Policy & Advocacy 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 and writing sample are required.
• The 2025 summer program will run for 11 weeks 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 experience. This is a non-exempt position and thus eligible for overtime pay. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities 

• Assist with prep materials and memos for media interviews and events; contribute to quarterly media reports.
• Assist with tracking media engagement and updating the internal media database. 
• Participate in weekly media relations team meetings; assist with follow-up.
• Staff select media interviews with teammates.
• Edit and draft press releases and media statements; build distribution lists.
• Suggest innovative ideas for engaging reporters.
• Send daily media clip emails to staff.

Education, Experience, and Skills

• Currently enrolled in a public relations, communications, international studies, or other related graduate degree program.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and highly organized.
• Experience with Critical Mention, PR Newswire, Salesforce, and WordPress is a plus.
• Committed to working collaboratively.
• 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.

Salary : $30 - $35