Position Overview
The Rockefeller Foundation seeks an Intern for its Sustainable Operations team. Reporting to the Manager, Sustainable Operations, and working closely with internal stakeholders, this role supports strategies for operational efficiency and sustainability. The Sustainable Operations team is preparing for the next decade to deliver excellent services that enable the Foundation to make decisions now that contribute to a better climate future for communities around the globe. Responsibilities include supporting data collection, creating communications materials, and leading a project analyzing the positive impact of sustainable operations on health, economic benefits, and energy access.
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 year-long internship:
- Full-time (35 hrs/week) during the summer (June–August 2026).
- Part-time during the academic year (September 2026–May 2027), with a minimum of 16 and maximum of 20 hours per week.
- The position is based in New York City and requires in-office presence Monday through Thursday during the summer (June–August). The in-office presence during the academic year will be determined by the position supervisor with consideration for the Intern’s class schedule.
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 work experience. This is a non-exempt position and thus eligible for overtime pay.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Support department-wide data collection processes on key performance indicators related to excellence, efficiency, and sustainability, and create compelling presentations and communications materials.
- Lead a project analyzing the impact of sustainable operations on improving the lives of people and communities around the world using qualitative and quantitative measures.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to embed sustainability into operational decisions.
- Other duties and projects as assigned.
Education, Experience, and Skills
- Currently enrolled in a graduate program in one of the following areas: sustainable business, environmental management, sustainability studies, sustainable supply chain, or a related discipline.
- Familiarity with sustainable operations and net-zero principles, with a willingness to learn and apply them under guidance.
- Ability to gather information on new topics, summarize findings, and contribute to team insights with supervision.
- Capable of drafting clear content and sharing ideas effectively in team settings.
- Works well with others, demonstrates adaptability, and contributes to group projects with enthusiasm.
- Shows curiosity and takes ownership of assigned tasks, seeking guidance when needed to ensure progress.
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.
