Summer Intern, Communications

Position Overview

The Rockefeller Foundation seeks a Communications Intern to join our dynamic team. This internship offers graduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit communications, digital engagement, and strategic messaging. Interns will contribute to meaningful projects that elevate the Foundation’s mission and impact. The intern will work closely with experienced professionals, receive mentorship, and develop practical skills in content creation, media relations, and digital strategy. The role is ideal for those eager to learn, collaborate, and grow in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. Interns are valued team members whose ideas and efforts help advance our communications goals.

Program Details

• Open to undergraduate or 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

• Support content management and digital asset organization for the Foundation’s websites and social channels.
• Draft and edit copy for social media, press releases, and internal/external communications.
• Assist with event coverage, including content capture and preparation of materials for media interviews and reports.
• Track and report on digital, social, and media metrics; help manage media databases and distribution lists.
• Contribute to graphic design, data visualization, and template organization for digital platforms.
• Collaborate with team members on research, messaging, and engagement strategies to elevate key programs and initiatives.

Education, Experience, and Skills

• Currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program in communications, public policy, business, government, international development, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft clear messages and summaries.
• Basic research and editorial skills; able to synthesize information and check for accuracy.
• Ability to organize tasks, manage time, and meet deadlines with guidance.
• Collaborative skillset; comfortable working in a team and open to feedback.
• Interest in digital media, nonprofit communications, and mission-driven work.
• Proactive ability and willingness to learn new tools and adapt to changing priorities.

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 and follow us on X and LinkedIn .

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.