Are you a graduate student passionate about public health, climate action, and global equity? The Rockefeller Foundation is offering an exciting paid internship opportunity within its Health Initiative team, based in New York City. This internship provides a unique chance to gain hands-on experience at one of the world’s most influential philanthropic organizations while contributing to critical work at the intersection of climate change and human health.
About the Opportunity
The Rockefeller Foundation is currently seeking an Intern, Health Initiative, to support its ongoing efforts to strengthen climate-informed health action and improve public health decision-making. The intern will work closely with the Director of Health and other team members, contributing to research, strategy, coordination, and partnership support.
This role is especially suitable for graduate students interested in public health, public policy, international development, business, governance, or related fields, and who want to build experience within a globally respected institution.
Internship Structure and Duration
This is a year-long paid internship with a hybrid structure:
Summer Period (June–August 2026):
- Full-time (35 hours per week)
- In-office presence required Monday through Thursday
Academic Year (September 2026–May 2027):
- Part-time (16–20 hours per week)
- In-office schedule determined in consultation with the supervisor and aligned with the intern’s academic timetable
The position is based in New York City, and applicants must have authorization to work in the United States.
Compensation
The internship is competitively paid, with an hourly rate ranging from $30 to $35, depending on experience and qualifications. As a non-exempt position, the role is also eligible for overtime pay, where applicable.
Key Responsibilities
The intern will play a supportive yet meaningful role across several priority areas within the Health Initiative. Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting research and analysis focused on climate-related health challenges, particularly those affecting vulnerable and underserved populations
- Assisting in the preparation of briefing documents, background memos, and slide decks for strategic engagements and partnerships
- Contributing to strategy and communication materials that link multiple workstreams and support both internal and external audiences
- Supporting project management activities, including tracking timelines, coordinating contributors, and advancing project objectives
- Providing logistical and coordination support for meetings, workshops, and convenings, including researching potential participants and managing invitations
- Assisting in drafting grant and contract documentation under the guidance of program officers
- Performing other duties and special projects as assigned by the Health Initiative team
This role offers broad exposure to strategic philanthropy, policy-relevant research, and cross-sector collaboration.
Eligibility and Required Qualifications
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited institution in public health, public policy, business, government, international development, or a related field
- Demonstrate basic research and analytical skills, with the ability to clearly summarize findings
- Possess strong written and verbal communication skills
- Be collaborative, adaptable, and eager to learn in a fast-paced team environment
- Show initiative while being receptive to guidance and feedback
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of The Rockefeller Foundation
Core Competencies
Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Bias for Action: Proactively taking on new challenges with energy and urgency
- Effective Communication: Tailoring messages to diverse audiences using multiple formats
- Decision Quality: Making timely and sound decisions that support progress
- Strategic Learning: Learning through experimentation and reflection
- Valuing Differences: Respecting diverse perspectives and amplifying marginalized voices
About The Rockefeller Foundation
The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering global philanthropy with a mission to promote the well-being of humanity. Through collaborative partnerships at the forefront of science, technology, and innovation, the Foundation works across key sectors including health, food systems, energy, and finance. Its work prioritizes equity, sustainability, and impact, particularly for communities most affected by global challenges.
The Foundation operates with six core values: Transparency, Optimism, Accountability, Collaboration, Trust, and Equity, and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Rockefeller Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit:
- A resume
- A cover letter
Applications should be submitted through the official Rockefeller Foundation career portal.
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