Intern, Health Initiative

Position Overview

The Rockefeller Foundation seeks an Intern for its Health Initiative team. Reporting to the Director, Health, and working closely with team members, this role supports efforts to strengthen climate-informed health action and improve public health decision-making. The Health Initiative team focuses on addressing the impacts of climate change on human health, particularly for vulnerable populations. Responsibilities include research, coordination, and support for meetings and partnerships. 

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 research and analysis on solutions to address climate-related health challenges, focusing on vulnerable populations.
• Assist in preparing background and briefing materials (e.g. memos, slide decks) for strategic engagements and partnerships.
• Drive linkages across multiple workstreams by contributing to strategy and communication materials for internal and external audiences.
• Support project management efforts for different Health Team priorities, managing timelines and contributors towards project objectives.
• Provide logistical support for meetings and convenings, including researching potential invitees, managing invitations, and preparing research briefs.
• Draft grant and contract materials under guidance from program officers.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Skills

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in public health, public policy, business, government, international development, or a related field.
• Basic research and analytical skills with the ability to summarize findings clearly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to draft simple content and share ideas effectively.
• Collaborative and adaptable, eager to learn and contribute to team projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage tasks with guidance and take initiative when appropriate.
• Commitment to the mission of the Foundation.

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.