Summer Associate, Regenerative Agriculture

The Rockefeller Foundation seeks a Summer Associate for its Food Initiative Team, focusing on regenerative agriculture. This graduate-level role involves research, writing, and collaboration on food system topics. The position offers a pay rate of $30-$35 hourly and runs for 11 weeks from June to August 2025. It is based in New York City with options for hybrid or fully remote work for U.S.-based students.
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\tSalary Range: $30.00 To $35.00 Hourly

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\tThe Rockefeller Foundation is seeking a Summer Associate for our Food Initiative Team.

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\tWe 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.

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\tProgram Details

\tThis position is open to graduate students only.

\tA cover letter is required.

\tThe 2025 summer program will run for 11 weeks from June – August 2025.

\tThis position will be based in New York City with either a hybrid or fully remote schedule. Students engaged in fully remote work must be based in the United States.

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\tPay 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.

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\tPrincipal Duties and Responsibilities

\tResearch groundbreaking questions related to regenerative agriculture, agroecology, and/or traditional ecological knowledge.

\tParticipate in discussions and write briefs/articles about pioneering scientific advances impacting our food systems.

\tSynthesize and summarize complex information about agricultural data, soil science, and the interests and needs of Indigenous and local populations.

\tWrite memos, blogs, and summaries of relevant regenerative agriculture events and literature.

\tLandscape key food system actors operating in geographies specific to the food team’s strategy.

\tInvestigate funders engaged in food and agriculture activities, identifying partnership opportunities for the food team.

\tInteract with various academic and research institutions tackling food, agriculture, and nutrition priority questions.

\tSupport with internal and external communications materials related to regen as needed.

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\tEducation, Experience, and Skills

\tCurrently enrolled in a graduate program in one of the following areas: environmental science, soil science, ethnobotany, agronomy, agriculture, or a related field.

\tPrevious experience working with, or deep knowledge of Indigenous cultures and priorities is strongly preferred.

\tPrevious experience working with agricultural data is strongly preferred.

\tInterest or experience working in the nonprofit sector.

\tStrong research and analytical capabilities; able to synthesize large volumes of research and data to guide strategy.

\tStrong writing skills in both academic settings and public communications

\tCollaborative, innovative, eager to learn, and interested in how foundations create and implement strategies working alongside partners.

\tPrevious work experience in the nonprofit sector, consulting, research, or business-related field preferred.

\tMust be a proactive self-starter.

\tMust be authorized to work in the United States.

\tCommitted to the mission of the Foundation.

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\tQualifications and Competencies

\tBias for Action: Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.

\tCommunicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

\tDecision Quality: Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.

\tPlans and Aligns: Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.

\tValues Differences: Recognizes the value of different perspectives and commits to inclusion, equity, and diversity in every aspect of work.

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\tAbout The Rockefeller Foundation

\tThe 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.

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\tAs 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.

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\tThe 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.