The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking an experienced communications, policy and advocacy professional for the position of Director, Program Influence (Communications & Advocacy), US Program and Policy (USPP) in New York City. The full-time role offers a salary of US$175,000 to US$210,000 per year and follows a hybrid work arrangement, with the successful candidate required to work from the Foundation’s New York City office from Monday through Thursday.
The position is designed for a senior professional with extensive experience translating complex programmes, evidence and policy priorities into compelling narratives that influence policymakers, partners, media, investors and other stakeholders.
About The Rockefeller Foundation
The Rockefeller Foundation is a global philanthropy that works through partnerships in science, technology and innovation to improve human wellbeing. Its work focuses on major challenges affecting communities and economies, including food, health, energy and finance.
The Foundation’s U.S. Program and Policy team works with communities, policymakers, employers and other stakeholders to expand economic opportunity and improve outcomes across the United States.
The Director, Program Influence will dedicate approximately 85% of their time to US Program priorities and 15% to cross-programme and institutional initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
The Director will develop and implement evidence-based programme influence strategies designed to identify priority audiences, strengthen stakeholder engagement, expand media visibility and increase interest from public, private and philanthropic investors.
The successful candidate will work closely with programme leaders to identify evidence, impact stories and key achievements that can strengthen the Foundation’s public narrative. The role will involve translating complex programme activities into persuasive messages for policymakers, partners and philanthropic audiences.
Responsibilities will also include developing annual communications and content plans, coordinating with Communications and Policy & Advocacy teams, monitoring audience engagement and analytics, and refining communication strategies based on performance.
The Director will identify and lead strategic convenings and high-profile events while representing the Foundation and its leadership at regional, national, global and multilateral forums.
Additional duties include managing project milestones, supporting Board-level materials, overseeing consultants and vendors, selecting and managing grantees, contributing to institutional communications and advising senior programme leaders on narrative positioning.
Qualifications and Experience
The position generally requires 10 or more years of experience in strategic communications, policy and advocacy, together with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Candidates should have a strong understanding of U.S. economic opportunity and workforce development, with experience engaging domestic policymakers preferred.
Applicants should demonstrate exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills and be capable of managing multiple complex workstreams in a fast-paced, matrixed organisation.
Experience in stakeholder engagement, coalition building, media relations, digital strategy, content creation and strategic communications is highly important. Candidates should also understand the modern media environment, including social media, podcasts, creator and influencer channels and emerging digital platforms.
The successful candidate should be comfortable working across nonprofit, government and corporate environments and handling sensitive information, including communications during crisis situations.
Experience designing and leading high-profile events and representing an organisation at external forums is also required.
Key Skills
The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial professional who can work collaboratively while independently driving complex initiatives.
Important competencies include strategic thinking, managing complexity, action orientation, collaboration, adaptability and the ability to develop talent. The successful candidate should be able to turn evidence and emerging opportunities into practical influence strategies while maintaining strong relationships with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
Salary and Benefits
The Director, Program Influence position offers an annual salary of US$175,000–US$210,000, with the final salary determined by factors including experience.
The Rockefeller Foundation provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, a 401(k) retirement plan, parental leave and paid time off.
Location and Work Arrangement
The position is based in New York City, United States, and operates under a hybrid work arrangement. Employees in this role are required to work from the New York City office Monday through Thursday.
As a senior role involving external representation, the successful candidate should be comfortable participating in high-profile events, meetings and forums involving policymakers, partners, media and other stakeholders.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Director, Program Influence role offers an opportunity for an experienced communications and advocacy professional to influence major programmes addressing economic opportunity and workforce development in the United States.
The position combines strategic communications, policy engagement, advocacy, media relations, stakeholder mobilisation and evidence-based storytelling. It provides an opportunity to work directly with senior leadership and contribute to how a major global philanthropic organisation communicates its programmes, evidence and impact.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates interested in the The Rockefeller Foundation Director, Program Influence (Communications & Advocacy) position should review the official vacancy information and submit an application through the Foundation’s designated recruitment platform.
Applicants should tailor their CV and supporting application materials to demonstrate senior-level strategic communications experience, policy and advocacy expertise, stakeholder engagement, media relations, digital communications and experience translating complex information into compelling narratives.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
The Rockefeller Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair employment practices and compliance with applicable employment and disability laws.
