Communications Assistant

About the Fund

Founded in 1940, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF) advances social change that contributes to a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. The RBF's grantmaking is organized into seven programs. Three thematic programs—Democratic Practice, Sustainable Development, and Peacebuilding—address the interrelated challenges of democratic decline, climate change, and violent conflict. The Culpeper Arts & Culture program, created through the 2008 merger with the Charles E. Culpeper Foundation, supports arts organizations and artists in the New York City region that shape understanding of these critical concerns and the human experience. Pivotal Place programs in China, Central America, and the Western Balkans focus on one or more RBF themes in a specific geographic context that we believe has disproportionate significance for the future of the surrounding regions, an ecosystem, or the world.

The RBF strives to be bold, grounded, inclusive, and responsive in our grantmaking to advance the Fund’s mission. We deploy the financial assets given to the RBF by the Rockefeller family and others to help our partners in civil society strengthen coalitions, convene people of diverse backgrounds, elevate new and broader perspectives, generate new ideas, and advance systems change. We offer space for convenings and artist residencies at The Pocantico Center to extend our grantmaking impact. We also leverage the Fund and family legacy to access, influence, and collaborate with philanthropic peers, policymakers, and others in the service of grantee work.

Position Summary

The Rockefeller Brothers Fund seeks a Communications Assistant to support the Communications team's efforts to advance the understanding of the fund's goals, mission, and activities. The incumbent will work closely with the Director of Communications to enhance the Fund’s communications efforts and fulfill its commitment to transparency and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

Administration

• Attend weekly editorial meetings and manage the editorial calendar in Trello.
• Track inventory of print materials, making sure they are readily available to staff and visitors in the office.
• Maintain institutional photo library and ingest new photos as available.
• Prepare monthly press clippings report in Muck Rack.
• Serve as first point-of-contact for external information requests, including daily monitoring of the Communications email and social media inboxes.
• Manage Communications team subscriptions, process invoices, and prepare expense reports.
• Assist with research and preparation for media responses and meetings.

Online Communications

• Monitor social media and report on mentions of the RBF, key staff and programs, and developments in our fields of work.
• Follow and engage with RBF grantees and partners on social media.
• Monitor and update website content, including featured grantees, grants search, staff, job listings, program guidelines, etc., to ensure that it is current and accurate.
• Enter text and visual content for the website into the Content Management System (CMS), ensuring accuracy, brand alignment, and technical efficiency.
• Liaise with website developers to identify, track, test, and ensure timely implementation of needed enhancements to the website to fix bugs, streamline workflows, and improve user experience.
• Build email campaigns in MailChimp and keep contact lists and segmentation up to date.
• Report on online communications performance.
• Maintain awareness of best practices and trends in digital communications.

Content Creation

• Write brief summaries of media coverage, grant descriptions, etc., for the website and social media.
• Draft, layout, and publish social media posts to promote Fund content and programming in accordance with the editorial calendar.
• Source, edit, and size compelling images for website, social media, print, and other communications materials.
• Design simple graphics for online communications using Canva or Adobe Suite.

Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with core concepts of branding
• Experience with website content management systems (such as Drupal or WordPress) and simple HTML/CSS
• Experience with basic design tools like Canva
• Experience adapting content for various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Ability to work independently and exercise judgment to address routine challenges
• Strong time and task management skills to consistently meet deadlines
• Sustained attention to detail and commitment to excellence
• Enthusiasm for digital media trends and continued learning about best practices

Education, Experience, and Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. Experience with foundations and/or other nonprofits is preferred.

Expectations of All Positions

Each employee is expected to:

• Understand and support the philanthropic mission of the RBF.
• Respect and value those who partner with or request assistance from the RBF.
• Manage the resources of the RBF in a manner that maximizes the funds available for charitable activity.
• Advance Belonging and Impact efforts in core responsibilities and institution-wide efforts.
• Respect each RBF employee's contribution and support colleagues in fulfilling their responsibilities.
• Appreciate differences in perspectives and points of view and work collaboratively with colleagues toward shared goals and objectives.
• Commit time to RBF activities and conversations that strengthen the Fund's culture and improve its effectiveness opportunity in all work relationships.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary for this position is $56,500. The RBF reviews compensation regularly to ensure market competitiveness and internal pay equity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes, but is not limited to:

• Medical, Vision, Dental
• 401 (k) plan, in which the Rockefeller Brothers Fund contributes up to 15% of employees' pay. Employees are fully vested after three years of employment.
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account with employer contributions of up to $1,500
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $4,000
• Upon hire, new staff receive up to 20 vacation days, prorated based on the hire date.

The RBF has adopted a hybrid-remote model. This role will have the option to work from home, if desired, with the expectation of reporting to the RBF’s New York City office (475 Riverside Drive) at defined intervals or when requested by a manager. For the first six months, the incumbent will be required to work in the office at least three days a week.

Application Process

The Rockefeller Brothers Fund is an equal opportunity employer and invites applications from candidates regardless of race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religion. To apply for the Communications Assistant position, please use this link.

The application deadline is January 16, 2026.

For additional information, please visit our website at www.rbf.org.