Overbrook Foundation Environment Fellow

The Overbrook Foundation:

The Overbrook Foundation (the “Foundation”) is a family foundation that supports organizations advancing human rights, protecting American democracy, and conserving the natural environment. Founded in 1948, the Foundation has a fourteen-member Board of Directors and a professional staff of seven. The Foundation awarded approximately $10 million in grants in 2025.

Position Overview:

For a start date in September of 2026, The Overbrook Foundation will offer a fellowship for graduate students interested in philanthropy and the environment. The Overbrook Fellowship provides an opportunity for graduate students in the New York area to partner with Overbrook Foundation senior leadership as the Foundation undertakes time-sensitive policy and grantmaking strategies. Fellows will work closely with Overbrook’s Environment program team on a topic related to the Foundation’s core mission and values.

The Fellow will work under the oversight of the Foundation’s Lead Advisor for the Environment. The scope of work for the Fellow will depend on several factors, including experience, interests, focus area, etc. However, the Environment Fellow can expect to:

• Participate in one or two research projects related to the Environment portfolio's current strategic focus. Research areas may include identifying and analyzing issues focused on coastal restoration, forest conservation, empowering local communities to fight petrochemical expansion, or lessening single-use plastics;
• Identify/evaluate potential environmental portfolio grantees in any of the areas of strategic focus;
• Assist in monitoring the impact of policy changes at the federal and state levels and support Environment Program leadership in identifying opportunities to make special grants in response to protect and advance the Foundation’s areas of strategic focus;
• Develop case studies to highlight the impact of grant-supported programmatic work; and
• Assist with the development of new projects and undertake primary research and writing.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must be current students or have graduated within the last six months;
• Graduate degree must be in process or recently received; degree in public policy, environmental studies, or equivalent is preferred;
• Demonstrated interest, studies, and/or professional experience in a relevant program area;
• Exceptional research, analytical, and problem-solving skills;
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to work in the Foundation’s Midtown offices one to two days per week from mid-September through mid-December;
• Strong proficiency in the use of Google Suite, Zoom, and Microsoft Office computer applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
• Ability to structure documents clearly and concisely in order to communicate key points to a variety of audiences;
• Proactive, curious, independent, eager, and able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously; and
• Enthusiasm for working as a part of a highly collaborative and high-performing small team, with a sense of humor and a positive attitude.

Stipend and Fellowship Term:

The Overbrook Foundation offers a stipend of $2,200 per month for three months. The Fellow will start mid-September and work approximately 20 hours weekly. This is a hybrid position, with the Fellow working from the office one to two days per week.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should email a resume, statement of interest, and short writing sample to humanresources@overbrook.org. The writing sample should be at most 1,000 words. Please include “ENVIRONMENT FELLOWSHIP – YOUR NAME” in the subject line. In your short cover letter, please address why you are interested in working at The Overbrook Foundation and with the environment program team. The application deadline is April 30, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. ET. Due to a large volume of requests, we will not be able to confirm that we received your application. No phone calls, please.

The Overbrook Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diverse applicants. Thank you in advance for your interest and work on this application!