Public Policy Intern

Position Title: Lumina Foundation Public Policy Intern (May 2026- August 2026)

Department: Public Policy & Convenings 

Location: Washington, DC. All Lumina staff and interns spend three working days per week in their local Lumina office. 

Duration:  May 12, 2026 - August 6, 2026 

Compensation: $18-$21 per hour for student enrolled in an undergraduate program

$20-$24 per hour for students enrolled in a graduate program or a recent graduate

Schedule: 40 hours weekly. Schedule can be negotiated with supervisor.

 Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. We envision a system that is easy to navigate, delivers fair results, and meets the nation’s need for talent through a broad range of credentials. Our goal is to prepare people for informed citizenship and for success in a global economy.Lumina is among the nation’s largest private foundations, with an endowment exceeding $1 billion and offices in Indianapolis, IN and Washington, D.C. Lumina has a passionate and committed staff who value candor, collaboration, and connection. Click here to learn more about our core values.

Purpose

The candidate will be required to provide support, coordination, and assistance on the delivery of specific projects for the Public Policy & Convenings Team that help to advance racial equity through the attainment of quality credentials that lead to economic mobility. This internship presents an exciting opportunity for aspiring higher education policy professionals to contribute to the foundation's mission and gain hands-on experience in the philanthropic sector. This will involve engaging in research and policy analysis, meeting with external stakeholders and partners, and supporting Lumina’s engagement across a range of policies at the federal and state levels. 

Responsibilities:

• Co-constructing, leading, and managing short projects that leverage data, research, and knowledge from the field to inform internal strategies and implementation of grants
• Identify opportunities to advance effective policy through writing, presenting, and assisting with convenings
• Support the federal and state policy team’s efforts to stay abreast of policy developments by conducting, summarizing, and sharing analyses and attending relevant events
• Network with a wide variety of people and organizations and engage with colleagues across the foundation
• Work alongside strategy officers and directors to manage project coordinating tasks
• Organize events and provide occasional administrative and logistical support
• Other projects or tasks that the candidate and supervisor agree are related to the portfolio

Education and Experience 

• Enrolled upper class undergraduate or graduate student, or a recent graduate; we will also consider an equivalent combination of work and learning experience
•  Experience in advocacy or policy analysis at the federal, state, local or institutional level

Qualifications

•  Familiarity with federal and/or state policy environments
•  Familiarity with higher education policy and/or practice, including barriers to completion for today’s students (e.g., students of color, low-income students, first-generation students, and adults)
• Commitment to advancing racial equity
• Interest in philanthropy and its role in encouraging postsecondary attainment and closing equity gaps
• Stable access to high-speed internet
• Strong communication and analytical skills
• Ability to work in Washington

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work is performed in an office environment, mostly sedentary, and requires sitting and standing for long periods of time and extensively using various forms of technology.
•  Travel occurs infrequently but may include overnight stays.

This Position Summary is only a summary of the typical job functions, not an exhaustive list of all possible responsibilities, and may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Accepting Applications- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted during the interview period.

Interview Period – February 16th – March 6, 2026

Internship Program Dates: May 12th – August 6, 2026