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Position Title: Innovation & Discovery Intern
Department: Innovation & Discovery
Reports to: Terri Taylor, Strategy Director for Innovation and Discovery
Location: Washington, DC. All Lumina staff and interns spend three working days per week in the DC office.
Internship Duration: Monday, May 12 to Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.
Compensation: $19 to $21 / hour for an undergraduate.
$22 to $24 / hour for a graduate student or a recent graduate.
Free on-site parking is included.
Schedule: Work hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., scheduled in consultation with the supervisor.
Purpose
The candidate will provide support and assistance on specific projects for the Innovation and Discovery (I&D) team. Achieving Lumina’s mission requires us to take stock of the rapidly changing world around us. Through I&D, we’re asking, “What is education for?” We want to ensure that society realizes the full benefits of increased attainment. As we work to improve education beyond high school, we’re also exploring how these improvements can help solve complex societal problems.
We look at the broader social and political environment to help Lumina and our partners respond effectively. When we see that an area could benefit from stronger strategies in higher education and the workforce, we get more involved through grantmaking and networking. We aim to provide flexible funding early on to encourage creativity and innovation, working with a range of partners committed to collaboration across different sectors.
In our current cycle, we are continuing to focus on opportunities to connect higher education attainment and value with strengthening democracy and responding to climate change. We are also exploring other emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, engaging with Gen Z, and reconsidering colleges’ roles in their communities.
The I&D intern will focus on enhancing the foundation’s understanding of key topics and emerging issues by conducting research, completing landscape analyses, and drafting memos or other ways to share findings. They will also support internal and external meetings. This internship presents an exciting opportunity for aspiring professionals to contribute to the foundation’s mission and gain hands-on experience in the philanthropic sector.
Responsibilities
Prepare background research and analysis from a diverse body of sources, including, e.g., traditional and social media, research studies and other reports, public policy proposals, databases, and interviews of partners and subject matter expertsAttend and report back on external events, potentially both virtual and in-person in DCPresent findings to various audiencesSupport meetings and engagements with internal colleagues or partner organizations
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.Interest in the future of postsecondary education and in philanthropy’s role in solving the major challenges of our time, particularly how education and workforce strategies can contribute to strengthening democracy, addressing climate change, and tackling other complex public problemsUnderstanding of US postsecondary education systems
Qualifications
Continuous access to high-speed internet when working remotely.A commitment to advancing equity in education, ending barriers to learning after high school for Black, Hispanic, Latino, and Native American students, and unjust educational outcomes related to race, ethnicity, household income, and geography.Strong communication, research, and problem-solving skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Work is performed in an office environment, mostly sedentary.Able to extensively use of various forms of technology.Sitting and standing for long periods of time.Travel occurs infrequently but may include overnight stays.
This description 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.
Timeline
Accepting Applications- Jan. 15 to Feb. 14
Interviews – Feb. 17 to March 2
Internship Period: May 12 to Aug. 8
About the foundation
Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. We envision higher learning that is easy to navigate, delivers fair results, and meets the nation’s talent needs through a broad range of credentials. We work toward a system that prepares people for informed citizenship and success in a global economy. With an endowment of nearly $1.5 billion and offices in Indianapolis and Washington, D.C., Lumina has a passionate and committed staff that values candor, collaboration, and connection. Learn more about our core values.