Public Policy Intern

Position Title: Public Policy Intern 

Department:  Public Policy Team 

Reports to:  Katie Berger, Strategy Director for Federal Policy 

Location:  Washington, D.C.  

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.

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 values here. 

Purpose 

The candidate will provide support and assistance on specific projects for the Public Policy & States team. 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: 

• Advance Lumina’s commitment to addressing systemic racism and barriers to learning after high school among students of color
• Pursue an independent project on a policy topic that aligns with Lumina’s goals and your career aspirations
• Support the federal and state policy team’s efforts to stay abreast of policy developments by conducting and sharing analyses and attending relevant events
• Assist staff in the development of deliverables and publications relevant to strategy work
• Network with a wide variety of people and organizations
• Organize events and provide occasional administrative and logistical support

Education and Experience  

• Enrolled upper-class undergraduate or graduate students 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 is preferred.

Qualifications 

• Stable access to high-speed internet
• Strong communication and analytical skills
• Ability to work both independently and within a team
• Ability to juggle multiple assignments at the same time
• 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)
• Interest in philanthropy and its role in encouraging postsecondary attainment and closing equity gaps
• Ability to work in Washington, D.C.

Work Environment and Physical Demands 

• Work is performed in an office environment, mostly sedentary.
• Able to extensively use of 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- January 15th- February 14, 2025 

Internship Interviews – February 17th - March 2, 2025 

Internship Start and End: May 12th – August 8, 2025