Lumina Foundation is opening six paid internship positions for Summer 2026—four based in Indianapolis and two in Washington, D.C. These internships offer hands-on experience in philanthropy, higher education policy, communications, convenings, impact investing, and more. Lumina is committed to advancing equitable postsecondary outcomes and seeks passionate emerging professionals eager to contribute to mission-driven work.
Internships run from May 12 – August 6/7, 2026, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted during the interview period (Feb. 16 – March 6, 2026).
1. Strategic Communications Intern
Location: Indianapolis, USA
Compensation:
- $18–$21/hr (undergraduate)
- $20–$24/hr (graduate or recent graduate)
Schedule: Full-time, hybrid (3 days in office)
Purpose & Experience
Join Lumina’s Strategic Communications team to support storytelling, digital strategy, journalism-focused grantmaking, and media outreach. Interns gain hands-on experience in message development, public narrative strategy, and content creation across multiple platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Write and edit opinion pieces, speeches, talking points, and web content
- Produce and edit social media posts and videos (including 4K mobile video)
- Support journalism grants and media engagement efforts
- Conduct research and assist with crisis response preparation
- Contribute to advertising and digital initiatives
- Collaborate with communications experts across the foundation
Requirements
- Bachelor’s, master’s, or recent graduate in communications, journalism, marketing, PR, etc.
- Submit cover letter, resume, and 3 writing samples in one PDF
- Strong writing, research, and digital content skills
2. Convenings (Meetings & Events) Intern
Location: Washington, D.C.
Compensation: $18–$24/hr
Schedule: Full-time, hybrid
Purpose
Support the planning, coordination, and execution of Lumina’s high-impact convenings that bring together grantees, policymakers, and education leaders. Ideal for candidates interested in event management, operations, or nonprofit program coordination.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with logistics, timelines, task tracking, and stakeholder coordination
- Prepare agendas, briefings, and event materials
- Support attendee registration and on-site execution
- Coordinate AV, catering, and vendor needs
- Assist with post-event follow-up and documentation
Requirements
- Upper-level undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work in Washington, D.C.
3. Credentials of Value Intern
Location: Indianapolis, USA
Compensation: $18–$24/hr
Schedule: Full-time, hybrid
Purpose
Support the Bachelor’s Credentials of Value portfolio, focused on improving degree quality and advancing economic mobility for students.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct data-driven research on credential value, equity, and labor market alignment
- Help design and manage short-term research and strategy projects
- Develop briefs, analyses, and presentations
- Maintain databases of institutions and programs
- Support work on high-impact practices and work-integrated learning
Requirements
- Upper-level undergraduate, graduate student, recent graduate, or post-doc
- Familiarity with experiential learning, HIPs, or work-integrated learning preferred
- Strong analytical and writing skills
4. Culture and Talent Communications Intern
Location: Indianapolis, USA
Compensation: $18–$24/hr
Schedule: Full-time, hybrid
Purpose
Support Lumina’s Equity, Culture, and Talent team in strengthening employee experience and internal communications. Ideal for those interested in HR communications, organizational development, or workplace culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Draft and update HR communications, FAQs, and staff resources
- Support internal communications across Lumina’s intranet and channels
- Assist with culture and leadership development materials
- Support organizational effectiveness projects, including staff engagement initiatives
Requirements
- Enrolled in or recently completed a bachelor’s or master’s program
- Strong plain-language writing and organizational skills
- Interest in equity-centered culture and HR communications
5. Impact Investing Intern
Location: Indianapolis, USA
Compensation: $20–$24/hr (graduate students only)
Schedule: Full-time, hybrid
Purpose
Work with the Impact Investing team to analyze fund managers, source mission-aligned ventures, and contribute to investment strategy supporting student success and economic mobility.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyze existing investment portfolios
- Conduct research on investment opportunities and thematic areas
- Support due diligence for direct equity and fund investments
- Build venture ecosystem landscapes and identify potential partners
- Contribute to internal strategy development and thought leadership
Requirements
- Graduate students only
- Interest or experience in impact investing, VC/PE, or venture philanthropy
- Strong analytical and financial research skills
6. Public Policy Intern
Location: Washington, D.C.
Compensation: $18–$24/hr
Schedule: Full-time, hybrid
Purpose
Support Lumina’s Public Policy & Convenings team in federal and state policy analysis, advancing equitable postsecondary outcomes, and contributing to philanthropic strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct policy research and monitor developments
- Support federal/state engagement and advocacy initiatives
- Write briefs, summaries, and internal analyses
- Assist with convenings and administrative coordination
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams
Requirements
- Upper-level undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate
- Experience in policy analysis or advocacy
- Strong interest in education policy and racial equity
Application Information
- Apply online via each internship’s dedicated link
- Submit all required documents in one PDF (varies by internship)
- Interviews: Feb. 16 – March 6, 2026
- Internship Period: May 12 – Aug. 6/7, 2026
- Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
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