Innovation and Discovery Intern

Lumina Foundation; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Lumina Foundation in Washington, DC is offering an Innovation and Discovery internship for students in undergraduate or graduate programs. The intern will conduct research, complete landscape analyses, and draft memos to deepen understanding of postsecondary attainment and related issues.

The role includes attending internal and external meetings, presenting findings to diverse audiences, and supporting partnerships with colleagues and external organizations, with opportunities to gain hands-on

Qualifications

• Enrolled undergraduate or graduate student; recent graduate also considered.
• Willingness to conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings.
• Strong written communication and memo-drafting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct landscape analyses on postsecondary attainment and related issues.
• Draft memos summarizing findings for internal use.
• Attend and support internal and external meetings, in-person or virtual.
• Present findings to diverse audiences.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Presentation skills

Education

Undergraduate or graduate student

Job description

The candidate will provide support and assistance on specific projects for the Innovation and Discovery (I&D) team. The I&D team supports the Foundation’s focus on postsecondary attainment and also seeks to consider other factors that could define the success and impact of systems of postsecondary learning, such as: individual and societal wellbeing and quality of life; living lives of purpose, agency, and meaning; and contributing to solving our most intractable societal problems. The I&D team has been particularly focused on the unique roles higher education can play in responding to systemic risks such as weakening democracy and climate change.

The Innovation & Discovery intern will focus on enhancing the foundation’s understanding of key topics and emerging issues by conducting research, completing landscape analyses, and drafting memos. 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

• Advance Lumina’s commitment to addressing systemic racism and barriers to learning after high school among students of color
• 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, and interviews of partners and subject matter experts
• Attend and report back on external events, potentially both virtual and in-person in DC
• Present findings to various audiences
• Support meetings and engagements with internal colleagues or partner organizations

Education and Experience

Enrolled undergraduate or graduate student, or a recent graduate; we will also consider an equivalent combination of work and learning experience.