Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation 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 talent needs through a broad range of credentials. Our goal is to prepare people for informed citizenship and success in a global economy.
Lumina is working with partners to design a learning system that gives every person—regardless of race and ethnicity, income, or other socioeconomic factors—the opportunities that only education and training after high school can provide. We work with governmental, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations to achieve our mission. Our work relies on strategic communications, empowering leaders who can bring about change, policy outreach to state and federal officials, investments in proven and promising practices, and targeted efforts to measure and evaluate progress.
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.
Position Overview
The Strategy Director for State Policy leads the development and implementation of Lumina’s strategy, approach, and portfolio for state policy grants and contracts aimed at increasing postsecondary credential attainment and value. In a time of deep political and ideological polarization, seeking and finding common ground on higher education, workforce, and other state talent development policies is essential. The economic upheaval the nation faces as the divide continues to grow between those who have quality credentials, and those who do not, make it imperative to find effective, equitable policies and practices and work with state, system, and institutional leaders to socialize and advocate for change.
The Director plays a critical role in understanding and influencing public policy debates that impact the Foundation’s strategy, building support for its program and policy objectives, and cultivating and maintaining relationships with leaders, organizations, and other philanthropies to advance these goals. The Director should have expertise in developing and implementing effective strategies to inform and engage state policymakers on equitable approaches to talent development, postsecondary attainment, and value for all students.
The Director’s role is to advance Lumina’s Strategic Plan and public policy agenda by leveraging grantmaking, thought leadership, and other resources to help the nation achieve significant improvements in postsecondary educational outcomes. The Director should also possess a deep understanding of the state policy landscape across multiple states and have the ability to build trusted relationships with those on both sides of the political aisle. In addition, the Director should be connected to the network of national and state organizations that lead and fund policy work focused on higher education, workforce, and other talent development issues.
Given that many of Lumina’s strategies have key state policy components, the Director is responsible for ensuring state policy efforts are aligned across all strategic initiatives. At Lumina, the way we approach the work is as important as the outcomes we achieve. Candor, collaboration, and connection are core values that guide our actions, and everyone at Lumina is committed to embodying these principles.
The salary for the position is between $170,000 - $230,000 (commensurate with experience).
How To Apply
This search is being supported by Callie Carroll of CLC Endeavors. Please send application materials to [email protected]. Applications should include a resume and cover letter that communicates your interest and qualifications for the role.
Priority will be given to applications submitted by December 2nd though applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
