ABOUT LUMINA

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.

STRATEGY DIRECTOR FOR STATE POLICY ROLE 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.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

This position reports to the Vice President for Public Policy and works in close collaboration with the Federal Policy team and other colleagues across the Foundation. The Director will lead a small team and provide leadership in the following areas:

• Advancing State and System Policies that Enhance College Value: The Director will lead Lumina’s state policy initiatives by developing and executing state policy grantmaking, setting state attainment goals, and organizing state-focused convenings, all aimed at improving the value of postsecondary education. A key responsibility will be identifying and cultivating partnerships with stakeholders who share the vision of making college more affordable, accessible, and aligned with workforce needs. The Director will monitor state policy developments and proactively seek opportunities for Lumina to engage and influence policies that enhance the return on investment for students, particularly those from underserved communities. The Director will also oversee all administrative, budgeting, fiduciary, and reporting aspects of state policy grantmaking and evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts in advancing the Foundation’s strategic objectives.

• Advocating for Equitable Policy Development and Execution: The Director will drive efforts to address systemic inequities in postsecondary education by advocating for policies that remove barriers for underserved students. This may include collaborating with policy leaders to develop and implement fair, sustainable solutions that improve outcomes for all students.

• Reimagining the Structure of our Postsecondary Ecosystem: The Director will lead efforts to create a postsecondary ecosystem that truly prepares today’s and future learners for the evolving demands of the workforce and society. This work may require innovation at every level—from how we teach and learn, to how we measure success, to how we allocate system and institutional resources. The Director will collaborate with both internal and external partners to implement forward-thinking solutions that can be implemented at the state and system levels, primarily.

• Fostering Team Leadership and Development: The Director will lead the State Policy Team by setting a clear vision, fostering open communication, and leveraging the strengths of team members. This includes providing growth opportunities for the team, mentoring direct reports and interns, overseeing the onboarding of new hires, and managing financial and operational processes to ensure the team’s success.

• Showcasing Thought Leadership: The Director will work closely with the Vice President for Public Policy and other Foundation leaders on op-eds, presentations, and media amplification efforts. By leveraging their expertise and expanding networks, the Director will promote the Foundation’s goals and priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following are essential attributes that may describe the ideal candidate; however, we recognize that individuals bring diverse backgrounds, skills, and competencies.

• Commitment to Today’s Students: An enthusiastic champion for students and their postsecondary success, with a strong commitment to equity and deep understanding of state policy drivers necessary to effect meaningful change.

• State Policy Expertise: A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in higher education policy, with a solid record of advocating for or developing and implementing state-level public policy.

• Insights into Philanthropic Strategy: Experience in, or insights into and strong interest in learning about, the strategic role philanthropy plays in advancing educational movements and change.

• Adaptable: Ability to quickly absorb new information and thrive in a matrixed, collaborative team environment, while contributing to a culture of collegiality, respect, and mutual support.

• Communications: Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, accurate, and impactful messages tailored to diverse audiences. Strong interpersonal and listening skills and track record for working effectively across the political spectrum.

• Decision-Making: Ability to make decisions and thrive in an outcomes-driven, continuously evolving environment where forward-thinking and innovation are encouraged. Ability to exercise sound judgement when handling sensitive or confidential information.

• Network Building: Experience in building and managing diverse networks that drive efforts toward systemic change.

• Project Management: Strong project management skills with a proven ability to execute tasks and achieve desired outcomes. This includes following through on commitments, effectively prioritizing work, and managing time and resources well.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use adaptive problem-solving techniques to navigate unexpected challenges and new assignments.

• Stewardship: Ability to effectively leverage the Foundation’s resources to facilitate improvements in postsecondary learning, financing, credential attainment, and value.

• Team Player: Capacity to work in an inclusive team environment, where individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive and do their best work.

• Tech-Savvy: Skilled in leveraging technology, including databases, spreadsheets, and various platforms to drive efficiency and streamline workflows.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work is performed in an office environment, mostly sedentary.

• Extensive use of various forms of technology.

• Travels at least 10%, including overnight stays.

• The preferred location for this position is Indianapolis, Indiana, but we welcome applications from qualified candidates in other locations and may consider flexible arrangements for the right fit.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The annual full-time salary range is $170,000 - $230,000 and is set commensurate with experience. Benefits include, but are not limited to Health Insurance (medical, dental, and vision), 401(k), Pension, Vacation and Sick Time, Paid Leave, 100% Employer Paid Group Life, and Long-term Disability.

Application Instructions

Callie Carroll of CLC Endeavors is supporting this search. Please send application materials to

LF-SDSP@CLCENDEAVORS.COM. Applications should include a resume and cover letter communicating your interest and qualifications for the role.

Applications submitted by December 2nd will receive priority, though they will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

To learn more, click here.

Lumina Foundation provides equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of race or ethnicity, gender or gender identity, health conditions, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other bases protected by local, state, or federal law. Lumina also prohibits retaliation and harassment of any individual based on these characteristics.