Jobs & Internships

About ThinkTennessee

ThinkTennessee is a nonpartisan, results-oriented think tank based in Nashville. We use research, engagement, and advocacy to help build a state where all Tennesseans are civically engaged and economically secure. At our core, we believe Tennessee thrives when voters have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives and when workers earn enough to support their families.

Our work focuses on advancing policies that empower voters and support working families, as well as providing relevant best practices and accessible research to help Tennessee leaders make informed decisions and drive positive changes in our state.

ThinkTennessee’s office is in downtown Nashville. We provide a flexible, hybrid work environment, with at least two days of in-person work per week.

Director of Strategy and Development

We are seeking a Director of Strategy and Development to join our leadership team. This position will expand ThinkTennessee’s reach, strengthen operations and planning, and ensure long-term organizational sustainability. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, proven fundraiser, and collaborative leader who thrives in a dynamic nonprofit environment.

Key Job Responsibilities:

In this leadership role, you will guide critical initiatives that will shape the organization’s future. You will be responsible for building systems that drive efficiency, leading fundraising, overseeing strategic planning, and ensuring financial health. You will work closely with the President and other leaders to set priorities and measure impact across all aspects of the organization.

Strategic and Operational Leadership

  • Lead high-priority initiatives that improve organizational strategy, collaboration, and planning.
  • Build systems and processes that support efficiency, scalability, and measurable outcomes.
  • Partner with the President to manage and monitor the organizational budget and overall financial health.
  • Supervise and develop two direct reports, providing strategic oversight of their activities (which include communications and events/engagement) while fostering growth and alignment with ThinkTennessee’s values.
  • Serve as staff liaison to the board of directors, preparing materials and supporting quarterly board and budget and fundraising committee meetings.
  • Ensure compliance with all administrative requirements and reporting.

Development and Advancement

  • Collaborate with the leadership team to design and implement a comprehensive development strategy.
  • Create and execute an annual fundraising plan with clear goals, benchmarks, and reporting systems.
  • Maintain and deepen donor and foundation relationships through a structured stewardship program.
  • Identify, research, and secure new funding opportunities, including prospect research and materials development.
  • Work closely with the research and policy teams to support the creation of scopes of work for contracts and grant agreements, leading proposal development, application, and reporting, delegating tasks effectively where necessary.
  • Develop and revise policies, processes, and workflows to guide ThinkTennessee’s grants management, record keeping, and compliance.
  • Plan and manage donor engagement opportunities, including fundraising events and campaigns.
  • Collaborate with communications team to develop donor acknowledgement letters, pledge reminders, appeals, and ThinkTennessee’s annual Impact Report.

 People and Culture Management

  • Oversee human resources functions, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and performance management, while ensuring policies support staff and foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture.
  • Work with the President to design and lead staff initiatives that celebrate successes, strengthen culture, and build team morale.
  • Lead internal meetings, trainings, and professional development efforts to enhance collaboration and organizational performance.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of ThinkTennessee’s mission.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

  • Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in operations, development, or nonprofit leadership; 10 years preferred.
  • Demonstrated success in developing and executing fundraising plans.
  • Proven track record of cultivating and securing philanthropic support.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Skills

  • Strong strategic and financial management skills, with ability to balance multiple priorities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proven ability to manage people, processes, and deadlines.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Comfortable working in a small, collaborative office environment.

Characteristics

  • Passion for ThinkTennessee’s mission and values.
  • Flexible, solutions-oriented thinker who thrives in a fast-changing policy environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust across diverse communities and organizations.
  • Familiarity with Tennessee’s political and policymaking environment is preferred.

Compensation: Competitive salary ($95,000 – $105,000) commensurate with experience. We offer comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, retirement, paid family leave, and generous paid time off, including sick leave, vacation days, and holiday schedules.

Location: This position is based in Nashville, TN, and candidates are expected to either reside in Nashville or be willing to relocate after accepting the position. ThinkTennessee staff follow a hybrid work schedule with two days (Monday, Tuesday) required in person in our downtown Nashville office and the remaining three days either in-person or remote. Occasional travel may be required for meetings and events within Tennessee.

Commitment to a Diverse Workplace: ThinkTennessee is an equal opportunity employer. As an organization focused on moving Tennessee forward, we understand that diverse teams are stronger, more innovative, and more productive. Interested candidates who do not meet all listed criteria should still apply, as our organizational structure focuses on providing opportunities for professional growth.

How to apply:

Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter describing how your background in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, operations, or strategy has prepared you for this role. Please apply using this online form. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until September 25, 2025. If you experience any challenges submitting this form or have other questions about this role, please reach out to info@thinktn.org.

 

Internship Program

ThinkTennessee interns will have a unique opportunity to collaborate with our staff and board of directors, as well as other prominent thought leaders, to produce meaningful work.

Applicants should have excellent research and writing skills, a demonstrated interest in public policy, nonprofit management, communications and/or fundraising, and a willingness to work independently on a variety of tasks. Please note your primary area(s) of interest when applying.

Interns will receive a stipend for their work at a rate of $15 per hour. ThinkTennessee will also support interns’ efforts to obtain academic credit or outside funding if needed.

Position open to: Undergraduate students

Length and location: Interns will work from ThinkTennessee’s main office in downtown Nashville (or remotely, as necessary). Interns should be able to commit to a minimum of 15 hours a week for 10-12 weeks. Exact start and end dates of the internship are flexible.

Application Deadline

Fall 2025: July 18, 2025

Applicants are encouraged to apply early. If your school requires you to submit your internship information by a certain date for funding purposes, please specify this in your application.

To apply for this job please submit your resume and cover letter through this online form.

 

Law Clerk Program

ThinkTennessee law clerks will have a unique opportunity to collaborate with our staff and board of directors, as well as other prominent thought leaders, to perform research to inform meaningful policy work.

Applicants should have excellent research and writing skills, a demonstrated interest in public policy, and a willingness to work independently on a variety of legal research tasks. Clerks will be supervised by a licensed Tennessee attorney.

Law clerks will receive a stipend for their work at a rate of $20 per hour. ThinkTennessee will support law clerks’ efforts to obtain academic credit or outside funding. Please let us know when applying whether you would be interested in a field placement for academic credit.

Position open to: Current law students interested in public interest law and policy

Length and location: Law clerks will work from ThinkTennessee’s main office in downtown Nashville (or remotely, as necessary). Law clerks should be able to commit to a minimum of 10 hours a week for 10-12 weeks. Exact start and end dates of the clerkship are flexible.

Application Deadline:

Fall 2025: July 18, 2025

Applicants are encouraged to apply early. If your school requires you to submit your clerkship or assistantship information by a certain date for funding purposes, please specify this in your application.

To apply for this job please submit your resume and cover letter through this online form.

 

Research Assistant Program

ThinkTennessee research assistants will have a unique opportunity to collaborate with our staff and board of directors, as well as other prominent thought leaders, to perform research to inform meaningful policy work.

Applicants should have excellent research and writing skills, a demonstrated interest in public policy and/or nonprofit management, and a willingness to work independently on a variety of tasks.

Research Assistants will receive a stipend for their work at a rate of $20 per hour. ThinkTennessee will also support research assistants’ efforts to obtain academic credit or outside funding.

Position open to: Graduate students in public policy or political science

Length and location: Research assistants will work from ThinkTennessee’s main office in downtown Nashville (or remotely, as necessary). Research assistants should be able to commit to a minimum of 10 hours a week for 10-12 weeks. Exact start and end dates of the assistantship are flexible.

Application Deadline

Fall 2025: July 18, 2025

Applicants are encouraged to apply early. If your school requires you to submit your assistantship information by a certain date for funding purposes, please specify this in your application.

To apply for this job please submit your resume and cover letter through this online form.