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.

External Relations Associate

ThinkTennessee seeks an External Relations Associate to provide communications, event, and fundraising support for our dynamic team. The External Relations Associate will report to the Director of Strategy and Development and will strengthen our operations. As part of a growing team, this position will also support organizational administrative needs. An ideal candidate will have professional office experience, bring a keen sense of detail, and have an openness to learn and support the organization’s processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Communications

  • Provide graphic design assistance for reports, presentations, and other materials, working closely with the Communications Manager and external contractors.
  • Draft communications as assigned, including email newsletters, press releases, and event invitations.
  • Create, edit, and schedule content for ThinkTennessee’s social media platforms to grow our online reach and engagement.
  • Update website with recent news clips, press releases, and new research products.
  • Maintain media contact database for local, regional, and national outlets.

Events

  • Develop and maintain internal and external calendar of events and a standard events process.
  • Coordinate event logistics, including venue selection, catering, registration, communication, technology, materials development, and follow-up.

 Fundraising

  • Conduct prospect research on foundation and individual donors.
  • Maintain data entry for the organization’s CRM, including donations, grants administration, and stakeholder information and communications.
  • Process donations and prepare acknowledgement letters.
  • Assist in expense and revenue budget management.

Administration

  • Manage internal staff meetings and communications, e.g., scheduling team meetings and events.
  • Provide scheduling and calendar assistance to the President, as needed.
  • Perform office administration tasks as needed, e.g. mailings and/or other duties as assigned.
  • Schedule and oversee logistics for board meetings, including event space coordination, agenda dissemination, and A/V needs.
  • Support the onboarding processes of new staff members.
  • Monitor the organization’s general email account and direct communications to appropriate staff.
  • Assist with other duties as needed.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree is required.
  • 2+ years relevant work experience required.
  • Experience working with social media and scheduling platforms, e.g., Hootsuite, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, preferred.
  • Experience with CRM databases preferred.
  • Proficiency in Canva or other graphic design software preferred.
  • Proficiency in Excel and/or basic budgeting preferred.

 Skills

  • Extremely strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
  • Ability to ideate and bring graphic design concepts to life.
  • Ability to organize, maintain, and coordinate project files.
  • Effective manager of long checklist to execute event coordination.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well as part of a team.

Characteristics

  • Passion for and demonstrated commitment to ThinkTennessee’s mission.
  • Strong commitment to racial equity and a deep understanding of how to communicate effectively about race and equity issues.
  • Self-motivated with a strong work ethic.
  • Rigorous attention to detail and the highest standards for excellence in execution.
  • Ability to manage work streams on various project teams and balance multiple priorities.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and duties within the organization’s overall mission.

Compensation: Competitive salary ($50,000-$60,000) commensurate with experience. We offer comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, retirement, paid family leave, transportation benefits, and generous paid time off, including sick leave, vacation days, and paid holidays.

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 their resume and cover letter through our online application form by February 16, 2026.

 

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. Please let us know if you would prefer to conduct the internship for academic credit instead of pay. If you are interested in this role for class credit or as a part of a field placement program with additional requirements (e.g., minimum weekly hours), please indicate this in your application form.

Position open to: Undergraduate students

Length and location: Interns will work from ThinkTennessee’s main office in downtown Nashville (or remotely as necessary, though in-person interns are preferred). 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

Spring 2026: This position has been filled.

Summer 2026: TBA

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.

The application form for the summer position will be posted when the application period opens. Check back soon.

 

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:

Spring 2026: This position has been filled.

Summer 2026: TBA

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.

The application form for the summer position will be posted when the application period opens. Check back soon.

 

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

Spring 2026: This position has been filled.

Summer 2026: TBA

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.

The application form for the summer position will be posted when the application period opens. Check back soon.