External Relations Associate

Position description:

The External Relations Associate will help broaden ThinkTennessee’s impact by providing communications, graphic design, development, and event-planning support to our dynamic team. The External Relations Associate will report to the External Relations Director to advance our communications efforts and grow our relationships with external stakeholders. As part of a small and growing team, this position will also support other organizational needs depending on workload and priority deliverables.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Digital Media and Marketing

• Follow the storytelling voice of ThinkTennessee for all assigned external messaging, primarily community education through social media and e-newsletters.
• Maintain website by posting news clips, press releases, and new research products.
• Assist in the graphic design of digital content for social media and research publication purposes.
• Maintain database for local, regional, and national outlets.

Events

• Develop and maintain internal and external calendar of events and a standard events process.
• Coordinate logistics for ThinkTennessee events, including board meetings, fundraisers, and community meetings.
• Act as event point-of-contact to ensure events run smoothly, including: confirming guest counts, delegating check-in, setting up and breaking down space, welcoming vendors, testing AV, supporting panelists and speakers, and more as needed.
• Draft invitations and track RSVPs.

Fundraising

• Support fundraising efforts through funder research, digital/mail campaigns, and management of database/CRM.
• Assist External Relations Director in drafting grant proposals, reports, and other fundraising communications.

Other Duties

• Manage and oversee ThinkTennessee’s internship program.
• Perform office administration tasks as needed, e.g., scheduling and/or other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• 2+ years relevant work experience preferred.
• Experience working with social media and scheduling platforms, e.g., Hootsuite, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, preferred.
• Proficiency in Canva or other graphic design software 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 healthcare, retirement, paid family leave, and paid time off.

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 send a resume and a cover letter to [email protected] by May 8, 2024.