Overview: Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is seeking interns across the state to aid with remote and in person activities. Safer TN interns will have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with our staff and board of directors as they impact firearm safety education and legislation across the state.

We are seeking interns to assist with on campus involvement, assist with research projects, staff local events, and help to create social media content. Applicants should be organized and have excellent written and oral communications skills. Applicants should also have interest and experience in one or more of the following areas: event planning and execution, public health and/or policy research, community organizing, creating content for and managing social media accounts. Candidates should also have a demonstrated interest in public policy, public safety education, and/or communications. The intern may be asked to work on a variety of other tasks as needed.

Position is currently open to: Undergraduate students over the age of 18 residing in Tennessee.

Length and location: Interns should be able to commit 10-20 hours per week over the course of 12-16 weeks and have access to a personal computer with video functionality. Interns should be able to to travel to Nashville twice during their internship. Start and end dates of the internship are flexible.

Application Deadline: Rolling. If your school requires you to submit your internship information by a certain date for funding or to receive credit, please specify this in your application.

To Apply: Please email your cover letter and resume to info@safertn.org with subject line “Safer TN Internship Application“

Location: Chattanooga or Knoxville (Remote with travel across the region)
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Part-time or Full-time (depending on candidate availability and organizational need)

About Voices for a Safer Tennessee
Voices for a Safer Tennessee is a nonpartisan, nonprofit coalition dedicated to promoting pragmatic firearm safety policies and fostering a culture of responsible gun ownership to save lives in Tennessee. We bring together diverse communities to advocate for evidence-based, data-driven solutions and to build a safer future for all Tennesseans.

Safer TN’s organizational values are being collaborative, purpose-driven, and respectful. We are an outcome-driven organization that values joy in our workplace and also a flexible work environment to support working families.

Position Summary
The East Tennessee Coalition Coordinator will play a key role in expanding the reach and impact of Voices for a Safer Tennessee across the region (primary focus on Anderson, Blount, Hamilton, Knox, Washington, and Sullivan counties). This position is responsible for building relationships with community leaders and local partners, coordinating the organization’s presence at community events, and managing interns and volunteers in the region.

Key Responsibilities
Coalition Building & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with Safer TN coalition, local partner organizations, businesses, and community leaders in East Tennessee who support firearm safety efforts.
• Coordinate and attend coalition meetings, listening sessions, and educational events to raise awareness and expand grassroots support. This effort will include public speaking/presentations on firearm safety.

Community Event Coordination

• Research, manage, and staff event tables at festivals, civic organization meetings, and educational forums; distribute materials and represent the organization to the public.
• Ensure event logistics, pre- and post-event communications, and other staffing duties are handled efficiently.

Volunteer & Intern Management

• Recruit, train, and manage local volunteers and interns to support outreach and event activities.
• Coordinate schedules and tasks to ensure effective and meaningful engagement for all volunteers and interns.

Administrative & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of events, outreach, and volunteer engagement.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Executive Director and other team members.
• Assist with other administrative tasks as needed.

Qualifications/Skills

• Passion for the mission of Voices for a Safer Tennessee and belief in bipartisan, community-centered advocacy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to engage with diverse audiences.
• Experience in event planning, grassroots organizing, or volunteer coordination is preferred.
• Self-starter who is highly organized and able to work independently with remote support.
• Willingness to travel throughout East Tennessee and work some evenings or weekends. Travel could occupy 40% of work hours, mostly day trips.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple short- and long-term projects effectively.
• Proficient with technology including (but not limited to) Google Suite and database tools. Familiarity with email marketing a plus.

Experience

• At least 2 years of professional work experience.
• A plus, but not required, is experience in a relevant field, e.g., public policy, campaigns, advocacy, public health, or government, with demonstrated increasing responsibility.
• A plus, but not required, is familiarity or background with firearms.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range is $48,000-$52,000 annually
• Healthcare and technology stipend provided
• Generous PTO, including sick leave, vacation days, and holiday schedules
• Flexible, remote work environment
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• Reimbursement for mileage and event-related expenses

There, you’ll find ways to host an informational gatherings, volunteer as a County Champion, join us at community presence events, and much more!