TBR | The College System of Tennessee

Title: Legislative Intern

Employee Classification: Clerical & Secretarial

Institution: System Office

Department: Government and Public Relations, Office of External Affairs

Campus Location: Tennessee Board of Regents System Office

Job Summary

Reporting directly to Director of Legislation and Advancement, this paid Intern will support the day-to-day operations of the Government & Public Relations Department during its busiest time of the year – the annual session of the Tennessee General Assembly. Throughout the course of the internship, much time will be spent watching legislative committee meetings and floor sessions, tracking legislation, and assisting other TBR staff and dignitaries who may visit the Capitol from time to time (including the annual TBR “Day on the Hill”). Research and analysis of proposed legislation will be an important part of the Intern’s role and will be conducted on the Hill in Nashville, remotely, or at the TBR System Office. Other responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, producing external communications pieces, scheduling meetings, preparing meeting materials and documents, and constituent case work and investigation. Given the pace and rigor of the legislative session, it is important to note that some days will be longer than others. The term of the internship will end two weeks after the adjournment of the annual legislative session.

Job Duties

• 45% - Legislative bill tracking and research; supporting Government & Public Relations staff - (Essential)
• 25% - Administrative support tasks, research, meeting prep, staff support at System Office - (Essential)
• 25% - Facilitating Capitol Hill visits, including TBR Day on the Hill, and assisting dignitaries/staff/visitors on behalf of the TBR - (Essential)
• 5% - Other duties as assigned by Government & Public Relations Department staff and/or other External Affairs leaders/staff. - (Marginal)

Minimum Qualifications

• Enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, a public or private college or university, including a Tennessee College of Applied Technology;
• Interest in state government and/or higher education issues;
• Flexibility to work odd and/or extended hours during the legislative session; and
• Reliable form of transportation to/from TBR System Office, Capitol Complex, and (occasionally) other locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a community college or technical college student;
• Office work experience; and
• Major in law, political science, history, public administration, social work, economics, sociology, journalism, or related fields.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to thoroughly, and sometimes quickly, research policy issues and present findings to team members and other staff;
• Strong sense of detail in organizing activities, events, and one’s own work;
• Understanding of and strong comfort level with administrative office tasks: handling phones, office technology, schedules, organization of information, etc.;
• Professional appearance and ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully through verbal and written means;
• Ability to understand and maintain confidential information; and
• Basic understanding of state government and the legislative process.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions