Job Opportunities

The Video & Graphic Design Intern will work primarily with the Director of External Relations. Duties may include editing and producing short-form videos for social media, creating graphics and captions, and adapting existing content into engaging visual and video formats. Current or recent undergraduate and graduate students with experience in video editing and/or graphic design, familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn), and an interest in digital communications or policy work are encouraged to apply.

Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to respond to each applicant individually. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

College credit is optional, and not required. We will provide appropriate documentation if necessary. Interns commit to spending a minimum of 10 hours a week in our downtown Nashville office.

Apply by 5:00 p.m. CT on January 30, 2026 for the summer program.

About the Sycamore Institute

Founded in 2015, The Sycamore Institute is an independent, nonpartisan public policy center whose mission is to provide accessible, reliable data and research in pursuit of sound, sustainable policies that improve the lives of all Tennesseans.

To Apply:

Please fill out this form expressing your interest. No calls or in-person application submissions please.

The Policy Intern works primarily with the Policy Director and Policy Analyst and typically writes a brief or report related to Tennessee state-policy and may help with other research projects, as needed. Duties include carrying out relevant research, analysis, and writing. Original research ideas consistent with Sycamore’s mission and research agenda are welcome. Current or recent undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in state criminal justice, social, health, and/or fiscal policy issues and those with training in statistics and data analysis are encouraged to apply.

We offer internship opportunities each summer, and on a case-by-case basis during the fall and spring semesters. Availability depends on the needs of our projects and organizational capacity at the time. Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to respond to each applicant individually. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

College credit is optional, and not required. We will provide appropriate documentation if necessary. Interns commit to spending a minimum of 10 hours a week in our downtown Nashville office.

Program Dates

Summer: Late May – Early August

Apply by 5:00 p.m. CT on January 30, 2026 for the summer program.

About the Sycamore Institute

Founded in 2015, The Sycamore Institute is an independent, nonpartisan public policy center whose mission is to provide accessible, reliable data and research in pursuit of sound, sustainable policies that improve the lives of all Tennesseans.

To Apply:

Please fill out this form expressing your interest. No calls or in-person application submissions please.

The Sycamore Institute is requesting proposals for a consultant (individual or organization) to support ongoing media relations, social media, and content calendar planning with an anticipated project kick-off in March 2026.

About the Sycamore Institute

The Sycamore Institute is an independent, nonpartisan public policy research center for Tennessee. Sycamore takes an impartial approach to analyze and explain public policy issues. Established in 2015, Sycamore plays a unique role in Tennessee’s civic life—bridging partisan and ideological divides by equipping decision-makers, journalists, citizens, and public and private sector leaders across the state with impartial, data-driven resources to identify, understand, and solve big challenges.

By fostering open dialogue and providing impartial, data-driven insights, the work of our 5-person staff empowers Tennesseans to more effectively weigh—and weigh in on—the policy and institutional questions that shape our daily lives. Although we neither lobby nor advocate for specific policy proposals or outcomes, our work has informed public and private sector decisions on federal, state, and local education funding, TennCare, medical debt, philanthropic strategy, transportation, criminal justice, the state budget, and more. We accomplish this by:

• Producing and communicating relevant, accessible, impartial, and data-driven research and analysis.
• Engaging and building strong relationships with decision-makers and stakeholders from across Tennessee.
• Convening and equipping Tennesseans to thoughtfully assess and address public challenges.

Note for Clarity: Sycamore staff typically use the words “research,” “insights,” and “analysis” as synonyms for the information that we publish on our website and via other channels.

Scope of Work

Sycamore is seeking a consultant with a proven track record of excellence in developing and executing communications strategies. The consultant’s responsibilities will include:

1.  Strategic Communications Planning

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive annual editorial calendar aligned with organizational priorities, research releases, and key policy moments.
• Advise on messaging strategy to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with the organization’s mission and nonpartisan standards.
• Identify opportunities to proactively position Sycamore and our work in relevant public and policy conversations.

2. Media Relations

• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and reporter pitches highlighting new analyses, data updates, and relevant findings and organizational news.
• Proactively surface and repackage relevant information from Sycamore’s archive in response to news cycles, legislative activity, or emerging policy conversations.
• Develop and maintain targeted media lists for Tennessee and regional outlets.
• Maintain consistent professional relationships with reporters by providing access to timely, accurate background information via Sycamore staff.
• Pitch research findings, data insights, and interviews with Sycamore staff to journalists in an impartial, informational manner.
• Coordinate with Sycamore staff to evaluate and respond to reporter inquiries and interview requests.
• Build awareness among Tennessee journalists of the Sycamore Institute as a credible, impartial resource for policy insights and analysis.

3. Digital and Social Media Content

• Write clear, accessible, and engaging social media content that accurately reflects research findings and maintains at all times the organization’s nonpartisan, impartial voice.
• Translate complex data and analysis into concise, plain-language social posts for a general audience.
• Draft platform-appropriate copy (e.g., X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) for both new and previously published research.
• Coordinate with staff to align social content with the editorial calendar and research releases.

• Monitor engagement and recommend adjustments to improve reach and impact with key audiences and the general public.

4. Graphic Design and Visual Assets

• Design visual assets to support events, including materials like promotional graphics, programs, and other event-related designs.
• Create one-pagers for print distribution that highlight research findings in a clear, accessible, and nonpartisan manner.
• Develop social media graphics and videos, including Instagram posts and story assets.
• Adapt existing charts, data, and research content into visually engaging formats suitable for public audiences.

Timeline

Any contract award pursuant to this RFP solicitation shall be for a contract period of 6-12 months, with the possibility of an extension. We anticipate kicking the project off in March 2026.

Application Process and Budget 

Proposals should address the following:

• Basic Information—introduction to firm/consultant and primary point of contact.
• Qualifications—relevant experience and demonstrated success with similar organizations; existing media relationships; knowledge of the relevant policy and news landscape; and bios or résumés for proposed project lead(s).
• Approach—a detailed description of how the consultant would accomplish the scope of work (i.e., anticipated timelines, milestones, and processes); any assumptions or required organizational support in executing the scope of work; and proposed approach and cadence to collaboration and communications.
• Budget and Fee Structure—project budget, hourly rates (if applicable), estimated hours, and alternative pricing scenarios.
• References—contact information for two recent/relevant clients and brief descriptions of the projects and outcomes achieved.

Please email proposals in a single document to Grace@SycamoreTN.org by February 20, 2026.