INTERNSHIP - OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER INTERN - SUMMER - 05052026 - 77576

Internship

This is a Hybrid position

For more information, visit the link below:

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/Commissioner_Office_Internship_2026.pdf

Who we are and what we do:

DHS MISSION: Strengthen Tennessee by Strengthening Tennesseans

DHS VISION: To revolutionize the customer experience by growing capacity to reduce dependency.

DHS VALUES: High Performance Collaboration ContinuousImprovement a Shared Vision Customer-Centered Solutions

Job Overview:
The Tennessee Department of Human Services is seeking an executive intern for the summer of 2026 (June 1, 2026 August 14, 2026). The chosen candidate will be assigned to the Commissioners Office and will assist with a wide range of projects and assignments related to policy, research, and outreach for departmental strategic initiatives and projects.

How to Apply: To apply for this internship opportunity, please send the following documents to Trevor.Lauri@tn.gov: Resume Letter of intent Most recent transcript Two professional letters of recommendation. At least one of the recommendations should come from an academic institution. DD214 (veteran candidates only)

Comments: This is an unpaid internship, working 20-37.5 hours per week. Some travel may be required. All participants in the Tennessee Department of Human Services Internship program are required to present details of their internship experience to executive staff. This presentation will be given to executive leadership during an executive leadership team meeting at the end of the internship term. For more information on the Tennessee Department of Human Services, please visit https://www.tn.gov/humanservices.html.

Work Location: This internship is a hybrid position requiring some days per week being in the office with the possibility of occasional travel. Andrew Johnson Building 710 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243

Key Responsibilities:
Research and Analysis: Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to inform executive decision-making. Analyze organizational data, industry trends, benchmarking reports, and policy impacts. Synthesize complex information into concise executive summaries. Develop briefing materials, white papers, and issue analyses. Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend data-informed improvements.

Project Implementation Support: Assist in brainstorming, planning, coordinating, and tracking executive-level strategic initiatives that may involve cross-divisional collaboration, policy development, and/or community engagement. Support development of project timelines, milestones, and deliverables. Monitor progress against implementation plans and identify risks or delays. Prepare status updates, dashboards, and executive-ready reports. Coordinate meetings, document action items, and follow up on assigned tasks. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education Requirements: Applicants must possess a bachelors degree and be currently pursuing a graduate degree. A bachelors degree in a human services, social services, law, or related field preferred, but a project management or business management field might be considered.

Recent college graduates, masters students, and doctoral students may apply.

Applicants must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Essential Knowledge, Core Competencies, and Required Skills: Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to plan and execute projects with limited supervision or instruction. General knowledge and understanding of research tools and data analysis platforms is preferred. Familiarity with Microsoft Office products. Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information Professional judgment and executive presence

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.