Economics Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Economic Mobility Intern will support the East Tennessee Collaborative (ETC) team in implementing grant-funded programming and coordinating activities associated with the conclusion of the current grant cycle. The intern will assist with planning and logistics for ETC's capstone celebration, coordinate workshop presenters and materials, manage participant incentives, and support participant focus groups and other program evaluation activities. Through this experience, the intern will gain valuable exposure to nonprofit program operations, community partnerships, event coordination, and implementing and evaluating a regional economic mobility initiative. The Economic Mobility Intern will adhere to the mission, values, and philosophy of United Way of Greater Knoxville.

Learning Goals

1. Gain hands-on experience supporting the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a community-based economic mobility initiative.
2. Develop skills in project coordination, data collection, participant engagement, and nonprofit program operations.
3. Learn how organizations communicate impact through storytelling, reporting, and community events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following responsibilities reflect the core functions of the role and are considered essential to the position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list but rather a representation of the key duties required to advance UWGK’s mission. Duties may evolve based on organizational needs and community priorities.

• Assist with planning and coordinating ETC events and workshops, including the capstone celebration, by helping manage logistics, schedules, presenters, materials, and participant communications.
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  Support grant-funded program implementation by organizing workshop materials, tracking participant attendance, and assisting with the distribution and documentation of participant incentives and gift cards.
• Coordinate administrative and communication tasks by maintaining project timelines, preparing meeting materials, documenting action items, and supporting partner and presenter coordination.
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  Assist with program evaluation activities by helping facilitate participant focus groups, organizing feedback and survey data, and compiling information to support end-of-grant reporting and continuous improvement.
  

Required Skills/ Abilities  

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, track deadlines, and support project coordination activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally with community partners, participants, and internal team members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including experience creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and tracking tools.
• Ability to collect, organize, and summarize information from multiple sources to support program reporting, evaluation, and event planning.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to support community-based initiatives and improving outcomes for individuals and families.

Education and Experience 

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  Currently enrolled in or recently completed a degree program in community development, social work, nonprofit management, business, communications, public administration, education, or a related field.

Desirable, But Not Required

• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, community programs, workforce development initiatives, financial empowerment programs, or similar community-focused efforts.
• Experience supporting event planning, including logistics coordination, communications, registration, scheduling, or day-of-event support.
• Familiarity with data collection, participant engagement, surveys, focus groups, or program evaluation activities.
• Experience creating outreach materials, presentations, meeting notes, or other program-related communications.
• Knowledge of the East Tennessee community and/or interest in economic mobility, financial stability, workforce development, or family support services.
• Experience using tools such as Canva, SurveyMonkey, Power BI, or other project management/data platforms.

Physical Demands

• This position operates in a professional office setting with flexibility for hybrid and remote work based on organizational policies and individual needs.
• The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, and photocopiers.
• The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and keyboard.
• Visual and auditory acuity is required to perform essential communication tasks via phone, video conferencing, email, and in-person meetings.
• Occasional lifting or carrying of items up to 20 pounds may be required (e.g., supplies for meetings or outreach events).

• This role requires occasional local travel to partner sites, community events, and meetings. Access to reliable transportation for meetings and events within the Greater Knoxville area and state and regional locations.   
  

Environmental Conditions

• Work is typically performed indoors in a climate-controlled office or remote setting.
• Occasional work in off-site locations such as community centers, nonprofit partner facilities, or event venues may occur, which may vary in accessibility and noise levels.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor conditions may occur when attending community events or site visits.
• The role may involve occasional high-energy or emotionally sensitive environments when working directly with community members or facilitating group discussions.

UWGK is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. We encourage individuals of all abilities to apply and will provide reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process and employment lifecycle.