Oliver Fellows Program

Program Overview:

Created by State Senator Charlane Oliver, the Oliver Fellows Program is a unique opportunity for high school seniors and college students enrolled in institutions located within Senate District 19 to gain valuable hands-on experience, professional development, and exposure to the intricacies of public service. This program is designed to empower students with a passion for social justice, community engagement, leadership, and policy to make a meaningful impact on their local community.

Senator Charlane Oliver is currently serving in her first term as a progressive voice for the People in the Tennessee State Senate. She represents the 19th Senatorial District, which encompasses North Nashville, Bordeaux, Whites Creek, Madison and parts of East Nashville, Goodlettsville, Edgehill, Wedgewood-Houston and Antioch. Oliver Fellows will primarily serve as community organizers, responsible for managing and planning district-related activities and working closely with Senator Oliver on special projects. 

Ideal candidates for the Oliver Fellowship Program will be self-motivated, self-driven, politically engaged fast learners who can operate and easily adapt in an ever-changing fast-paced environment. Applicants should have good writing skills, an excitement to manage social media and create content and graphics, and ability to interact with people in various professional settings. Oliver Fellows will be required to attend the Senator's scheduled events and be a part of the weekly planning process.

Positions:

  1. Media & Communications Fellow

  2. Community Engagement Fellow

Location: Senate District 19, Nashville, Tennessee

Media & Communications Fellow Responsibilities:

  • Manage social media accounts and create content

  • Create graphics, reels, videos, and event registration pages

  • Write, create, and design The Senator Source newsletter 

  • Update website 

  • Design and write content for social media graphics 

  • Draft other communication materials, as assigned.

  • Accompany Senator Oliver at public events 

    • Serve as the trusted advance team member for Sen. Oliver’s attendance at public events

    • Capture and document photos and video of Sen. Oliver before, during and after events

    • Handle arrival preparations

  • Lead in the planning, coordination and execution of district events, including community service events, town hall meetings, festivals, parades, policy-related seminars and workshops. 

  • Coordinate and assist with logistics, invite speakers, recruit volunteers, booking vendors and venues, acquiring supplies, and ensure a smooth flow of activities during events.

  • Ordering, purchasing and pick up supplies and campaign materials

Community Engagement Fellow Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a liaison between the Office of State Senator Charlane Oliver and local communities and constituencies within Senate District 19.

  • Maintain positive relationships with community leaders, stakeholders, and residents.

  • Accompany Sen. Oliver at public events 

    • Serve as the trusted advance team member for Sen. Oliver’s attendance at public events

    • Capture and document photos and video of Sen. Oliver before, during and after events

    • Handle arrival preparations

  • Organize and plan district events, including community service events, town hall meetings, festivals, parades, policy-related seminars and workshops. 

  • Building and maintaining updated mailing database and email list-servs of contacts

  • Leading and developing special projects

  • Draft, write, and mail thank you notes, letters, and mailings

  • Regularly monitor and check the mailbox

  • Conduct legislative research and draft one-pagers, policy briefs, and bill summaries

Who Should Apply:

High school seniors and college students studying law, political science, history, public administration, social work, economics, sociology, journalism, and related fields are eligible for this program, or have a genuine interest in working in government, politics and public service. 

Applicants must be enrolled in a High School or an accredited 2-year or 4-year institution located within Senate District 19. (Colleges: Fisk University, Tennessee State University, American Baptist College, Meharry Medical College, Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville State Community College). Look up if your school is located in District 19. 

Requirements: 

Oliver Fellows must have access to reliable transportation.

This position involves being flexible in working hours, including heavy availability during evenings and weekends, to meet the demands of the role and ensure effective completion of tasks and responsibilities. Any student applying for the program must be willing to commit for the entire duration of the fellowship.

When:

Oliver Fellows will be appointed to serve for a four-month semester period during the 2024 calendar year. The appointment period will not be the same as the quarter or semester calendar for your school.

Fellowship Program Semesters: 

  1. The Oliver Fellows Program is not accepting applications until Summer 2025.

Where: This position is primarily remote; with occasional in-person meetings as needed

Time Commitment: Approximately 10-15 hours per week

Benefits: 

  • $1,500 stipend, paid in four equal monthly installments

  • Opportunity to work directly with Senator Oliver and gain an up-close-and-personal inside knowledge and experience about serving in public elected office. 

  • Opportunity to serve the community at the highest levels of public leadership in the state 

  • Opportunity to participate in and attend exclusive events and meetings

  • Possibility of earning academic credit, if applicable

  • Fellows will receive a Team Oliver t-shirt

How To Apply:

Applicants may apply for any semester at any time. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Deadline to apply: The Oliver Fellows Program is not accepting applications until Summer 2025. Check back for more updates.

Equity Statement: Studies have shown that marginalized communities, such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. The Office of Senator Charlane Oliver is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging. If you’re excited about this position but your past experience doesn’t align exactly with every qualification or requirement in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may just be the right fellow for this role!