Via Evaluation champions students and developing professionals considering a career in program evaluation. Our Evaluation Intern will assist evaluation staff with the collection, cleaning, and reporting of data from our client organizations and within our organization. This intern must be fully bilingual in Spanish and English both conversationally and in professional writing. They will have an opportunity to observe professionals in Evaluation work, attend client meetings, contribute to the success of projects, and learn evaluation techniques.

"If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together" - African Proverb

Via Evaluation is committed to improving its diversity and welcomes people of all backgrounds meeting the job requirements to apply.

Summary of Position:

Interns contribute to the overall success of VIA by supporting efforts to provide meaningful data analysis and reporting to our clients. With the guidance of our experienced staff, Interns will work and learn to develop data management systems, clean data, analyze results, and create data visualizations and reports. Our work requires extensive tracking of information, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and observations of educational and community programming in a variety of settings. Interns are responsible for completing assigned work, demonstrating an eagerness to learn new skills, and communicating to others when additional training or guidance is needed. 

A Program Evaluation Intern is responsible for:

 Research Assistance 

• Providing general support to Evaluators and Research Associates as they complete evaluation projects for VIA’s clients
• Attending, observing, and assisting with client site visits, logic modeling sessions, and data collection exercises
• Taking detailed notes on client needs, project requirements, and goals
• Preparing copies of observation tools, reports, and forms to take to client sites
• Developing, editing, or updating surveys (in written form or using online survey products, e.g. SurveyMonkey)
• Sharing work progress with team members you are supporting
• Ensuring that work in progress is available for review as needed
• Communicating with the VIA team when you are available to take on additional work

Data Collection and Management 

• Assisting with the collection and organization of client data
• Entering incoming data into statistical software (Excel or similar)
• Cleaning data using statistical software
• Analyzing data using statistical software
• Investigating incomplete or inconsistent data
• Double checking data analysis to ensure consistent and accurate results

Personal and Professional Development 

• Staying informed of emerging trends, research, and innovation within the field of VIA’s work (evaluation, consulting, education, and non-profit organizations)
• Tracking deadlines for personal work responsibilities and maintaining general awareness of overall project deadlines
• Participating in regular check ins with manager(s) to track performance and skill development
• Ensuring that the VIA internship experience meets the educational requirements of your coursework (if applicable)
• Communicating ways that VIA can advance the organization or the effectiveness of VIA’s internship program

Here's what you'll need to be considered:

• Currently enrolled in a relevant social science discipline in an accredited educational institution or developing professionals considering a career in Evaluation
• Understanding of basic principles of data collection and analysis

• Demonstrated skill proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Proven success in a collaborative academic and/or work environment(s)
• Fully bilingual in Spanish and English both conversationally and in professional writing
• Experience working or volunteering in educational, government, or not for profit setting a plus 
• Able to obtain fingerprint clearance according to New York State Department of Education policy 
• Able to travel locally to attend client meetings at various times throughout the year 

Physical Demands

This position will work in an office setting and require the employee to regularly sit, use a computer keyboard, computer mouse, and use computer screen (s) or a laptop computer at a desk. Additionally, frequently, this position will require one to speak and hear phone conversations, video computer conversations and participate in face-to-face conversation. We encourage all employees to take regular short stretches and walking breaks away from the computer screen and stay hydrated throughout the workday. Should you be unable to meet the physical requirements of the position and require accommodation, please contact Jennifer at 716-362-0627 or Jennifer@viaeval.com.

What's Important to VIA?

At VIA Evaluation, we dream of a world where decisions are based on quality information that can improve communities and the lives of individuals. We work with educational, governmental, and non-profit organizations to evaluate the capabilities, needs, and effectiveness of programs to determine what elements work for their unique operations. VIA is committed to distinctive quality and unparalleled customer service in all aspects of our business. As part of our team, you will discover that the pursuit of excellence is truly a rewarding aspect of your career with VIA Evaluation.

The success of VIA Evaluation is determined by operating as a unified team that is responsive to client needs while always maintaining the integrity of our work. We must earn the trust and respect of team members and current and potential clients every day. The primary goal at VIA is to achieve our purpose and vision through providing responsive, timely, informative services that help clients understand and use data. We could never reach these goals without the help of our diverse, dedicated, creative, and productive employees who are empowered to make suggestions and drive improvement every day.

At VIA, we believe that our work as evaluators provides us with a powerful platform for social change and that our higher purpose is to drive Equity for all. Creating a culture of Equity and Inclusion is the foundation of our core values. A diverse workforce and inclusive mindset fosters innovation and better positions us to succeed. VIA strives to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. There is more work to be done, but with the help and input of our employees, clients, partners, and community — we can achieve remarkable things.

All VIA employees are proud to uphold the core values of VIA Evaluation in their work and actions:

Commitment to Growth & Development

Work/Life Balance

Feedback Inspires Change

Collaborative Team Approach

Integrity matters

Passionate about our work

Perks!In order to fulfill our commitment to supporting work-life balance and accommodate your educational program, VIA offers the following:

• This is a paid internship with premium for Spanish language skills.
• Flexible scheduling around your academic schedule between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Thursday.
• Four-day work week - Monday through Thursday. 
• In accordance with New York State guidelines, 8 hours of sick leave per quarter starting at date of hire not to exceed 40 hours annually.

We strive to build a diverse team that can contribute to the achievement of our goals and to our continued success. If you feel that you share our commitment to our purpose and core values, we encourage you to apply to join the VIA Evaluation team.