We are dedicated to equity and finding a diverse pool of candidates & continually advertise our entry-level roles.

We welcome all who meet the skill set to apply.

Our Research Associates contribute to the overall success of Via Evaluation through the collection, analysis, management, and reporting of data from our client organizations. If you are new to program evaluation or seeking to expand your experience this position may be a great fit!

Summary of Position:

A Research Associate works with our team of Evaluation Project Managers to collect and transform program data into meaningful reports, summaries, and visualizations. This position relies on partnership with members of the VIA team and with key collaborators of client organizations to provide services that help them to understand and apply the information collected. Research Associates are responsible for building internal reports and contributing to the development of external client reports. It is a plus if you are bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities:

 Research Assistance 

• Attending client site visits, logic modeling sessions, and data collection 
• 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 an online survey product, e.g., SurveyMonkey)

• Communicating with Evaluation Project Managers about the status of projects or deliverables 
• Ensuring that work in progress is available for review as needed 
• Prepare updates for clients as required by prior agreements 

 Data Collection and Management 

• Creating systems for clients to collect program or participant 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; contacting clients to request incomplete data as needed 
• Double checking data analysis to ensure consistent and accurate results 

• Organizing electronic documents and work projects 
• Creating data visualization models that compliment data reports 

 "My background is in statistics, so I do a lot of cleaning and analyzing in my projects." - Research Associate

Internal Reporting 

• Organizing and updating project materials and client data 
• Creating data visualization models that compliment data reports 

• Preparing and presenting comprehensive reports of client data to Evaluation Project Managers
• Checking that client materials are accurate, complete, and free from errors 
• Producing deliverables that consistently emphasize the VIA brand and core values 

 "I spend a lot of time creating systems that allow clients to take all of their program data, enter it into one central place, and then it will provide them with an overview of what that data looks like, in real-time." - Research Associate

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 
• Setting professional goals and working with manager(s) to develop plans for achieving objectives 
• Participating in regular check ins with manager(s) to track performance and skill development 
• Brainstorming innovative ideas to advance the organization or the effectiveness of VIA’s work 

"Jess and Komani are totally open and encouraging of people to offer new ideas. Anyone can bring forward an idea about how to do things differently or make something better." - Research Associate

It's important to have a foundation, whether you earned your degree or have gained your experience through your previous jobs. Here's what you'll need:

• Academic or professional experience in a relevant social science discipline or organizational focus
• Experience meeting customer services expectations like assessing needs, meeting quality standards, and evaluating customer satisfaction 

• Demonstrated skill proficiency working with data sets in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and/or SPSS
• Demonstrated skill proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Proven success in collaborative work environments 
• Professional experience in not for profit or education evaluation preferred 
• Fully bilingual in professional Spanish (oral and written) is a plus and a premium will be added if offered position
• Able to obtain fingerprint clearance according to New York State Department of Education policy 
• Able to travel both locally and nationwide for client meetings, conferences, and professional development opportunities at various times throughout the year 

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 foster 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

Benefits and more!

In order to fulfill our commitment to supporting work-life balance, VIA offers the following benefits to full time employees:

• Incredibly affordable and comprehensive medical coverage through vendors with a large network of providers
• Company-paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• Company-paid Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Accident Insurance at the employee level with spouse/dependent coverage available for purchase
• Company Paid Life Insurance with additional amounts available as needed
• Dental, vision, short and long-term disability insurance available as needed
• Pre-taxed flexible spending account (FSA/DCA) available for health-related expenses or childcare/eldercare
• 401k retirement plan with Company match at 10% for all full-time staff. Match will increase to 12% after 5 years of service and to 15% after 10 years of service.
• Generous Paid Time Off policy
• Paid holidays
• Paid Family Leave (NYS) 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Professional development opportunities (paid conferences, trainings, etc.): $1,500.00 provided to each employee for self-allocated development in addition to supervisor-allocated assignments
• Pre-taxed transportation deduction
• Flexible scheduling (days may start anytime between 7am and 10am for an 8-hour shift)
• Annual salary reviews and regular performance reviews
• 4-day work week