What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vital Strategies Finance Summer Associate position at Vital Strategies?
Job Brief
Vital Strategies Finance Summer Associate
Vital Strategies is a global public health organization. Our programs strengthen public health systems and address the world’s leading causes of illness, injury, and death. We currently work in more than 80 countries, supporting data-driven decision-making in government, advancing evidence-based public health policies, and mounting strategic communication campaigns. Vital Strategies’ priorities are driven by the greatest potential to improve and save lives. They include noncommunicable disease prevention, tobacco control, road safety, food policy, environmental health, and data for health. Our programs are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries and cities in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Please visit our website at www.vitalstrategies.org to find out more about our work.
We believe our programs are strengthened when they are developed and supported by people with diverse life experiences whose understanding of social and cultural issues can help make our work and workforce more inclusive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, actual or perceived age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for those seeking employment.
About the Program:
Vital Strategies offers students the opportunity to contribute to real-time projects that advance health equity and strengthen public health systems. Throughout the summer, Summer Associates engage in meaningful work assignments, participate in professional development sessions, and interact with organizational leadership while building critical technical, analytical, and operational skills.
The Opportunity :
The Vital Strategies Finance Summer Associate will gain hands-on experience in global public health finance within a mission-driven nonprofit organization. This role is designed to provide meaningful exposure to financial management, donor-funded programs, and operational processes that support impactful initiatives worldwide, while developing practical skills in accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
The Finance Summer Associate will support key financial operations across donor-funded programs, including budgeting, reporting, and process improvement initiatives. This role provides a unique opportunity to understand nonprofit financial management in a global context and collaborate with cross-functional teams. The position is ideal for candidates interested in nonprofit finance, international development, or public health organizations.
Duration: June - August, 2026 (10-12 weeks); minimum commitment of 3 days per week.
Location: New York City/Tri-State Area – Hybrid work schedule (at least 2 days in office per week)
Compensation: We offer a rate of $25 per hour for a maximum of 40 hours per week.
Responsibilities:
Education and Work Experience -
Vital Strategies Finance Summer Associate
Vital Strategies is a global public health organization. Our programs strengthen public health systems and address the world’s leading causes of illness, injury, and death. We currently work in more than 80 countries, supporting data-driven decision-making in government, advancing evidence-based public health policies, and mounting strategic communication campaigns. Vital Strategies’ priorities are driven by the greatest potential to improve and save lives. They include noncommunicable disease prevention, tobacco control, road safety, food policy, environmental health, and data for health. Our programs are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries and cities in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Please visit our website at www.vitalstrategies.org to find out more about our work.
We believe our programs are strengthened when they are developed and supported by people with diverse life experiences whose understanding of social and cultural issues can help make our work and workforce more inclusive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, actual or perceived age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for those seeking employment.
About the Program:
Vital Strategies offers students the opportunity to contribute to real-time projects that advance health equity and strengthen public health systems. Throughout the summer, Summer Associates engage in meaningful work assignments, participate in professional development sessions, and interact with organizational leadership while building critical technical, analytical, and operational skills.
The Opportunity :
The Vital Strategies Finance Summer Associate will gain hands-on experience in global public health finance within a mission-driven nonprofit organization. This role is designed to provide meaningful exposure to financial management, donor-funded programs, and operational processes that support impactful initiatives worldwide, while developing practical skills in accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
The Finance Summer Associate will support key financial operations across donor-funded programs, including budgeting, reporting, and process improvement initiatives. This role provides a unique opportunity to understand nonprofit financial management in a global context and collaborate with cross-functional teams. The position is ideal for candidates interested in nonprofit finance, international development, or public health organizations.
Duration: June - August, 2026 (10-12 weeks); minimum commitment of 3 days per week.
Location: New York City/Tri-State Area – Hybrid work schedule (at least 2 days in office per week)
Compensation: We offer a rate of $25 per hour for a maximum of 40 hours per week.
Responsibilities:
- Support finance-related aspects of international office registrations, including documentation, compliance tracking, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders
- Support the SVP, Finance with analytics, dashboards, and data-driven decision-making
- Develop and document step-by-step procedures for finance processes, including creating user guides for Vena
- Participate in improving financial processes, tools, and reporting systems
- Conduct research and analysis on finance-related topics as needed
- Work with team members across departments to support financial planning
Education and Work Experience -
- Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Finance , Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; familiarity with financial systems is a plus
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Interest in nonprofit finance, global health, or international development preferred
Salary : $25