Operations Internship (DC/VA)

Internship Title: Operations Internship  

Internship Description: Our Operations Interns will work alongside the Operations & Intake Specialist Team across our Downtown DC and Fairfax, VA offices.  Interns will report to the Operations Associate and the respective Office Managers at each location but will collaborate with the entire team.  There may also be opportunities to support the HR department with administrative tasks on an as-needed basis. 

This internship provides a hands-on opportunity to gain insight into how a nonprofit operates—both at the front lines and behind the scenes.  Interns will support internal staff communications, assist with technology and system improvement efforts, and help ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of our offices.  Core responsibilities will include client-facing interactions, front desk reception, phone coverage, client intake support, and assisting with office and facilities coordination.  Interns may also contribute to document translations, outreach initiatives, and research projects. 

This position is ideal for individuals interested in nonprofit operations, administrative support, or organizational management. We look forward to welcoming you to the team! 

The spring internship lasts from January until early May at the latest. We have 2 intern spots that we are recruiting for this season. 1 spot will be based at our Washington, DC office. 1 spot will be based at our Fairfax, VA office.  

Departments Assisting: Ayuda’s Operations and Intake Specialist Department 

Individuals Responsible to: Joe Fortney, Operations Associate (DC) & Aimee Mendoza, VA Intake Specialist/Office Manager (VA) 

Responsibilities:   

• Operations interns will play a key role supporting operational needs across our three offices, while also learning how our programs serve clients firsthand.  
• Internship projects will include things like:  
•   
• Logistics and setup related to new DC office space  
• Writing step-by-step operational procedures for systems or tasks (these make great work samples)  
• Providing support with IT setup and systems access for incoming staff as well as existing staff requests/inquiries 
• Ad hoc research projects aimed at improving our work processes (a great skill for the workplace)  
• Creating/updating visual resources for staff and office use 
• Providing reception and phone coverage for our Intake Specialists (this will involve engaging with both new and existing clients in person and remotely; Spanish fluency required for most interactions) 
• Assisting Intake Specialists with consult scheduling and coordination 
• Supporting office management tasks, such as ordering supplies and making the office a welcoming space 
• Administrative support and prep for yearly audit, fiscal year changes and/or Performance Review Season  
• Organizing staff and intern appreciation events  
• Helping the Development Team prepare for donor events  
• Traveling to our Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA offices with the Operations Team to support the staff on the ground at those offices (all metro accessible)  
• Supporting technology improvement projects  
• Taking advantage of opportunities to learn more about Immigration Law, Family Law, Social Services, Language Access and immigrant rights in the DMV Area. 

Position Qualifications:   

Required:  

• Currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate program  
• Strong interest in how non-profits run  
• Good at problem-solving and finding creative solutions  
• Organized and a strong communicator  
• Fluent in English and Spanish  
• Willingness to jump in wherever needed  
• Results oriented with the ability to meet self-imposed deadlines.  

Preferred:  

• Past exposure working with vulnerable population groups 
• Technical experience in any of the following: WordPress, Canva, MS Visio  
• Based in the Washington, DC region. Able to report to the office at least twice a week 

Commitment: We are looking for 2 spring interns who can dedicate 16 - 24 hours per week for 12-14 weeks to provide administrative and programmatic support. The internship would begin sometime in January and wrap up by May. The exact start and end dates are flexible. Interns are expected to assist with internship responsibilities 2 - 3 days a week, with 2 days a week needed in the office. Interns have holidays off and vacation time available.  

Compensation: This internship offers a stipend of $400 to cover the costs associated with completion of in-person days (transportation, gas, parking, food, etc.). Stipends are determined based on the number of in person days per week the specific internship requires.  Interns are welcome to complete more in person days than required but such days are not included in the internship stipend.    

Technology: We will provide the intern with a laptop, and they will need to have access to reliable internet connection on remote days for video conferences and email communication.  

Application: Please apply with a one-page letter of interest addressed to Ayuda, noting specific offices applying to/interested in, and a current one-page resume. Applications can be emailed to admininternships@ayuda.com. Due to the heavy volume of applications received, we ask applicants to refrain from contacting us about applications status as all applicants will either be contacted for an interview request or upon the completion of our recruitment.   

Ayuda values an inclusive, diverse workplace and does not unlawfully discriminate on any basis prohibited by law. Ayuda is also committed to equal employment opportunity. Employment decisions are made consistent with both Ayuda's organizational values and the law, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We also strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences in the communities we serve.