Have you ever wanted to learn more about health and human services, the workforce system, or other key government functions? The Sunset Advisory Commission is seeking highly motivated, analytical, curious, and innovative individuals with an interest in data analytics and a desire to help government work better.
Organization Mission
The mission of the Sunset Advisory Commission is to enhance government accountability to the Legislature and people of Texas by objectively evaluating the need for and value of state programs and services. The Sunset process works by setting an automatic termination (Sunset) date in state law on which an agency will be abolished unless the Legislature passes a bill to continue it, typically for another 12 years. This date determines when an agency is subject to Sunset review. Unlike other legislative oversight agencies that evaluate an agency’s financial accountability or compliance with state and federal laws, a Sunset review starts by asking a more fundamental question — is the state agency still needed? If the answer is yes, then Sunset evaluates the agency’s programs, rules, operations, and success in fulfilling its mission to identify problems and opportunities for improvement.
Opening Date: May 2, 2025
Closing Date: Open until filled
Job Title: Data Analytics Intern (multiple positions)
Compensation: $18/hour
Time Commitment: September 1, 2025 – December 12, 2025 (15-20 hours per week/300 hours per semester); potential for extension based on Sunset’s needs and the intern’s interest, performance, and availability.
Work Environment: This job entails a flexible hybrid work arrangement involving two days in the office and three days remote/virtual. Days may vary, and the work schedule will accommodate the intern’s class obligations.
Reporting Relationships
- Supervision exercised: none
- Supervision received: moderate
FLSA Exempt
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
This classification operates in a physically comfortable environment with occasional stooping, bending, and light lifting required. This classification generally works under normal office conditions.
Advantages and Learning Objectives: The intern will gain hands-on experience working in data analytics, policy research, legislative oversight, and program evaluation. Additionally, the intern will get the opportunity to expand their knowledge of data analysis tools while beginning to build a career and network among goal-oriented professionals. There will also be potential for academic credit consistent with the policy and procedures of the intern’s educational institution.
Job Description
The Data Analytics Intern works part time with Sunset staff’s Senior Data Analyst and review teams to conduct nonpartisan, objective evaluations of Texas state agencies. Job duties include collecting, organizing, and validating data in preparation for quantitative analysis; assisting the Senior Data Analyst and review teams in analyzing and interpreting data; and collaborating with the Senior Data Analyst and review teams to create data visualizations.
We are a fun, hardworking team of intellectually curious people who believe in our mission to improve government operations. The Sunset Commission is an equal opportunity employer.
Essential Job Functions
- Identify and gather information through research and information requests from various sources, including publicly available online datasets, agency personnel, and stakeholders, for Sunset staff to use in understanding and evaluating an agency and its operations.
- Perform data cleaning and validation (i.e., identifying duplicates, errors, structural inconsistencies, and missing data) to prepare it for analysis and import into data visualization software.
- Consult with the Senior Data Analyst and review teams to identify data analytics needs.
- Assist the Senior Data Analyst and review teams in collecting, querying, and analyzing data.
- Assist the Senior Data Analyst and review teams in interpreting data analysis results to identify significant differences and trends in data to inform decisions and conclusions.
- Build and test graphs, charts, and dashboards using available data.
- Participate in team meetings to collaborate on review planning, themes, issues, and recommendations.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Current enrollment in an undergraduate degree program with at least 48 credit hours, or a graduate degree program, in analytics, public policy, law, social sciences, business administration, or a similar field. Minimum GPA of 3.0.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Basic knowledge of data analysis and visualization.
- Basic knowledge of relational database structure/design.
- Ability to use computer hardware and software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, and internet browser programs.
- Ability to efficiently organize and maintain information and documentation.
- Ability to convey complex information accurately, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to comprehend and summarize complex quantitative material, including by performing literature reviews.
- Ability to synthesize data and information to draw initial conclusions.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team in an effort to achieve common goals and to work professionally with others, including agency leadership and staff, stakeholders, interest groups, lobbyists, and legislators and their staff.
- Ability to be nonpartisan and objective.
- Ability to work effectively under the pressure of tight timelines and/or competing priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of research techniques such as statistical analysis and survey design.
- Proficiency in data analysis and visualization.
- Proficiency in relational database structure/design.
- Knowledge of basic SQL programming or other coding languages.
- Intermediate level knowledge of Excel.
- Working familiarity with quantitative analytics or business intelligence tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
- Active enrollment in a graduate degree program in public policy, law, social sciences, business administration, journalism, or similar field.
- Professional experience in program evaluation, policy analysis, project management, government, or other related field.
How to Apply
Please submit the following documents to sunset@sunset.texas.gov in Word or PDF format.
- State of Texas application
- Your resume
- A cover letter highlighting your interest in the position, relevant experience, and any specific policy areas of interest
- Two references with email addresses and phone numbers
What next?
Based on their qualifications and responses, selected applicants will receive an interview, asked to complete an exercise 24 hours before their interview, and may undergo a background check.
As a condition of employment, legal proof of authorization to work in the U.S. must be provided. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. The Sunset Commission participates in E-Verify.
All applicants will receive notification of our hiring decision.