STUDENT- MLK Scholar Cohort Manager

Student Employment Position Description

Position Summary/Overview

The MLK Scholars Cohort Manager serves as the primary representative and advocate for their graduating class within the Martin Luther King Scholars Program. Cohort Managers are responsible for fostering community, increasing engagement, planning meaningful cohort experiences, and communicating the needs, concerns, and ideas of their peers to the Unity Center and MLK Scholars Advisory Council. This position provides students with a unique opportunity to develop leadership, event planning, communication, and advocacy skills while supporting the success and well-being of their cohort.

Position Information

Position Title: MLK Scholars Cohort Manager
Department: Unity Center
Program: Martin Luther King Scholars Program
Hiring Manager: Cliff-Simon Vital
Pay Rate: $16.00 per hour (Plus standard annual increases when applicable)
Term of Employment: Full Academic Year (Fall and Spring Semesters)

Essential Responsibilities

Community Building & Engagement

• Serve as the primary representative for your graduating class cohort.
• Build community and strengthen connections among cohort members.
• Promote participation in MLK Scholars Program initiatives and events.
• Encourage student feedback and engagement throughout the academic year.

Event Planning & Programming

• Plan and implement one cohort-exclusive event per month during the academic year.
• Develop engaging experiences that support academic success, wellness, leadership development, and community building.
• Examples may include: 
  • Study nights
  • Game nights
  • Service projects
  • Wellness activities
  • Networking opportunities
  • Social and cultural events
• Work with the Unity Center to secure funding, reserve spaces, and coordinate logistics.

Advisory Council Representation

• Serve on the MLK Scholars Advisory Council.
• Attend monthly meetings with the Program Director.
• Collect and communicate cohort concerns, feedback, and recommendations.
• Advocate for the needs and interests of your cohort.
• Assist in shaping future MLK Scholars initiatives and programming.

Communication & Leadership

• Maintain regular communication with cohort members.
• Collaborate with Unity Center staff and fellow Cohort Managers.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and inclusive leadership.
• Serve as a positive role model within the MLK Scholars community.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Be a current MLK Scholar in good program and academic (including college) standing.
• Be enrolled and on the Ithaca College Ithaca Main Campus for the full academic year.
• Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Be able to commit to the full term of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience in student organizations, athletics, academic programs, or community groups.
• Interest in event planning, advocacy, or community engagement.
• Desire to develop leadership and professional skills.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 3-5 hours per month
  • Monthly meeting with the Hiring Manager
  • Monthly Advisory Council participation
  • Planning and execution of one cohort event each month

Compensation & Benefits

• Paid at minimum wage set by Ithaca College 
• Event funding support for cohort programming
• Leadership development opportunities
• Professional mentorship
• Experience in event planning, advocacy, and community engagement

Selection Process

1. Submit an application outlining interest, qualifications, and event ideas.
2. Applications will be reviewed by the Hiring Manager.
3. Qualified candidates will be presented to their respective cohort.
4. Cohort members will participate in a democratic voting process that includes: 
   • Voting for their preferred candidate.
   • Indicating their confidence in the candidate's ability to represent the cohort.
5. Selected candidates will be appointed as Cohort Managers for their graduating class.

Available Positions

• One (1) Cohort Manager – Class of 2027
• One (1) Cohort Manager – Class of 2028
• One (1) Cohort Manager – Class of 2029
•  One (1) Cohort Manager – Class of 2030

Total Positions Available: Four (4)