STEP Program Advisor – Middle Schools

Cornell University values engagement with the local community, state, and the world, learning about social needs and strengths, and applying the knowledge it creates for the benefit of society. Cornell’s David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement is jointly overseen by the Vice President for Student & Campus Life and Vice Provost for Engagement and Land-Grant Affairs.

Student and Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic and personal evolution. Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellbeing, connection and belonging, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad.

The Office of the Vice Provost for Engagement and Land-Grant Affairs advocates for Cornell’s role as the land-grant university for New York state and monitors and collaborates on responses to the governor’s initiatives in higher education and economic development. This Office is responsible for a broad range of relationships and academic programs and initiatives that further Cornell’s public engagement mission globally, locally, and across New York state, where Cornell serves as the state’s land-grant university.

Based in Ithaca, N.Y., the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement builds service and community-engaged learning as a hallmark of the Cornell student experience by empowering students through campus and community collaborations to create a more just and equitable world. The center plays a key role supporting community-engaged learning and public service across the university. The result of the merging of the Public Service Center (PSC) and the Office of Engagement Initiatives (OEI), the center brings high-impact practices such as, community-engaged learning, and service-oriented programs to students, faculty, and staff while increasing opportunities for partnerships in local, national, and global arenas.

Leveraging the existing strengths of Cornell’s public engagement agenda, the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement presents a new model and direction for higher education – one in which community-engaged learning and service is deeply ingrained, fully institutionalized and effectively taught and implemented. Through this center, students graduating from Cornell will enter the world as educated global citizens who practice respect and empathy; seek collaboration, cooperation and creativity; embrace differences and diversity in all aspects of their personal, professional and civic lives; and are dedicated to working with others to help solve some of the world’s most intractable problems.

The Program Advisor for the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) provides individualized and group support to middle school participants and their families, fostering students’ academic success, motivation, and sustained engagement in the STEP program. This position plays a key role in encouraging students’ curiosity, persistence, and confidence as they explore pathways toward higher education and careers in scientific, technical, health-related, and licensed professions. During the academic year, the Program Advisor meets regularly with students at partner schools to discuss academic progress, set goals, and develop strategies for success. The Advisor also coordinates and facilitates after-school tutoring, enrichment, and mentoring activities that align with STEP’s mission to prepare historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students for post-secondary achievement.

The Program Advisor builds and sustains strong relationships with school personnel, families, and community partners to ensure that each student’s experience is holistic and well-supported. Working collaboratively with STEP colleagues, the Einhorn Center for Community Engagement, and Cornell University students and staff, the Advisor helps design and deliver engaging academic-year and summer programming that cultivates students’ sense of belonging, academic readiness, and long-term commitment to their goals.

Please Note: This is a 10.5-month position that works from late August to early July, 30 hours per week, and requires regular weekend work (approximately 1-2 Saturdays per month) as well as occasional evening hours. Typical schedule during the school year will be 10am-4pm, Monday through Friday. There is no visa sponsorship for this position.

Success Factors

• Being a team player, with proven ability to interact with middle school and high school students and all levels of staff and constituents from a wide range of communities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse population with multiple goals
• Impeccable organization and the ability to prioritize

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 2 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with middle school-aged students with a strong commitment to outstanding student service, support, and mentorship.
• Demonstrated ability to manage group behavior, maintain student engagement, and foster a safe, inclusive learning environment for youth.
• Demonstrated maturity and sound judgment, with the ability to work independently while maintaining strong partnerships with supervisors and partners.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and upholding policies, procedures, and behavioral expectations for youth participants, applying consistent, well-reasoned judgement and ensuring full compliance with program requirements.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 
• Proven reliability and professionalism, with the ability to manage time and multiple priorities independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace apps and tools.
• Reliable transportation and valid NYS Driver’s license with a clean driving record for 3+ years.
• Position requires evening and weekend availability throughout the year.       

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Education, Human Development or STEM related field
• Experience with college admissions, advising and/or financial aid.
• Demonstrated experience with academic and social-emotional youth development practices
• Certification or training in Youth Mental Health First Aid, Positive Youth Development, or trauma-informed practices.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and facilitating after-school or out-of-school time programs that meet program objectives.
• Experience planning and managing youth on off-site field trips with a focus on student safety and efficient logistics
• Experience with institutional driving programs and requirements including a comfort with transporting students in passenger vans in cities and on highways.

   

University Job Title:

Coord Program I

   

Job Family:

Student Services

   

Level:

E

   

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

   

Pay Range:

$65,447.00 - $72,994.00

   

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

   

Company:

   

Contact Name:

Shallena Cunningham

   

Contact Email:

sdc93@cornell.edu

   

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

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2026-02-18