Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program (PSSP): Program Mentor Manager (PMM)

Cornell University • Ithaca, MI

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Cornell University is seeking two highly motivated, student-centered leaders to serve as Program Mentor Managers (PMMs) for the Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program (PSSP). PSSP is an invitation-only, summer bridge program lasting approximately five weeks designed to support approximately 150–180 incoming Cornell first-year students (“Scholars”) as they prepare for a successful transition to Cornell. The program focuses on academic preparation, community-building, and student engagement. Program Mentor Managers play a central leadership role in shaping the scholar experience by supervising Peer Mentors (PMs), who are near-peer leaders supporting Scholars in their transition to Cornell’s academic and residential environment. PMMs are also responsible for coordinating programming and supporting Scholars in a dynamic and inclusive residential community. They communicate regularly with the PSSP Director and leadership team and collaborate with academic and residential partners to ensure a supportive and inclusive experience for Scholars. PMMs live in a residence hall on Cornell’s Ithaca campus, gaining high-impact leadership experience in staff supervision, conflict resolution, crisis response, and inclusive leadership. The program is supported by a collaborative team including Peer Mentors, Resident Advisors, Resident Directors, College Associates, Course Assistants, and Instructors. PMMs report directly to the PSSP Director and work closely with various campus partners, combining staff supervision, student support, program coordination, and on-call responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (May 2026 graduates may apply)
• Experience working with college-age students in a student-facing role
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism
• Demonstrated cultural competence and a commitment to supporting students from a variety of backgrounds and diverse perspectives
• Ability to live in the North Campus residence halls and work on campus for the full duration of the program

Nice To Haves

• Experience supervising, mentoring, or training student staff
• Experience working in higher education (student affairs, residential, academic support, summer bridge, or pre-college programs)
• Experience navigating student conflict
• Experience participating in on-call support

Responsibilities

• Provide collaborative supervision, mentorship, and support for the team of PMs through regular check-ins (weekly one-on-one meetings with direct reports and weekly PM staff meetings), guidance, and constructive feedback.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable staff culture that supports both Scholar success and PM staff development with the PSSP leadership team.
• Respond to concerns from PMs and Scholars using a student-centered approach, serving as the primary point of contact for PMs in the residence hall.
• Participate in an on-call rotation (determined collaboratively during training) and utilize appropriate campus resources to address urgent or complex situations, consulting with the PSSP director or other PSSP leadership as needed.
• Hold regular office hours (determined during training) for both PMs and Scholars.
• Coordinate and support PSSP programming that promotes personal growth, community building, and student engagement.
• Collaborate with campus partners and staff teams to plan and implement programs (e.g. mental health programming, resource fairs, etc.) aligned with PSSP goals.
• Maintain regular formal and informal communication with PSSP leadership regarding emerging issues and PM development and effectiveness.
• Monitor and enforce PSSP-specific House Rules (such as nightly check-ins) in collaboration with Peer Mentors and program staff.
• Serve as a liaison among PSSP staff and College Associates through the supervision of the PMs.
• Share information about what is happening in the program and residence hall with residential life professionals.
• Help ensure coordinated, consistent support for Scholars across academic, residential, and programmatic areas.
• Support PSSP leadership with daily program operations as needed and with communication amongst the PSSP community.
• Handle all logistics related to Peer Mentor coverage and support, including creating and managing the schedule for PM office hours and nightly check-in hours.
• Assist with major program milestones including orientation, move-in and move-out, and closing events.
• Complete all required documentation, reports, and meetings in accordance with program expectations.
• Attend weekly meetings with Housing and Residential Life and PSSP staff in addition to weekly one-on-one meetings with their supervisor (PSSP director).

Benefits

• $7,500 stipend (bi-weekly, paid over the program)
• full summer meal plan
• single-room housing in the program residence hall (Barbara McClintock Hall on North Campus)
• employee wellness
• workshops
• childcare and adoption assistance
• parental leave
• flexible work options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees