STUDENT-First-Generation Office Program Assistant

Ithaca College; United States; On-site; USD 18,184 - 25,898; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional mentorship from Unity Ctr

Meaningful experience supporting first

Job summary

Ithaca College's Unity Center seeks a part-time First-Generation Office Programs Assistant to help plan and run programs for first-generation students. You will assist with outreach, events, and community-building, creating opportunities for connection, learning, and belonging throughout the academic year.

The role emphasizes teamwork with Unity Center staff, attention to detail, and effective communication.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Reliable, responsible, and detail-oriented.
• Commitment to supporting student success and fostering inclusive communities.
• Interest in leadership development, community engagement, and first-generation student advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and implementing first-generation student programs, workshops, and events.
• Support signature programs and celebrations, including First-Generation College Celebration Week and other campus initiatives.
• Help facilitate educational, social, leadership, and community-building opportunities for first-generation students.
• Promote programs through marketing, outreach, and social media efforts.
• Maintain attendance records, program data, and student engagement tracking.
• Support communication with participants, campus partners, and external guests.
• Assist with event logistics, including setup, registration, hospitality, and breakdown.
• Collaborate with Unity Center staff to identify and address the needs of first-generation students.
• Attend staff meetings and contribute ideas for improving programs and services.

Skills

Organization

Time management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Reliability

Attention to detail

Student success

Inclusion

Leadership development

Community engagement

First-gen advocacy

Tools

Canva

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary/Overview

The First-Gen Office Programs Assistant supports the Unity Center's efforts to create meaningful experiences, opportunities, and resources for first-generation college students. This student leader will assist with program planning, outreach, event coordination, and community-building initiatives that foster belonging, connection, and student success. The First-Generation Programs Assistant helps strengthen the first-generation student community by creating opportunities for connection, celebration, learning, and support. Through this work, the assistant contributes to the Unity Center's mission of ensuring that students feel seen, empowered, connected, and successful throughout their college experience.

Position Information

Position Title: First-Generation Office Programs Assistant

Department: Unity Center

Program: First-Generation Programs

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)

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and implementing first-generation student programs, workshops, and events
• Support signature programs and celebrations, including First-Generation College Celebration Week and other campus initiatives
• Help facilitate educational, social, leadership, and community-building opportunities for first-generation students
• Promote programs through marketing, outreach, and social media efforts
• Maintain attendance records, program data, and student engagement tracking
• Support communication with participants, campus partners, and external guests
• Assist with event logistics, including setup, registration, hospitality, and breakdown
• Collaborate with Unity Center staff to identify and address the needs of first-generation students
• Attend staff meetings and contribute ideas for improving programs and services

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Reliable, responsible, and detail-oriented
• Commitment to supporting student success and fostering inclusive communities
• Interest in leadership development, community engagement, and first-generation student advocacy

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

• First-generation college student experience
• Previous involvement in student organizations, mentoring programs, or campus leadership initiatives
• Experience with event planning, outreach, or social media marketing
• Familiarity with Canva, Microsoft Office, or other programming and communication tools

Compensation & Benefits

• Paid at minimum wage set by the college
• Opportunity to develop skills in program planning, leadership, event management, marketing, and student engagement
• Professional mentorship from Unity Center staff
• Meaningful experience supporting the success and belonging of first-generation students