JOB DESCRIPTION: 

The New York State MBK initiative is part of a national effort to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color. Through mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement, MBK aims to close opportunity gaps and ensure that all youth, particularly young men of color, can reach their full potential.

The My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Fellows Mentor will play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting high school students participating in the New York State Education Department’s MBK Fellows Program. Mentors will be responsible for helping Fellows meet program milestones through structured support, engagement, and leadership development activities. This is a part-time, project-based role that requires consistent interaction with assigned Fellows and participation in statewide MBK events.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Facilitate regular, one-on-one meetings with assigned MBK Fellow(s) to provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability.
   
• Support and oversee the planning, execution, and completion of a Fellow-led service project that benefits the Fellow’s school and/or community, aligned with one or more MBK initiatives.
   
• Ensure active participation of both mentor and Fellow in at least two (2) virtual masterminds/book studies hosted by the Assistant Commissioner or designee.
   
• Attend and participate in the MBK Statewide Symposium alongside Fellows to promote leadership, advocacy, and community engagement.
   
• Attend and participate in the Fall Fellows Retreat, designed to foster team-building, goal setting, and leadership growth.
   

Support Fellows in preparation for and participation in the “Stand and Deliver” Workshop and Leadership Presentations, highlighting their projects and personal development.

COMMITMENT & COMPENSATION

• Mentors are expected to be engaged throughout the project period October 09, 2025- June 24, 2026

Location: New York State (Virtual and In-Person Participation Required)
Reports To: Schenectady MBK Program Specialist

Stipend: $1,500 (Disbursed at End of Project Period)

Maven Role

This position reports to Reports to My Brother’s Keeper (SOS) Program Specialist and Office of Innovation, Equity, and Engagement in a midsize urban school district located in the Capital region of Upstate New York. This position supports the My Brother’s Keeper (SOS) initiative that is aimed to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by girls and young ladies and ensures that all young people can reach their full potential. In Schenectady we have created a small group mentoring program in each of our elementary middle and high schools for Young ladies. This position requires a high degree of open-mindedness, intuitiveness and flexibility.

Maven Expectations

? Serve as a check and Connect for the SOS students in the building;

? Facilitate group mentoring sessions in designated building

? Weekly communication with SOS Program Specialist about individual and group progress;

? Assist SOS students with goal setting & organization skills;

? Serve as an advocate for students & maintain contact with teachers to facilitate success of SOS students;

? Communicate with families regularly on SOS student progress;

? Support planning and attend program events after school hours including weekends.

Maven Key Qualities

Dedication and understanding of girls and young ladies;

? Exceptional interpersonal skills and communication skills;

? Takes an advocacy approach to coaching and mentoring;

? Strives to foster and motivate in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Per Diem Substitute Role

This position reports to the Building Principal in a midsize urban school district located in the Capital region of Upstate New York. The Lead Building Substitute Teacher will work with teachers, families, and school leaders. The Lead Building Substitute Teacher will work in one designated building where they will have opportunities to support a variety of classrooms and special projects. The Lead Building Substitute Teacher will model leadership for all other substitute teachers. This position requires a high degree of innovation, enthusiasm and a spirit of collaboration.

Per Diem Substitute Teacher Expectations

• Work with students on all grade levels;
• Organize and support school staff and administration in supporting student engagement;
• Build relationships and collaborate with other staff;
• Support the development of school activities and other organizations that support student interests;
• Work directly with students to solve conflicts, discipline, and behavior situations with a student centered and restorative approach.

Per Diem Substitute Teacher Qualities

• Great interpersonal skills;
• Loves and understands the impact of Equity-based Culturally Responsive teaching;
• Belief in restorative approaches and works to eliminate punitive practices;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in developing relationships;
• Demonstrated ability to build alliances with a diverse group of stakeholders;
• Good problem solver;
• Growth mindset;
• Demonstrated ability to learn.

Assist with Learn to Swim Program for grades Pre-K to 8th.