Center for Leadership Consultant

Welcome to the Center for Leadership Consulting Application Process!  To learn more about CFL Student Consulting, visit our website. Please also watch this video to learn more about the program from CFL Director Doug Ruch (ruch@hope.edu).

When you apply, be prepared to upload your current resume which must include your GPA and major/minor. Please also upload a cover letter telling us what about the program is appealing to you and why you would be a good fit for CFL consulting. 

We will review your application materials and contact you if we want to schedule an interview. We review applications in the order they are received; the earlier you apply, the better chance you have of securing a spot on our team. 

If you have any questions, please contact Stacy Kemper at kemper@hope.edu.

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Complete Job Description:

General Purpose
The Student Consultant actively contributes as a member of a small, interdisciplinary project team of Hope College students to understand identified challenges and develop options and solutions for clients in both nonprofit and for-profit settings. Under the guidance of a Project Coach and support from a Subject Matter Expert (SME), the Student Consultant develops critical life and work skills/competencies while ensuring clients receive outstanding value and agreed-upon deliverables.

Responsibilities
● Under the direction of the Project Coach, develop an understanding of the client’s
business, business goals, and the business challenge(s) to be addressed by the project
team. Develop understanding of the project scope, deliverables, approach, etc., as
documented in the Statement of Work (SOW).
● Partner with teammates to understand and implement a detailed project/work plan based
on the SOW. May assist in the development of the project/work plan.
● Gather data, conduct research (online and/or through interviews), synthesize information,
and develop recommendations based on the SOW and project plan. Help to prepare for
and make formal presentations to the client.
● Actively engage with the client throughout the project. Seek feedback from the client and
make course corrections, as needed, to ensure a successful project.
● Professionally represent Hope College and the Center for Leadership in all client
interactions.
● Actively participate in team meetings and presentations.
● Complete assignments on time and with excellence.
● Ensure timely and effective communication with Project Coach, Subject Matter Expert
(SME), client, and team members.
● Demonstrate behaviors that contribute to strong teamwork and performance, e.g., active
listening, willingness to help when needed, cooperation, effective conflict resolution, etc.
● Demonstrate openness to feedback, coaching, and mentoring.

Qualifications
● Currently enrolled Hope College student.
● Successful experience working on projects in a team setting; demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
● Demonstrated ability to use office automation software and tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel,
Word); experience with Google Drive, Calendar, and Sheets preferred.
● Knowledge of, and experience with, library research resources a plus

● The ability to effectively deal with ambiguity, change, and uncertainty; to comfortably deal
with concepts and complexity; and to learn quickly when facing new problems or
unfamiliar tasks.
● Demonstrated ability to stay on task, focus on highest priority work, and use time wisely.
● Perseverance, energy and drive, and a focus on the bottom line.
● The ability to effectively manage diverse relationships, including with peers, customers,
and those in positions of authority.
● Written and verbal communication skills; the ability to get messages across clearly and
effectively; good listening skills.
● Demonstrated commitment to self-development.
● Creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills are important within the team.
Time Commitment  Projects typically are completed within one semester and require approximately 6-10 hours per week depending on the project’s depth and difficulty.