Payroll Administrator

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

The internationally renowned Mark Morris Dance Group (MMDG) has received “highest praise for their technical aplomb, their musicality, and their sheer human authenticity.” (Bloomberg News). Founded in 1980, the Dance Group performs the repertory of choreographer Mark Morris, hailed as the “the most successful and influential choreographer alive, and indisputably the most musical” (The New York Times), whose work is acclaimed for its ingenuity, musicality, wit, and humanity. Live music and community engagement are vital components of the Dance Group. It has toured with its own musicians, the MMDG Music Ensemble, since 1996, and regularly collaborates with orchestras and opera companies around the world. In addition to 12 full-time dancers, the organization currently employs approximately 200 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees.

In the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District, the Mark Morris Dance Center, founded in 2001, is the hub of dance and music education in Brooklyn. The nine-studio building provides affordable classes in multiple genres for people of all ages, levels, with and without disabilities, accompanied by live music. The studios, a performance space, a Wellness Center, and ancillary spaces are all available to the community and to nonprofit organizations at subsidized rates. MMDG’s Community Education Programs partner with public and private schools and community centers to provide customized classes. MMDG also offers customized dance workshops for persons with Parkinson’s disease.

MMDG programs in NYC and worldwide engage over 100,000 people annually. Propelled by core values of community, access, excellence, and creativity, MMDG is committed to ongoing equity, diversity, and inclusion work to ensure its programs are welcoming and accessible to all.

Join a vibrant, world-renowned arts organization where your precision and expertise in payroll will support the dancers, educators, and staff who bring Mark Morris Dance Group’s mission to life. The Mark Morris Dance Group is seeking a Payroll Administrator who will provide essential administrative and operational support across all Mark Morris Dance Group programs, including The Company, The School, Adult Programs, Rentals and Community Education.  

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Payroll Administrator works closely with the Director of Education, Director of Dance Center Operations, and HR Business Partner to streamline payroll and administrative processes organization wide. This role will be directly responsible for the timely and accurate processing of payroll and independent contractor fees for approximately 200 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees as well as supporting annual and ongoing faculty hiring, scheduling and contracting. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Master Payroll Processing 

• In partnership with Insperity PEO, process bi-weekly payroll for approximately 50 employees (staff, dancers and production crew).
• Verify payroll information (e.g. time sheets, contracts, overtime payments, direct deposits, wage attachments, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate distribution of funds.
• Verify Insperity PEO processing of quarterly and annual W2s, Federal 941 and NYS-45 tax fillings. 
• Stay current with payroll software updates and maintain system functionality.
• Maintain confidentiality and provide superb customer service to address any payroll matters; answer employee questions regarding paychecks and deductions.
• Maintain a wide variety of payroll information (W4 forms, I9 forms and timesheets), files and records in paper and electronic formats for the purpose of providing an up-to-date reference and audit trail in compliance with Record Retention Standards
• Participate in internal and external payroll audits to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Dance Center Programs Payroll 

• Prepare bi-weekly payroll for approximately 150 faculty employees and 60 independent contractors including tech crew musicians, teaching artists, and assistant teaching artists.
• Pull Mindbody reports and cross reference schedules to ensure all faculty and substitutes are paid timely and accurately.  
• Prepare bi-weekly payment requests for approximately independent contractors for submission to Finance Department for processing.
• Approve faculty timesheets and sick leave requests 

Administration 

• Maintain roster of Dance Center faculty and tech crew, both employees and independent contractors, and work with HR Business Partner to maintain pay rate schedules and generate contracts and agreements. 
• Assist Education department in centralizing faculty hiring by coordinating application processes, interviews, onboarding and evaluations. 
• Maintain updated records of faculty and technical crew schedules, availability and contact information. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:   

• No 

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field preferred or equivalent work experience. 
• 2+ years of payroll processing experience and/or accounting knowledge.
• Experience processing payroll for both union and non-union employees, with familiarity in handling complex pay types, pay codes, and pay structures.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Technologically savvy; experience with payroll systems required.
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proven ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize effectively, and work with precision and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative team player with a congenial attitude, sense of humor, and humility.
• Resourceful, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion, judgment, tact, and diplomacy while maintaining a high level of confidentiality. 

Special Requirements:  

• None 

YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE IF YOU: 

• Can be firm on policies and procedures but flexible in managing people and relationships
• Have patience and grace when interacting with different personality types
• Have an excellent memory and zealous attention to detail
• Possess strong organizational skills and have the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Are someone with initiative who can take ownership of their work and enjoys working as a team player to reach shared departmental and organizational goals.
• Love our Work and Align with our Core Values – You’re inspired by the ways in which we celebrate our diverse community, pursue excellence in all that we do, advance access, exposure and opportunity to dance and music, and cultivate creativity. 

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, non-exempt 40-hour per week, Monday-Friday onsite position. A flexible hybrid schedule may be considered after the successful completion of a six-month onsite introductory period. 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:  

• Paid vacation, sick/personal leave, holidays and bonus days 
• Employee Health and Life insurance covered 100%, Flexible Spending Plan, Voluntary vision and dental coverage, Pre-tax commuter benefit, 403(b) retirement plan  
• Access to special events and MMDG performances (when available)  
• Access to free and discounted classes at the Dance Center and online  
• Invitations to cultural events are extended to staff members by community partners.  

To join our team, please submit your resume along with a cover letter addressed to Elizabeth Fox, CFO. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. In your cover letter, please respond to the following questions: 

• Why are you interested in working at the Mark Morris Dance Group?
• The Payroll Administrator must be able to work accurately and efficiently under hard deadlines while also juggling last-minute requests and information. How have you exhibited this skill in your work experience? 

EEO STATEMENT:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or veteran status. It is the policy of MMDG to comply with all the relevant and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). MMDG does not discriminate against any qualified employees or job applicants with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person’s physical or mental disability. MMDG makes reasonable accommodation wherever necessary for all employees or applicants with disabilities, provided that the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform the duties and assignments connected with the job and provided that any accommodations made do not require significant difficulty or expense.