School Assistant

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.

The Mark Morris Dance Group seeks a part-time School Assistant to support the day-to-day operations of our School programs at the Mark Morris Dance Center. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about dance education and enjoys providing excellent customer service with the goal of creating a welcoming experience for children, families, faculty, and visitors. Reporting to the School Operations Manager, you'll provide administrative support, assist with registration and scheduling, support camps and special events, provide weekend front desk coverage, and occasionally teach or provide substitute coverage for School classes.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Administrative & Registration Support

• Respond to School voicemail, email inquiries, and Zendesk; route inquiries to other team members when needed.
• Build and maintain School classes, schedules, and registration information within Active Network.
• Support School registration periods, registering new and returning students over the phone and in person.
• Support planning and day-of logistics for end of semester Friends and Family Days and Community Sharings.

Program & Operational Support

• Provide hands-on School program support for camps, special projects, and seasonal initiatives.
• Increase support during camps and at the beginning and end of each semester, including the ability to adjust work schedule and teach when needed.
• Secure with last-minute weekend substitute coverage; teach when needed.

Front Desk Support

• Provide weekend School support at the Front Desk, helping to greet and direct faculty and families and address any time-sensitive issues as they arise.
• Provide weekend Front Desk coverage and other coverage as needed, in coordination with the School Operations Manager and Dance Center Operations Manager.

General Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• No

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One (1) year of administrative, customer service, education, arts administration, or related experience preferred.
• One (1) year of experience teaching dance or movement classes to children and/or teens; early childhood teaching experience preferred.

Special Requirements: 

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by program needs.
• Ability to adjust work schedule during peak program periods, including camps and the beginning and end of each semester.
• Ability to teach classes and provide substitute coverage when assigned.
• Successful completion of all required pre-employment screenings, including background checks, as applicable.

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements:

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to learn and effectively use Active Network, Zendesk, and other department software.

YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE IF YOU:

• Enjoy providing exceptional customer service and creating a welcoming experience for children, families, faculty, and visitors.
• Are highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and with a positive, solutions-oriented approach.
• Are comfortable learning and using technology, including registration and customer service platforms.
• Thrive in a collaborative environment and are willing to jump in wherever support is needed.
• Can adapt to changing schedules and priorities, particularly during registration periods, camps, and seasonal programming.
• Are dependable, flexible, and enjoy working in a dynamic arts education environment.
• Have experience teaching dance or movement classes to children and teens and are comfortable stepping in to provide substitute coverage when needed.

SCHEDULE: This is a part-time, non-exempt 20-25 hours per week, onsite position. Saturday and Sunday hours required with two other week days to be confirmed.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Paid vacation, sick/personal leave, holidays and bonus days 
• Access to free and discounted classes at the Dance Center and online 
• Access to special events and MMDG performances (when available) 
• Invitations to cultural events extended to staff members by community partners.   

To join our team, please submit your resume along with a cover letter addressed to Bianca Golden, Director of Education. Cover letters must highlight relevant experience; resume submittals without a cover letter will not be considered.

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.