Program 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.

Job Summary: The Program Assistant provides essential customer service and program support to the Dance Center’s 5,000+ weekly visitors. This part-time position is situated primarily at the front desk of the Mark Morris Dance Center, where all visitors enter the building.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Customer Service

• Serve as the first point of contact for Dance Center visitors by greeting and directing guests, answering phone calls and electronic inquiries, and providing information about all Dance Center programs, rentals, and the Mark Morris Dance Group.
• Communicate, uphold, and enforce Dance Center policies, studio and lobby guidelines, and Community Agreement, all through the lens of MMDG’s core values.
• Monitor and report on customer experience, providing feedback to Program Managers to inform decision-making.

Program & Registration Support

• Respond to low-level inquiries in Zendesk, in-person and by phone; escalate complex issues to Program Associates and Program Managers as needed.
• Maintain a strong knowledge base and understanding of all Dance Center software systems including but not limited to: MindBody, Active, Zendesk, and EMS.
• Assist with in-person Children & Teens registration.
• Manage check-in and class counts.

Facilities, Safety & Operations

• Relay studio user requests (e.g., temperature, maintenance, equipment, cleaning) to Facilities and follow up as appropriate.
• Partner with security to respond to medical emergencies, safety incidents, and building concerns; serve as a designated Fire Guard and assist during emergencies.

 Administrative & Project Support

• Availability required for a 1-hour meeting between 3:30pm-4:30pm on Tuesday or Wednesday, with the specific day and cadence to be determined based on team needs. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:

• 1 + year of relevant industry experience.
• 1 + years of administrative experience.
• Experience with Mindbody, Zendesk, Active network a plus.

Special Requirements: 

• Ability to work weekday and weekend schedule, as needed.
• Fireguard (F-03) Certification required or must be attained within the first 3 months of employment.
• First Aid Certification + refresher course annually.
• CPR/AED Certification + refresher course annually.
• Dance Center Floor Warden Safety Training.

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements:

• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent follow-through.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and prioritize work accordingly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Congenial and collaborative team player with a sense of humor and humility.
• Resourceful, versatile, proactive problem-solver.  
• Ability to productively interact with peers, customers, and management.
• High proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE IF YOU:

• Enjoy working with and getting to know people within a diverse community.
• Understand the balance of having a welcoming energy while maintaining policies required in customer service positions.
• Are a collaborative team member.
• Are highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Are willing to be flexible and reprioritize as needed.

SCHEDULE: 20-25 hours per week, 4 shifts per week. Weekend availability (Saturday or Sunday) is required. We are hiring for two part-time positions with schedules to be determined based on program needs.

We offer a comprehensive 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 include a cover letter addressed to Tiffany McCue, Dance Center Operations Manager, with your resume submission. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. In your cover letter, please respond to the following question:

• Why are you interested in working at the Mark Morris Dance Group?

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.