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.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Program Assistant provides customer service and program support to the Dance Center’s 4,000+ weekly visitors.

RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

• Serves as a first point of contact for Dance Center visitors; greet and direct visitors, answer general inquiries and connect visitors with staff for additional information when needed; provide information about the multitude of programs at the Dance Center, including the School for Children and Teens, the Adult program, the Dance for PD program, on and off-site Community Education programs, the Wellness Center, all rental programs, and the Mark Morris Dance Group.
• Answers incoming phone calls and respond to customer inquiries via email, voicemail, and phone.
• Maintains knowledge base and understanding of all Education programs’ systems including but not limited to: MindBody software, Active software, Zendesk CMS, EMS, schedules, and program inquiries.
• Supports front desk operations, including visitor check-in, walk-up inquiries, access management systems, mail and package deliveries, lost & found collection, first aid supplies, phone systems, and front desk and front door signage.
•  Supports Adult Programs by assisting with check-in at the front desk, answering registration questions, counting classes and troubleshooting errors and payment discrepancies. 
• Supports Rentals by fielding general rental inquiries and guiding prospective renters through the booking and payment process; orient new renters upon arrival; update payment information and process payment for rentals as needed.
• Supports Children & Teen programs by answering registration and program questions and assisting with in person registrations.
• Be an ear to the ground to understand the customer experience and provide feedback to the Operations, Education and Community Engagement teams.
• Communicates, upholds and enforces Dance Center policies, MMDG’s core values, Lobby and Studio policies.
• Relays requests from studio users (faculty, staff, renters) including but not limited to inquiries regarding temperature, resources, maintenance, cleaning, and studio equipment to facilities.
• Works with security guard to respond to medical emergencies, occurrences of trespassing, theft, disruptive or violent activity and any other health or safety related issues that occur at the Dance Center.
• Serves as a Dance Center Fire Guard and assists in the event of an emergency at the Dance Center.
• 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 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: Wednesday-Friday 4pm-9pm, Saturday 1pm-6pm

To join our team, please include a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and addressed to Bianca Golden, Director of Education with your resume submission.

03/21/2025