School Programs Manager

Job Description

Job Description

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 School Programs Manager to support the successful delivery of all School programming at the Mark Morris Dance Center, including 100+ weekly classes, school year and summer camps, special programs and partnerships, and events. Reporting to the Director of Education and working closely with the School Operations Manager, this role serves as the primary point of contact for School faculty, ensuring Teaching Artists have the scheduling, communication, resources, and program support needed to deliver high-quality educational experiences for School students of all abilities, from newborns to 18 years old.

The School Programs Manager plays a key role in faculty recruitment and onboarding, scheduling, professional development, program evaluation, and maintaining faculty resources. In partnership with the School Operations Manager, this position helps ensure an exceptional experience for students, families, and faculty while supporting the continued success and growth of School programming.

The School Programs Manager will join MMDG as the School celebrates its 25th anniversary this Fall and will play a pivotal role in supporting its continued growth.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Faculty Recruitment, Staffing & Administration

• Support the staffing and hiring of approximately 60 School teaching artists and assistant teaching artists for ongoing classes, camps, and special events; issue contracts, assist with new employee onboarding, and maintain faculty records.
• Collaborate with the Director of Education and School Operations Manager to identify staffing needs and provide relevant input on teaching artist selection and placement. 

Faculty Support, Communication & Professional Development 

• Manage faculty communications related to scheduling, staffing, program logistics, professional development, and School programming. Partner with the School Operations Manager to ensure faculty receive consistent information and support related to students, families, classroom operations, and School policies. 
• Serve as a key administrative and programmatic resource for School faculty, providing support related to scheduling, program logistics, classroom resources, and implementation of School programming. Escalate performance or HR concerns to the Director of Education. 
• Collaborate with the School Operations Manager and Director of Education to identify faculty support and professional development needs.
• Coordinate and support faculty meetings, professional development, and training opportunities, planned in collaboration with the Director of Education and School Operations Manager. 
• Develop and maintain faculty resources for lesson planning, classroom management, and curriculum by program. 

Program Quality & Evaluation 

• Oversee the administration of School faculty observations and program evaluations, including scheduling, documentation, sharing feedback and tracking outcomes. Participate in performing faculty observations and program evaluations. 
• Support annual goals and priorities for School programming established by Director of Education and Dance Center Director.

Program Operations & Special Initiatives 

• Support submission of bi-weekly faculty payroll; working closely with the School Operations Manager to ensure faculty timesheets are entered accurately and on time.  
• Support planning and execution of School events. 
• Provide administrative support and faculty resources for new partnerships and initiatives. 
• Partner with Institutional Giving Officer to provide data for grant applications and reports.
• Manage annual student recommendations; communicating with families about educational questions and student progress.

Direct Program Support

• Provide last-minute weekend substitute coverage; teach when needed. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Yes

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in Arts Administration, Education, Dance, Performing Arts, Nonprofit Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience coordinating educational programs, faculty, or operations, preferably within a nonprofit, performing arts, or educational setting.
• Experience supporting the recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and administration of teaching artists, instructors, or similar staff.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, observing, or evaluating teaching artists, educators, or instructional staff preferred.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working collaboratively across departments and with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Special Requirements: 

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support classes, performances, events, meetings, and professional development activities.
• Ability to provide last-minute substitute teaching coverage, when needed.
• Successful completion of all required pre-employment screenings, including background checks, as applicable.
• Ability to travel locally between program sites, when required.
• Commitment to supporting an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming learning environment for students, families, faculty, and staff.
• Willingness to complete written Fire Guard Certification test.

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements :

• Knowledge of best practices in arts education, faculty support, and program administration.
• Strong organizational, project management, and administrative skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with faculty, families, colleagues, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships and provide exceptional customer service.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing program needs.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and cloud-based collaboration tools; experience with Mindbody or similar scheduling software and payroll/timekeeping systems preferred.
• Ability to analyze information, identify solutions, and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in educational programming and workplace practices. 

YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE IF YOU:

• Enjoy building relationships and serving as a trusted resource for Teaching Artists and Assistant Teaching Artists.
• Thrive in an environment where balancing multiple priorities and adapting to changing needs is part of the day-to-day.
• Are highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage competing deadlines with accuracy and professionalism.
• Communicate clearly, proactively, and collaboratively with colleagues, faculty, students, and families.
• Enjoy coordinating people, schedules, and logistics to ensure programs run smoothly.
• Are passionate about supporting educators and creating the conditions they need to do their best work.
• Value collaboration and enjoy partnering across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Approach challenges with flexibility, sound judgment, and a positive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Are committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful learning environment for students, families, faculty, and staff.

SCHEDULE:  This is a full-time, non-exempt 40-hour per week, onsite position.

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
• 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 Bianca Golden, Director of Education. Cover letters must highlight relevant experience; resume submittals without a cover letter will not be considered.

NY Pay Transparency Range 

Rate

$55,000—$65,000 USD

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.