SMF Jazz Academy Program Assistant

Reports to : SMF Jazz Academy Program Director Position Description: The SMF Jazz Academy Program Assistant plays a key role in supporting the daily operations of the Savannah Music Festival Jazz Academy. This position ensures a welcoming, safe, and well-organized environment for students, families, and artist instructors. The Program Assistant will provide logistical, technical, and administrative support while embodying and upholding the mission and values of SMF. A core part of this role is creating and fostering strong, respectful relationships with SMFJA students, families, and teaching artists. The Program Assistant also serves as a public representative of SMFJA during program hours, maintaining professionalism and clarity in all interactions and communications on behalf of the program. Role and Responsibilities: Learn, uphold, and represent SMF vision and mission. Setup and breakdown all rehearsal and lessons spaces on a weekly basis as needed. Provide basic technical support for audio, rehearsal, and classroom equipment as needed. Oversee arrival/dismissal of SMFJA students and artist instructors while tracking attendance at rehearsals, concerts, and other SMFJA events. Help ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of students whenever they are not actively in lessons or rehearsals. Build positive, trusting relationships with students and families while helping create a safe, encouraging, and supportive learning environment. Communicate any issues or concerns regarding students or staff to SMFJA Program Director including, but not limited to, attendance, tardiness, and behavior. Communicate with SMFJA staff, students, and families regarding absences, tardiness, or as assigned by SMFJA Program Director via email, text, or phone call. Represent and communicate regarding all aspects of SMF Jazz Academy, including policies, upcoming events, and other inquiries or questions. Maintain calm and professional demeanor when presented with challenging situations. Other administrative duties as assigned by SMFJA Program Director. Traits and Qualifications: Savannah Music Festival is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a welcoming workplace and encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students, families, and teaching artists. Experience with project management, project coordination, or project administration preferred. Experience with musical instruments and/or audio equipment encouraged. An appreciation for jazz and curiosity about learning more about the music and its culture. Excellent communication and creative writing skills. Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills. Ability to build relationships among teachers, families, artists, school administrators and other community stakeholders. Ability to work respectfully with others and meet deadlines. Flexibility, patience, and grace under pressure. Familiarity with Savannah-area schools and SCCPSS is a plus. Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. Proficient in the use of Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and Zoom. All applicants must have a valid driver’s license, regular access to a car, and submit to a criminal background check and drug test. What Success Looks Like: Successful candidates will: Build trusting relationships with students and families. Communicate professionally and consistently. Create an organized, welcoming environment. Take initiative and solve problems independently. but need correct closing tags and then final paragraph * Pick from following We'll fix later * Sorry but text must remain internal We'll just re-add it properly Let's continue final string exactly * ... Sorry I will continue Represent SMF Jazz Academy with warmth and professionalism. Compensation and Benefits: This is a part time position, paying $20 per hour and working up to 20 hours per week. SMFJA programming occurs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, with occasional programming outside of those days. The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting world‑class celebrations of the musical arts by creating timeless and adventurous productions that stimulate arts education, foster economic growth, and unite artists and audiences in Savannah. SMF started as Savannah OnStage International Arts Festival in 1989 with the vision of bringing high‑quality artists from around the world to perform in Savannah’s Historic District. The organization operates year‑round to plan and produce an annual multi‑day, multi‑venue music festival, off‑season concerts, broadcast programs and free music education programming focused on youth. The SMF Jazz Academy (SMFJA) is a year‑round after‑school jazz program that aims to empower the whole student by instilling life‑long skills of musical, social, and creative achievement. SMF Jazz Academy is completely free to all Savannah‑Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) students in grades 5 through 12 and open to ALL music levels. Every student receives professional instruction, performance opportunities, mentorship, and the support needed to thrive both musically and personally. The program runs from September‑May and features multiple public student performances throughout Savannah. #J-18808-Ljbffr Savannah Music Festival