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 16 full-time dancers, the organization currently employs 34 full-time staff and 75 part-time staff, teaching artists, and musicians.

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 and their caregivers in 10 locations in all 5 boroughs.

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:

The Development Assistant provides comprehensive administrative support to the development team, including managing donor databases, coordinating fundraising events, assisting in donor research and communications, and providing customer service for donors. They also assist with report preparation, manage scheduling, and coordinate various projects, including the Annual Report.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- Provide administrative support to the development team, including donor research, drafting correspondence, database maintenance.
- Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising events such as receptions or galas, donor cultivation receptions/showings, and stewardship initiatives such as our virtual rehearsals.
- Coordinate logistics for fundraising meetings and events, including scheduling, venue arrangements, and catering.
- Assist in prospect research (individual and institutional).
- In coordination with the Major Gifts Officer, send development communications to our members and donors to support stewardship; identifying/communicating new major donor prospects to the Major Gifts Officer.
- Assist with the preparation of fundraising reports, presentations, and materials for board meetings, donor meetings, and other fundraising activities.
- Provide general administrative support to the development team, including managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and coordinating travel arrangements.
- In coordination with the Associate Director, serve as project manager for our Annual Report, ensuring a timely planning process and content delivery by staff from various departments.
- Draft stewardship correspondence and Print/mail donor communications as needed.
- Support the Executive Director/Artistic Director in drafting/mailing thank you notes and entering that information into donor records.
- Support ad hoc data entry/database projects as needed with guidance from the Database Administrator.
- Provide timely customer service for donors/members who have questions about their benefits, need tax receipts, etc."

You will be successful in this role if you have:

- A commitment to the organization as a whole: invested in the school, the community, and the company’s place in the larger dance/arts world.
- An understanding of the principles and strategies of fundraising.
- A familiarity with database systems and their management.
- Knowledge of planning and executing events.
 -Excellent written and verbal communication skills for drafting correspondence, making presentations, and interacting with donors and team members.
to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, coordinate meetings and events, and maintain organized records.
- The ability to respond to donor inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
- The ability to manage detailed information accurately and consistently.
- The ability to work effectively with others, including the Major Gifts Officer, Associate Director, Executive Director/Artistic Director, and Database Administrator.
- The ability to identify and communicate new donor prospects and take the lead on projects such as the Annual Report.

Schedule: This is a full-time, non-exempt 40 hour per week onsite position, Monday-Friday. Flexible hybrid schedule to be determined upon successful completion of introductory period.

Qualifications: 

- Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent work experience of:

     Administrative assistance using Microsoft Office Suite
     Providing excellent customer service
     Excellent project management skills

Special Requirements: Ability to work a schedule that includes weekday afternoons and Saturdays.

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 (when available)
- Access to free and discounted classes at the Dance Center and online
- Invitations to cultural events extended to staff members by community partners.

To join our team, please include a cover letter addressed to Michelle Amador, Director of Development with your resume submission. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.