OPEN POSITIONS
Dance & Music Faculty Positions (several classes)
Part-time, hourly through June 2027
Compensation: $55–60 per hour (instructional), $25 per hour (planning/meeting)
Location: On-site
Estimated Start Date: September 19, 2026
Overview
Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center, located in the Northeast Bronx, is a multi-discipline creative arts and youth development organization primarily serving youth ages 3.5 - 21. We are seeking experienced, talented, and passionate teaching artists to join our team of faculty instructors. Mind-Builders' faculty members are the lead engineers of our students’ learning and creative explorations. As such, they are responsible for overseeing and implementing compelling, accessible, and fun learning environments for all students through dynamic, responsive, and age-appropriate instruction. All instructors are expected to expertly facilitate either group dance classes, or private music classes throughout our 28 week fall/spring season. As a recital school, all classes culminate in year-end productions featuring original choreography crafted by instructors, and repertoire prepared by instructors for student performance.
There are several positions available, all starting the week of October 6, 2026, running for 28 consecutive weeks (excluding holiday breaks/school closures) through mid-May 2027. Read below for descriptions on each opening.
Positions Available, Fall 2027:
DANCE DEPARTMENT (3 openings):
- Ballet Tap/Fundamentals and Creative Movement | Saturdays (11:15am – 12:15pm, 1:30pm – 2:30pm)
- Pre-African/Modern and Modern Teen | Saturdays (2:30pm – 4pm, 4pm – 5:45pm)
- Pre Hip Hop and Hip Hop Basics | Saturdays (10am – 11am, 11:15 – 12:15pm)]
MUSIC DEPARTMENT (3 openings):
- Piano/Keyboard (w/ emphasis on jazz), 2 positions | Tuesdays – Thursdays 3pm – 8pm
- Brass / Music Theory | Wednesdays 3:30 - 7pm & Thursdays 4pm - 8pm
Primary responsibilities for ALL faculty members:
- Teach weekly classes for a group of enrolled students (group class sizes range from 10-25, private classes can include 1-2 students)
- Conduct rigorous and dynamic age-appropriate classes
- Develop lesson plans for class in alignment with the Department’s objectives and goals
- Maintain student records/attendance
- Communicate class needs and expectations with students and parents.
- Attend monthly faculty meetings
- Participate in required professional development and organizational planning meetings (semi-annual), complete all required trainings, certifications and background checks
- Participate in select organization engagement activities and events
- Prepare bi-annual student progress reports
- For year-end recitals, develop original choreography/dance sequences, and/or select and prepare repertoire that highlight student learning and achievement
- Prepare students to successfully perform in the annual recitals (May 2026).
- Fingerprinting clearance with DOE (a plus)
The ideal candidate will:
- Have demonstrated experience in a class/instructional environment with youth ages 4 –17 years old. Experience working with kids in afterschool programs preferred. Creative Movement teachers must have demonstrated experience working in early childhood movement classes.
- Have at least 4 years’ experience working in structured (music or dance) class settings
- Have at least 3 years’ experience developing repertoire/creating original choreography, or working in year-end recitals, or productions of similar scope and focus
- (Music) proficiency in playing/teaching in both jazz /jazz styles, and classical environments
- Demonstrated expertise in genre/style of selected class cohorts.
- Deliver rigorous and exciting class instruction in a nurturing and empowering way
- Have demonstrated lesson planning aptitudes
- Have demonstrated classroom management skills
- Have a patient and collaborative team spirit
- Have experience teaching and working with Bronx youth or Bronx based organizations (preferred)
How To Apply:
Please send resume/artist bio, cover letter, contact information for up to three references, and if available, a pdf with recent links (no more than 5 years) demonstrating work samples in either instruction or performance by students. Sample lesson plans a plus. Submit all materials to hr@mind-builders.org with subject line: Faculty position, __________, indicate which class(es)/cohort(s) you are submitting for.
ABOUT THE CLASSES:
Ballet Tap/Fundamentals | Saturdays (11:15am – 12:15pm): Open to students ages 5-6. Class size (max 20). This class highlights both ballet and tap styles and movement. The ballet component focuses on fundamental positions, technique, and terminology designed to develop strength, balance, and artistry. The tap class emphasizes the articulation of the foot and utilizes rhythm, syncopation, and sound and dancing with the entire body. Students focus on dance posture, dance terms, flexibility, and the foundational steps of each dance style.
Creative Movement | Saturdays (1:30pm – 2:30pm): Open to youth ages 3.5-4. Class size (max 15). Creative Movement introduces Mind-Builders' youngest students to the dance class structure. Classes focus on basic expressive dance movements, steps, patterns, and social skills while encouraging independence, imagination, and play. Students will learn how to take and participate in a dance class dynamic, to focus on teacher and follow directives, and to use imagination and execute movements. Students will engage in rudimentary dance movements done in place and while traveling.
Pre-African/Modern (2:30 – 4PM): Open to youth ages 6-8. Class size (15 max). This class highlights both West African dance styles and modern dance technique. African dance class is a compilation of the sacred and social dances and songs that are inherent in the culture of the West African peoples. The dance is a means of storytelling and self-expression rooted in the past that connects to the present. A high energy class characterized by gestures, precise movements, and synchronized steps accompanied by the captivating and inspiring rhythms of live drumming. Modern dance styles engage the entire body and focus on a variety of movement dynamics. Classes focus on the Horton technique, dynamic and dramatic style that develops both strength and Horton studies creating length in the spine and hamstrings as well as developing musicality and performance qualities in all dancers.
Modern Teen | Saturdays (4pm – 5:45pm)
Pre Hip Hop | Saturdays (10am – 11am): Open to youth ages 6-8. Class size (max 15). Hip hop classes explore the depth, history and versatility of hip hop as a dance expression originating in the Bronx. Pre Hip Hop students focus on the steps and concepts of the dance style, musicality, and self-expression. They will learn hip hop dance vocabulary and history, basic hip hop techniques, simple coordination of arms and leg movements to syncopated beats and rhythms, execute movements in diagonal formations in place and while traveling, 16 count movement sequences in each class.
Hip Hop Basics | Saturdays (11:15 – 12:15pm): Open to youth ages 7-11. Class size (max 20 students). Hip hop classes explore the depth, history and versatility of hip hop as a dance expression originating in the Bronx. Students focus on the steps and concepts of dance, style, musicality, and self-expression. They will learn dance vocabulary, simple coordination of arms and leg movements to syncopated beats and rhythms, execute movements in diagonal formations in place and while traveling, and learn a movement sequences of 16 counts in each class.
Piano/Keyboard | Tuesdays & Wednesdays 4:30 – 8pm, Thursdays 3pm – 8pm.* Open to students 5 and older. Classes are offered in private instruction models, ranging 30 – 60 minutes, and open to all skill levels. While all genres can be explored, the department is prioritizing an emphasis on jazz and jazz styles as the principal modality to be explored in the classroom. All lessons are tailored to address each students’ skill and experience level. Beginner students commence with hand technique, note reading, and music theory. Intermediate level students' progress in refining musicality, dynamics, and articulation. Advanced students explore repertoire, sight-reading, and improvisation.
* This position will also facilitate 2 group classes: Keyboard - Level 1/2 Group (Ages 9-12) & Keyboard - Beginner Group (Ages 8-11). Group classes are open to a maximum of 4 students. Group classes offer age and skill appropriate instruction on the selected instrument, using group dynamics as a tool of learning and reinforcement.
Brass/ Music Theory | Wednesdays 3:30 - 7pm & Thursdays 4pm – 8pm**. Open to students ages 7+. Brass private lessons offer a comprehensive study of an instrument in the brass family. Beginners focus on understanding the instruments and instrument parts, proper embouchure and breath control, foundational music theory, rhythm, note reading, and more. Throughout the year, students practice articulation, dynamics, and musical expression with targeted exercises and simple pieces, establishing essential skills for their musical journey. Intermediate and advanced students focus on expanding range, musicality, sight-reading, and an approach to mastery of their instrument and performing full pieces. Brass instruments include trumpet, trombone, baritone/euphonium, French horn, and tuba.
** This position will also facilitate Introduction to Music Theory (for students 10+). The course teaches students the basics of reading music notation as well as how to train their ear with basic rhythm and pitches. Students may be asked to clap rhythms and sing pitches as their skills develop. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply the knowledge they have attained to get ahead in their private studies, have a deeper appreciation of music, and to have a basis for performing in ensembles and creative expression through making music.
Operations Manager
Full-time/Exempt (35 hours per week)
Reports To: Director of Operations
Compensation: $65,000–$70,000/yr
Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday, September–May; Monday–Friday, June–August. Regular evening hours are required.
Direct Reports: Administrative Assistant, Work Exchange Volunteers, Interns
About Mind-Builders
Located in the Northeast Bronx, and founded in 1978, Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center provides music, dance, theater, and martial arts and fitness classes for close to 700 students each year and reaches over 5,000 audience members through on- and off-site performances and workshops. Group and private arts lessons on-site provide study in modern/jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, and West African dance, piano/keyboard, guitar, bass, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and violin. Mind-Builders offers free programs for teens and young adults through the theater production, theater, and Community Folk Culture internship programs. Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center’s mission is to inspire the growth of youth, families, and the community through arts and education programs while nurturing self-esteem, building character, and cultivating an appreciation of the diverse cultures within our community.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager will oversee enrollment processes for most programs using the organization’s designated registration software and ensure families and students are consistently informed about program activities and updates. The Operations Manager collaborates closely across departments and participates in committees addressing safety, facilities, and operational improvements, and is responsible for coordinating space allocation and developing procedures to support effective use of program spaces.
Additionally, the Operations Manager serves as the primary on-site contact for basic technology troubleshooting and liaises with the external IT vendor, while also supporting staff training on registration systems and safety practices.
Essential Duties & Key Responsibilities
Program Operations & Enrollment (50% of time)
- Manage student registration processes, class assignments, and ongoing enrollment for dance, music, theater, and folk arts programs.
- In collaboration with Program Directors, manage the day-to-day operations of all classes, including ensuring teachers have necessary materials and technology support, onboarding instructors and students, coordinating intern registration, monitoring enrollment and communicating class requirements to families, overseeing space allocation, and working with the front desk to maintain an organized and distraction-free learning environment.
- Maintain ongoing communication with enrolled families regarding program-related information, enrollment matters, and operational updates. Coordinate with the Program Team and distribute event-related communications provided by the Marketing & Communications team as needed.
- Manage enrollment and retention levels by closely monitoring and reporting absences, withdrawn students, waiting lists, etc.
- Administer student and family surveys and student evaluations.
- Compile class data to create seasonal class offering details in the registration system and distributed collateral materials
- Support special events including, but not limited to recitals, stage band performances, and various community gatherings.
Facility Operations (40% of time):
- Manage facility usage, including scheduling and coordinating classroom setups, rentals, routine programming, and internal events using Resource Block or other data management tools.
- Coordinate equipment usage, set-up and strike of internal and external spaces for classes and event usage, including workshops and cultivation events.
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols across the building, supporting administrative staff, teaching staff, and students in maintaining a safe environment.
- Oversee technology needs for all programs, monitoring equipment and supervising external IT providers to ensure systems function effectively.
- Manage and maintain the organizational calendar to ensure accurate scheduling, program and event coverage, and effective space allocation; serve as the primary liaison between programming, operations, rentals, and facilities teams to coordinate space usage and communicate programmatic and rental needs to facilities staff.
- Provide support for special projects, including capital improvements and infrastructure initiatives.
Supervision & Team Operations (10% of time):
- Coordinate the facilitation of semi-monthly staff meetings and ensure meeting outcomes are achieved.
- Supervise and conduct regular performance check-ins with direct reports including receptionist and administrative assistant, and volunteers, ambassadors, interns and outreach workers with recruiting at special events.
- Train staff as needed to use the on-line database and to monitor classes, particularly guiding teachers to use the on-line database for attendance and class roster information.
- College degree in Business Administration or related field preferable.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in program operations, enrollment management, or administrative coordination in an educational or nonprofit setting.
- Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience, including training and performance management of administrative staff, volunteers, and interns.
- Experience managing student registration processes and enrollment systems; familiarity with online databases and registration platforms required.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to coordinate complex logistics across multiple programs and stakeholders.
- Proficient knowledge of technology troubleshooting and the ability to liaise with external IT vendors to maintain systems.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
- Microsoft Office 365, registration and CRM software (i.e. Amelia), project management tools, Adobe, Canva, Zoom.
- Strong understanding of technology and the use of technology in the learning environment.
- Project Management
- Leadership & Team Development
- Communication (Written & Verbal)
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Hybrid work environment (Office/Remote).
- Fast-paced, deadline-driven atmosphere.
- Collaborative, open-plan office setting when on-site.
- We offer a full benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plan with a generous employer contribution towards health benefits. Health insurance coverage enrollment is available on the first day of the third month of employment.
- 401(k) plan with employer contribution (after one year).
- Paid time off: 10 major holidays and 3 floating holidays, 10 vacation days per year during the first two years of employment with an increase to 15 days after completing two years of employment; 4 personal days; and 6 sick days.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
If you are interested in an internship, please email your cover letter and resume to info@mind-builders.org or call 718-652-6256 from Tuesday - Friday between the hours of 10:00am - 4:00pm and leave a message with the receptionist. We will return your call.
Mind-Builders is committed to maintaining a diverse staff and lifting the leadership of people from communities historically underrepresented. To learn more about Mind-Builders: www.mind-builders.org.
