Temporary Special Events Assistant, Mannes Summer Piano Festival

POSITION TITLE

Temporary Special Events Assistant, Mannes Summer Piano Festival

Mannes School of Music

College of Performing Arts

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

Join The New School

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang college of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

The 2026 Mannes Summer Piano Festival is seeking a highly organized and motivated Temporary Special Events Assistant, Mannes Summer Piano Festival to support the execution of this two-week festival. Reporting to the Festival Director with a dotted line to the Festival Supervisor and the Vice Dean, this position primarily focuses on planning all special event logistics, creating a positive experience for students, faculty, and guest artists.

The Temporary Special Events Assistant ensures the success of the Mannes Summer Piano Festival Guest Artist concert series, end-of-the-week festival student showcases, and the piano competition.

This is an FLSA nonexempt temporary hourly position, following the below estimated weekly schedule:

• 6/1/2026-7/11/2026 - up to 15 hours per week
• 7/12/2026-7/26/2026 - up to 35 hours per week
• 7/27/2026-7/30/2026 - up to an additional 15 hours

Formed in 2015, the College of Performing Arts draws together the Mannes School of Music, the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, and the School of Drama. College of Performing Arts students are actors, musicians, performers, writers, improvisers, creative technologists, entrepreneurs, composers, arts managers, and multidisciplinary artists. Our community collaborates with colleagues across The New School in a wide array of disciplines, from the visual arts and fashion design, to the social sciences, public policy, advocacy, and more.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the Festival Director to coordinate logistics for the concert series, festival showcases, and piano competition.
• Oversee event setup, rehearsals, and run-of-show.
• Ensure competition rounds run smoothly, managing timing and communication between judges and participants.
• Work closely with A/V and technical staff to ensure high-quality event execution.
• Assist with printing and designing event programs.
• Procure hospitality for the artist green room, e.g. retrieve flowers, beverages, and catering as needed.
• Complete shared tasks in coordination with the Temporary Administrative Assistant and the Temporary General Operations Assistant as assigned by the Festival Director and the Festival Assistant, Mannes Sounds Festival, including:
  • Assist with student communications, including sending out acceptance notifications to selected participants.
  • Address housing, travel and transportation needs for students, faculty, and guest artists - including airport and hotel check-ins for guest artists when necessary.
  • Monitor the festival email inbox and respond to all student, faculty, and guest artist inquiries.
  • Organize student and faculty schedules.
  • Support all pre-festival production needs, including event planning, drafting student & faculty schedules, producing festival materials (badges, print-outs, programs, etc.), and more.
  • Additional responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Background in music or performing arts is a plus, but not required.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating with a team.
• Comfort with high-energy, fast-paced environments.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in event coordination, arts administration, hospitality, or related fields preferred.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement.

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee.

SALARY RANGE

$25.00/hour

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that's reshaping the future of higher education. You'll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their skills and experience concerning this position.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Apply Now