Assistant Director

Assistant Director
New School of Music, Cambridge, MA
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Part-time, 20 hours per week | Salary: $28,000/year (flexible hours)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, exact hours to be determined; occasional evenings and weekends required
Work location: Approximately 75% on-site / 25% remote
Position Overview
The Assistant Director provides marketing, administrative, and operational support for the daily activities of the New School of Music and helps support the school’s vibrant in-person community of students, families, and faculty. This role offers the opportunity to contribute creatively to the visibility and growth of a community arts organization, including assisting with communication, social media, scheduling, and program coordination to help ensure the organization runs efficiently.
Working closely with the Executive Director and staff, the Assistant Director supports programs, classes, and special events throughout the year. The position requires strong organizational skills, creativity in communications and social media, and the ability to engage with a community-centered arts organization. Because the school’s programs and events vary throughout the year, the specific mix of responsibilities will shift seasonally, and not all tasks occur at the same time. During the 2026–2027 school year, the Assistant Director will also help support storytelling and community engagement efforts related to the school’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Key Responsibilities
Social Media & Communications
Manage the school’s social media presence, including planning, creating, and scheduling posts on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook
Help shape the school’s social media storytelling by highlighting programs, events, faculty, students, and community activities
Capture photos and short videos during classes and events for social media and promotional use
Write engaging captions and messaging that reflect NSM’s mission and community values
Create simple graphics using tools such as Canva or similar design platforms
Track engagement metrics and help identify effective content strategies
Coordinate with staff and faculty to gather content ideas and program updates
Support social media and storytelling initiatives related to the school’s 50th anniversary
Operations & Administration
Assist with day-to-day administrative operations, including communication, scheduling, and internal coordination
Work with the Registrar on room scheduling and program logistics
Provide general administrative support to staff and faculty
Help maintain shared documents, calendars, and organizational systems
Programs & Events
Provide logistical support for workshops, recitals, and special events
Assist with planning and coordination of community programs and initiatives
Provide on-site support during events as needed
Staffing & Organizational Support
Assist with administrative aspects of hiring, including job postings and interview scheduling
Help track staffing schedules and logistical needs
Facilities
Help monitor facility needs related to programs and operations
Assist with vendor research and coordination of small maintenance projects
Fundraising & Community Engagement
Assist with tracking donations and preparing donor acknowledgements
Research potential grant opportunities
Support community outreach efforts and events
Qualifications & Experience
Experience in administration, arts organizations, education, or nonprofit operations
Experience managing social media for an organization, school, arts program, or small business
Familiarity with Instagram, Facebook, Canva, and basic content creation tools
Strong organizational and communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team environment
Interest in community arts education and music programs
We encourage applicants who may not meet every qualification but who are enthusiastic about learning and contributing to our community arts mission to apply. Diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen our organization.
Skills & Competencies
Creative and effective social media communication
Highly organized and detail-oriented
Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Basic photo and video content creation skills
Commitment to community engagement and arts education
How To Apply
Email the following materials to Anne Riesenfeld, Executive Director, at
director@newschoolofmusic.org with “Assistant Director” in the subject line:
Cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in the position
Resume
List of 2–3 professional references (name, title, relationship, and contact information)
Applicants are encouraged to include examples of social media accounts or content they have managed or created.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews will begin once a qualified and diverse applicant pool has been identified. No phone calls, please.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The New School of Music is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our arts community and enhance our ability to serve students, families, and the broader community. Applicants from backgrounds underrepresented in arts and nonprofit leadership are strongly encouraged to apply.