Assistant Director

Assistant Director

Community Music School Lehigh Valley & Berks (CMS) is seeking an Assistant Director who shares our passion for music education in the community and is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of music students of all ages in our community.

The Assistant Director leads human resources, talent acquisition, employee relations, and operational management to support the organization’s strategic goals. This role collaborates with leadership to enhance policies, ensure programming runs smoothly, optimize efficiency, and create a positive and engaging workplace culture. This role requires a dynamic leader who can balance HR expertise with operational oversight, fostering an efficient and inclusive workplace at CMS.

Location: 1544 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18102Position Type: Full-time employee, exempt, in person Schedule: 40 hours per week, except during school break periods and observed holidays (paid)Monday through FridayOccasional additional hours for events as needed (see below)Pay: $45,000 a yearReports to: Executive Director

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, nonprofit administration, arts administration, or related field, or equivalent work experience required. SHRM and/or HRCI certification preferred.Experience: 3 years of human resources, management, administrative, operations, office, customer service, scheduling, or related experience Language: English; Spanish is a plusWork Authorization: US Citizen, Permanent ResidentClearances: PA Act 153 Child Protection Clearances - In accordance with PA Act 153, CMS requires that all employees have or obtain three PA-required child protection clearances and complete mandated reporter training. All required clearances and training must be current (within the last 5 years):Child Abuse History ClearancePennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Checks for EmploymentFederal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) FingerprintingView more information about Act 153 Clearances: http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/resources/clearances/index.htmMandated Reporter Training: https://www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu/

Skills and Traits:

Excellent and effective customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills (written and verbal)Professional conduct and composure, especially in challenging situationsProficient technology skills: Google Workspace, administrative software, PDFs, scanning, printing, spreadsheets (basic formatting and formulas)Perform routine office tasks such as typing, using a phone, and filingAbility to sit for prolonged periods while working on a computer with breaks as neededMove throughout the facility to assist employees and customers and to manage the premisesLift and carry items up to 50 pounds (e.g., replacing a water cooler or setting up tables and chairs for events)Ability to multitask, work independently, pay attention to detail, and prioritize work efficientlyDemonstrates above-average organizational skillsAbility to be a team player, take direction, and maintain communications with other faculty and staff as neededEnthusiastic and positive attitudePassion for music and/or experience in a music or arts-related space is a plus

Primary Responsibilities:

HR Administration: Serve as the primary resource for people, culture, employment, and compliance matters. Maintain personnel records, ensuring compliance with employment laws. Maintain up-to-date emergency contact information, first aid supplies, emergency and disaster protocols, and health and safety procedures. Assist the Executive Director with payroll and generally improving and maintaining employee compensation and benefits.Employee Relations: Serve as a liaison between employees and leadership, including management and the Board of Directors, advocating for employee needs. Maintain employee handbooks and policies to align with organizational compliance standards and local, PA, and federal employment laws. Administer annual 1:1 performance reviews and provide coaching based on performance goals and expectations throughout the year as needed, including developing annual appraisals, facilitating evaluations, and completing documentation. Conduct and/or facilitate disciplinary or grievance support as needed. Promote employee engagement and a positive workplace culture.Employee Lifecycle Oversight: Oversee the hiring, onboarding, training, and offboarding of each employee. Develop job listings and manage postings across platforms (LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, Handshake, CMS website). Screen applicants, conduct background checks, phone interviews, and reference interviews. Facilitate interviews, alongside the Executive Director, and manage candidate communications. Facilitate training and onboarding of new employees, and manage the offboarding process for departing employees.Strategic Operations, Nonprofit Administration, & Organizational Improvements: Participate in weekly leadership meetings to discuss operational strategies and contribute as the HR representative. Enhance HR policies and educate leadership on compliance and best practices. Work with other admin staff, develop initiatives to improve retention, employee well-being, and operational efficiency. Implement cost-effective solutions that enhance employee and customer satisfaction.Executive and Board Support: Act on behalf of the Executive Director when needed, addressing facility issues and high-level concerns. Attend board meetings, present HR and operational updates, and contribute to discussions. Consult with the Executive Director and Operations Manager on budgetary needs for operational functions each fiscal year (i.e., Financial Aid, instrument supplies or other administrative materials, training, people expenses, etc.). Attend weekly management meetings (see “participate in weekly leadership meetings” item in HR section)Operation Oversight: Assist with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the school. In conjunction with Executive Director and Operations Manager, assist in ensuring both the Reading and Allentown sites are clean, organized, and well stocked with instrument supplies, office supplies, and marketing materials. Step in as needed to support team operations during high-volume seasons or to cover for absences. Serve as an owner-level administrator of the CMS administrative management system (Opus1). Attend and support all student recitals, overseeing front-of-house operations and assisting with volunteer coordination as needed. Distribute organization-wide communications regarding policy, scheduling, and operational changes. Coordination of $10,000 Google Ad Grant utilization and SEO strategies with external agency RankMonsters

Work Environment:

Individual office in a standard office setting; the facility has a front office reception area with a locked front door for securityExposure to overhead lighting and windows with natural lightExposure to varying levels of musical noise from lessons, events, and rehearsals, as well as standard office sounds, such as phones and in-person conversations. 

Benefits:

Paid holidays and school breaks, vacation time, sick/personal daysRetirement savings plan with employer matching contributionHealth Savings Account (HSA) contributionsSave with LifeMart affinity discounts on travel, show, and many products and services

Learn more about this position and apply at https://cmslv.org/about/employment/#admin