SMF Jazz Academy Program Assistant

Reports to
: SMF Jazz Academy Program Director

Position

Description:

The SMF Jazz Academy Program Assistant plays a key role in supporting the daily operations of the Savannah Music Festival Jazz Academy. This position ensures a welcoming, safe, and well-organized environment for students, families, and artist instructors. The Program Assistant will provide logistical, technical, and administrative support while embodying and upholding the mission and values of SMF. A core part of this role is creating and fostering strong, respectful relationships with SMFJA students, families, and teaching artists.

The Program Assistant also serves as a public representative of SMFJA during program hours, maintaining professionalism and clarity in all interactions and communications on behalf of the program.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Learn, uphold, and represent SMF vision and mission.
• Setup and breakdown all rehearsal and lessons spaces on a weekly basis as needed.
• Provide basic technical support for audio, rehearsal, and classroom equipment as needed.
• Oversee arrival/dismissal of SMFJA students and artist instructors while tracking attendance at rehearsals, concerts, and other SMFJA events.
• Help ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of students whenever they are not actively in lessons or rehearsals.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with students and families while helping create a safe, encouraging, and supportive learning environment.
• Communicate any issues or concerns regarding students or staff to SMFJA Program Director including, but not limited to, attendance, tardiness, and behavior.
• Communicate with SMFJA staff, students, and families regarding absences, tardiness, or as assigned by SMFJA Program Director via email, text, or phone call.
• Represent and communicate regarding all aspects of SMF Jazz Academy, including policies, upcoming events, and other inquiries or questions.
• Maintain calm and professional demeanor when presented with challenging situations.
• Other administrative duties as assigned by SMFJA Program Director.

Traits and

Qualifications:

Savannah Music Festival is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a welcoming workplace and encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

• Commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students, families, and teaching artists.
• Experience with project management, project coordination, or project administration preferred.
• Experience with musical instruments and/or audio equipment encouraged.
• An appreciation for jazz and curiosity about learning more about the music and its culture.
• Excellent communication and creative writing skills.
• Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build relationships among teachers, families, artists, school administrators and other community stakeholders.
• Ability to work respectfully with others and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility, patience, and grace under pressure.
• Familiarity with Savannah-area schools and SCCPSS is a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Proficient in the use of Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and Zoom.
• All applicants must have a valid driver’s license, regular access to a car, and submit to a criminal background check and drug test.

What Success Looks Like:

Successful candidates will:

• Build trusting relationships with students and families.
• Communicate professionally and consistently.
• Create an organized, welcoming environment.
• Take initiative and solve problems independently. but need correct closing tags and then final paragraph
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• Represent SMF Jazz Academy with warmth and professionalism.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a part time position, paying $20 per hour and working up to 20 hours per week. SMFJA programming occurs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, with occasional programming outside of those days.

The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting world‑class celebrations of the musical arts by creating…