The Mark Morris Dance Group seeks a full-time Payroll Specialist whose primary responsibility is processing payroll for approximately 140 full time, part time and seasonal employees as well as providing support in benefits coordination and human resource management. This new position is a key member of the HR and Finance team and supports the entire organization, interacting regularly with all hiring managers and supervisors as well as all employees and independent contractors employed by the organization. In addition to superb attention to detail and accuracy, excellent interpersonal and communication skills are critical to the success of this role. Reporting to the Director of People and Culture, the Payroll Specialist joins the organization at a pivotal moment as the Dance Group reimagines how we operate, further embody our core values, and welcome back our community. 

The successful candidate will join a community of dedicated arts and administrative professionals who are propelled by Mark Morris's commitment to artistic excellence, access to the arts, and the impact that the arts have in connecting and engaging communities. MMDG is committed to ongoing and sustained equity and inclusion work. All staff are expected to be actively engaged and dedicated to upholding our core values of celebrating our diverse community, pursuing excellence in all that we do, advancing access, exposure, and opportunity to dance and music, and cultivating creativity. Learn more about MMDG's commitment to antiracism and our core values.

RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

  Payroll Processing  

• Process bi-weekly payroll for approximately 140 employees (staff, dancers, production crew, teachers, and musicians)
• Process bi-weekly fee payments for contractors (faculty, supplemental dancers and musicians)
• Verify payroll information (e.g. time sheets, contracts, overtime payments, direct deposits, wage attachments, benefits deductions, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate distribution of funds 
• Process and administer payroll deductions (including but not limited to union benefits, child support, levy and garnishments, retirement plan contributions, Section 125 pre-tax deductions such as Commuter, FSA, Dental, Vision, and Health); closely monitor and review HRIS reports to ensure accuracy; calculate and communicate any necessary adjustments or corrections
• Stay abreast of labor and tax laws and related benefit regulations that affect payroll
• Verify Ascentis processing of quarterly and annual Federal 941 and NYS-45 tax fillings 
• Prepare timely and accurate year-end W2s and 1099’s and other related reporting forms required by the IRS
• Import and review payroll journal entries in accounting software with supporting documentation
• Maintain confidentiality and provide superb customer service to address any payroll matters
• Maintain a wide variety of payroll information, files and records in paper and electronic formats for the purpose of providing an up-to-date reference and audit trail in compliance with Record Retention Standards 
• Process and issue annual 1094-C and 1095-C forms
• Communicate with a variety of internal and external parties (city/state/federal agencies, payroll provider, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate processing of payroll deductions/garnishments
• Assisting with annual Audit preparation (financial, workers comp, tax return) 

  Benefits Coordination / HR Generalist

• Enter all Health, Dental, Vision, Health Reimbursement Account, Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Account, Commuter, Retirement Plan, Life insurance, Long Term Disability and COBRA information into the appropriate carrier websites 
• Audit, code, and review benefits and insurance bills for payment processing; Reconcile monthly FSA activities to bank statement
• Timely and accurately respond to unemployment claims and employment and wage verification requests 
• Process retirement, disability and union-related benefit and dues payments and reporting
• Enter and process employment data into payroll system
• Execute background checks as needed
• Proactively identify new and streamlined reporting or processes to improve day-to-day activities
• In coordination with the Director of People and Culture: identify and implement Ascentis process efficiencies, data consistency, and cleanup efforts; assist with annual open enrollment, assist with various projects as needed 

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time exempt 40 hour per week position; Monday - Friday, flexible schedule, on-site most days

You will be successful in this role if you:

• Can be firm on policies and procedures but flexible in managing people and relationships 
• Have patience and grace when interacting with different personality types
• Have an excellent memory and love to play concentration games and puzzles 
• Possess strong organizational skills and have the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines 
• Are someone with initiative, creativity, energy, and a sense of humor, who enjoys working as a team player to reach shared departmental and organizational goals 
• Have a deep commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and access and are inspired by Mark Morris’ work and our programs

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 3–5 years of payroll related skills, knowledge, and experience
• Payroll processing experience required, preferably for union and non-union employees as well as complex pay types, pay codes and pay structures
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax law
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Rigorous attention to detail and proven ability to work with precision and accuracy 
• Proficient with Microsoft 365, including Excel, Outlook, and Teams 
• Ability to maintain a strict level of confidentiality, discretion, judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all matters is required
• Technologically savvy and familiar with computerized accounting and payroll software applications, experience using Blackbaud’s Financial Edge or Ascentis Payroll a plus
• Compliance with MMDG COVID-19 Safety Plan and Vaccination Policy

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: General mobility in office areas. Ability to operate data processing and other office equipment. Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

• Annual Salary: $50,000 - $55,000
• Paid vacation, sick/personal leave, holidays and bonus days
• Comprehensive benefits package includes Employee Health and Life insurance covered 100%, Flexible Spending Plan, Voluntary vision and dental coverage, Pre-tax commuter benefit, 403(b) retirement plan, and 100% paid family leave
• Access to special events and MMDG performances (when available)
• Access to free and discounted classes at the Dance Center and online

• Invitations to cultural events extended to staff members by community partners.

APPLICATIONS:

• Applications accepted through our website 
• Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.
• Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
• You will be asked to submit the following as part of your online application:
• 1-page Cover Letter addressed to Rebecca Hunt, Director of People and Culture   
• Complete résumé highlighting relevant experience.

• The cover letter should include answers to each of the following questions:
• Why are you interested in working at the Mark Morris Dance Group?
• The Payroll Specialist must be able to work accurately and efficiently under hard deadlines while also juggling last minute requests and information. How have you exhibited this skill in your life experience?
• MMDG is a values-driven organization; please review our core values of Community, Excellence, Creativity, and Access and discuss two instances in your professional career where you have demonstrated at least two of them.

DEADLINE:

• The position is open until filled.
• Please note that some candidate interviews will be conducted by video using the Zoom (https://zoom.us/) video communications application. Please download the application in advance and have a functioning camera and speaker on your device. MMDG can also provide candidates with reasonable accommodations, if needed.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or veteran status. It is the policy of MMDG to comply with all the relevant and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). MMDG does not discriminate against any qualified employees or job applicants with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person’s physical or mental disability. MMDG makes reasonable accommodation wherever necessary for all employees or applicants with disabilities, provided that the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform the duties and assignments connected with the job and provided that any accommodations made do not require significant difficulty or expense.

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

The internationally renowned Mark Morris Dance Group (MMDG) has received “highest praise for their technical aplomb, their musicality, and their sheer human authenticity.” (Bloomberg News). Founded in 1980, the Dance Group performs the repertory of choreographer Mark Morris, hailed as the “the most successful and influential choreographer alive, and indisputably the most musical” (The New York Times), whose work is acclaimed for its ingenuity, musicality, wit, and humanity. Live music and community engagement are vital components of the Dance Group. It has toured with its own musicians, the MMDG Music Ensemble, since 1996, and regularly collaborates with orchestras and opera companies around the world. In addition to 16 full-time dancers, the organization currently employs 34 full-time staff and 75 part-time staff, teaching artists, and musicians.

In the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District, the Mark Morris Dance Center, founded in 2001, is the hub of dance and music education in Brooklyn. The nine-studio building provides affordable classes in multiple genres for people of all ages, levels, with and without disabilities, accompanied by live music. The studios, a performance space, a Wellness Center, and ancillary spaces are all available to the community and to nonprofit organizations at subsidized rates. MMDG’s Community Education Programs partner with public and private schools and community centers to provide customized classes. MMDG also offers customized dance workshops for persons with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers in 10 locations in all 5 boroughs.

MMDG programs in NYC and worldwide engage over 100,000 people annually. Propelled by core values of community, access, excellence, and creativity, MMDG is committed to ongoing equity, diversity, and inclusion work to ensure its programs are welcoming and accessible to all.