Administrative Apprenticeships

Whether you are an early-career arts professional or beginning a career change, you can build your knowledge and experience in arts administration with an apprenticeship at City Center.

Receive on-the-job training and learn about the daily operations of a nonprofit performing arts center while working alongside experienced arts administrators.

Our nine-month program offers you plenty of hands-on learning opportunities in Dance Programming, Development, Education & Community Engagement, Finance, and Design & Marketing.

The program runs from September to May and includes paid training. Apprentices are paid $17 per hour for 24 hours a week. Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm. Weekly schedules vary by department. Need-based scholarships are available.

Applications open in February with decisions made in June each year.

Through the programs, apprentices will:

Work directly with a department supervisor and colleagues
Build a professional network, engage in career planning, and expand their understanding of nonprofit structure under the guidance of a designated mentor from another department
Attend seminars with City Center staff and artists
Participate in a three-day paid orientation
Participate in City Center's staff initiatives, including employee resource groups, workshops, and all-staff meetings
Attend rehearsals and performances, when possible
Complete a solo project in their area of focus
Deliver a final group presentation to City Center staff

Qualified program candidates will possess:

A compelling connection to the program’s mission and purpose
Current authorization to work in the US
A willingness to learn
Strong communication skills and attention to detail
The ability to take direction and work both independently and collaboratively
Comfort with computer work and phone use
Flexible availability that includes some nights and weekends
Some previous experience or education in the field for which you apply
Ability to carry 25 pounds

Apprentice Descriptions

The Dance Programming Apprentice will assist the programming team with the implementation of New York City Center’s dance season, including the 21st Fall for Dance Festival. This will include assistance in maintaining artistic planning materials, updating and organizing programming documents, providing research support, and assisting with artist services. This apprenticeship will allow for an in-depth dive into the ever-changing and diverse needs of the annual programming process of a large New York cultural institution and is an opportunity to creatively and resourcefully solve problems while navigating a complex web with a variety of stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, flexible, and detail-oriented. They should also have a passion for dance and an interest in learning more about the local, national, and international dance landscape.
The Development Apprentice will be involved in all aspects of City Center’s fundraising activities, including membership/individual giving, special events, and institutional giving. Through this program, the apprentice will gain familiarity with donor acquisition and stewardship, event management, grant writing, and database maintenance—all while experiencing the day-to-day operations of a premier nonprofit performing arts organization. The Development Apprentice will also have opportunities to interact with members through events, performances, or via the Membership Hotline, so comfort with people in-person or on the phone is a must. Strong writing and editing skills are highly encouraged, as well as a keen eye for detail.

This apprenticeship is an ideal fit for someone who is interested in gaining a fundamental understanding of nonprofit fundraising and who wants to develop strategy, craft compelling appeals, and organize data to build a case for support.
The Education & Community Engagement Apprentice will work directly with the Education & Community Engagement department staff, teaching artist roster, and City Center school and community partners. Through this program, the apprentice will gain insight into administering arts education programs in New York City schools and communities. They will assist with researching potential partners, coordinating workshops and residencies, and planning for professional development workshops and community nights. Additional responsibilities include assisting with the development of Behind the Curtain guides, analyzing program evaluations, and preparing event materials. The apprentice will also assist in communication with schools, communities, and teaching artists, so comfort with phone and email communication is a must.

This apprenticeship is an ideal fit for someone who enjoys collaborative work and is passionate about arts education and access initiatives. They should also be interested in generating creative and responsive educational materials and learning more about building and sustaining partnerships with NYC schools and community organizations.
The Finance Apprentice will work directly with the Finance & HR Team responsible, among other things, for tracking the incoming revenue and outgoing expenses related to all NYCC activities. The Finance team is comprised of a Controller, Human Resources Director, Senior Payroll & Benefits Manager, Finance Manager, and HR Coordinator. The Apprentice will work most closely with the Controller and Finance Manager, learning how to use the Blackbaud Financial Edge Software. Primary tasks will include processing Accounts Receivable invoices and payments for the studio rental program. The Apprentice may also get exposure to payroll and employee administration using the Paychex platform, budgeting using Questica, and ticketing and contribution management using Tessitura. Additionally, the Apprentice will support the Finance Team with special projects such as the annual financial audit and updating the Finance Policy and Procedures manual.

This apprenticeship is an ideal fit for someone with an interest in performing arts administration and accounting. The candidate should be very detail-oriented and have familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook. Previous exposure to accounting through coursework or experience is beneficial but not required.
The Design & Marketing Apprentice plays an active role in the department, assisting in our mission to drive awareness and demand for City Center presentations; build and steward the City Center brand; cultivate a large and loyal following that reflects the diversity of the City of New York; and create engaging initiatives and content that help attract younger and more diverse audiences. The apprenticeship will introduce the individual to the wide range of disciplines within marketing and communications, focusing specifically on creative graphic design. Applicants require a strong familiarity and interest in Adobe Creative Cloud programs (especially Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop) in order to create and edit text, images, and layouts for our marketing collateral. In addition, the apprentice will assist with audience development and outreach, email creation and tracking, production and artist research, press communications and events, advertising, and survey development and execution.

This apprenticeship is a great position for someone who is a self-starter, detail-oriented, and interested in the latest marketing and design trends. They should also be passionate about musical theater and/or dance. A design work sample should be included with application materials.