POSITION TITLE

Seasonal Props Assistant

Performance Operations – Theater & Opera

College of Performing Arts

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

Join The New School

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang college of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

The College of Performing Arts at The New School is seeking a highly qualified Seasonal Props Assistant to join its Performance Operations – Props Department staff. The Props Department is responsible for the creation, alteration, and sourcing of all props for all College of Performing Arts productions. The Seasonal Props Assistant is delegated as needed to oversee crews, provide support to outside designers, and answer time sensitive technical questions when the Props Supervisor is deployed on other projects.

This role is intentionally structured to support continuity, departmental leadership, and higher-level technical work throughout the academic year. The Assistant Props Supervisor will routinely be entrusted with independent oversight of projects, advanced fabrication assignments, and decision-making authority that maintains workflow and production quality.

The Seasonal Props Assistant is a qualified and organized collaborator who can lead independent projects, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly team-oriented environment. The Seasonal Props Assistant reports to the Props Supervisor.

This is an FLSA nonexempt hourly (30 hours per week) seasonal position with a desired start date of mid-January 2026, and an end date of May 22nd, 2026.

The New School is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who are committed to our mission and who seek to work collaboratively with all members of our community.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Act as lead artisan on show builds, alterations, and execute advanced fabrication tasks independently
Collaborate closely with set designers to fulfill the production’s needs
Read all rehearsal reports, and keep up-to-date on all prop related communication
Oversee and mentor Overhire Props Artisans, supervising assigned crew calls, and providing daily task delegation, quality control feedback, and hands-on training in advanced prop construction techniques
Develop familiarity with show scripts, prop lists, and project specific paperwork
Act as an alternate Props representative for production meetings, and as the designated Production representative during tech rehearsals
Collaborate with the Props Supervisor in developing long-term departmental strategies, including storage organization, inventory maintenance, and resource planning to support future seasons
Travel to vendors or storage locations to procure and cart supplies and materials as needed
Additional responsibilities as assigned

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement.

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee.

SALARY RANGE

$30.00/hour

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their skills and experience related to this position

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years previous experience in theatrical properties required
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
The ability to work productively, graciously, and professionally under strict time and space constraints
Comfortable with power tools and heights
Strong carpentry, sewing, and upholstery skills
Demonstrated ability to lead crews and delegate complex workflows in a professional or educational environment
Experienced or able to learn and develop fluency in The New School’s suite of applications including Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Workday, and Adobe Photoshop
Demonstrated commitment to Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice, and the transformative power of the arts and education

Preferred Qualifications:

Driver’s license and comfort driving a cargo van
Experience in an educational or teaching environment

Seasonal Props Assistant

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