Administrative Finance Manager

About The Kennedy Center

“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” – President John F. Kennedy

The Kennedy Center is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. 

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. 

Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts. 

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: 

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 11 paid holidays per year 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
• Flexible work arrangements
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2022 staff video!

Job Description

As the right hand to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Kennedy Center, the Administrative Manager will facilitate an unmatched service experience for those interacting with the Finance Department through personal interaction, effective management of daily responsibilities, and cross-departmental collaboration. This position routinely exercises independent judgement and discretion to include being empowered to commit the CFO’s time based on interpreting general guidelines and established rules of protocol and, in many cases, act as an emissary representing the CFO. The Administrative Manager will perform a variety of standard and frequently complex administrative duties, finance and accounting tasks and special projects to ensure the smooth functioning of the CFO’s office, using detail-oriented skills, organizational skills, communications skills, and a deep knowledge of the organization and its programs and policies as acquired over time.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain an accurate and detailed calendar for the CFO, manage and log incoming scheduling requests, re-schedule meetings upon request, proactively communicate changes, and anticipate and respond to scheduling conflicts. Organize internal and external meetings for CFO, including logistical and substantive preparation. Ensure staff meetings are scheduled on a routine basis and create meeting programs and agendas that encourage collaboration and participation.
• Track and monitor the CFO’s tasks and Finance department deliverables to ensure appropriate prioritization of projects with respect to deadlines and organizational priorities. Act as point of contact for CFO and handoff tasks/issues to other staff members as needed. Monitor and maintain finance projects within the Center’s project management tool, Asana, used to manage deadlines and deliverables.
• Prepare and process expense reports, requisitions, and invoices for the Finance Department. Track and reconcile monthly credit card statements in a timely manner. Maintain all finance department agreements and contracts, and document and monitor staff access to systems, financial accounts and outside institutions. Support finance training programs and update training presentation and reference materials as needed.
• Research various topics to support and inform leadership decisions. Create presentations, talking points, and executive summaries for presentations to the Board of Trustees and special committees. Liaise and collaborate with departments across the Center to ensure the timely and accurate dissemination of broad financial communications throughout the Kennedy Center. Frequently compose, proofread, and finalize complex correspondence, documents, meeting minutes, reports, and board meeting materials, using experience and sound judgment.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of standard operating procedures and financial policies for the Kennedy Center. Collaborate with colleagues to document the proper use of finance systems and governing policies and procedures. Create and manage the content posted to the finance intranet site and ensure all documents and staffing information are updated on a routine basis.
• Oversee the commercial liability insurance and other risk management programs. Coordinate and prepare renewal applications for liability insurance policies and administer payments as necessary. Support the CFO in the review of policy coverage, limits and costs. Serve as liaison with insurance brokers or other third party service providers.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• An interest in the performing arts, along with a minimum of 5 years progressive finance and administrative management experience, with at least 3 years supporting executive leadership.
• Advanced technical skills with a demonstrated proficiency in the suite of Microsoft Office applications including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact professionally, graciously, and maturely with artists, trustees, Congressional members, donors, high level dignitaries, and a variety of other internal and external constituents.
• High-level administrative skills in planning, organization, accuracy, and expeditious identification and prioritization of issues and problems.
• Ability to multi-task and respond to all needs within a rapidly changing environment of day-to-day schedules and priorities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction, and to anticipate the CFO’s needs to pre-empt problems.
• Ability to type quickly and accurately and perform responsibilities in a variety of software programs with excellent note taking skills.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.