Executive Assistant, Artistic Operations

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

The primary responsibility for this role will be to provide executive support for the Senior Vice President (SVP) Artistic Planning as well as provide ancillary support to the Production and Programming teams at the Kennedy Center. This role will aid the SVP, Programming and Productions teams to deliver a variety of services that ensure the efficient operation of the office and advancement of the outstanding artistic programs for which the Kennedy Center is known. Activities and responsibilities will include but are not limited to, daily administrative and office management, onsite event support. This role requires superior interpersonal, problem solving and communication skills as well as the ability to exercise discretion in order to prioritize competing priorities, assignments and projects that are time sensitive.  

Duties & Responsibilities

Executive Support to the SVP of Artistic Planning

• Oversees day-to-day administrative duties for the SVP’s office, including expense reports, credit card billing, ongoing payments, invoice processing, and managing and updating contact files
• Acts as liaison to the SVP and the Programming and Production teams with arts leaders, donors, and business associates.  Ensures divisional compliance with information requests and processes for the Kennedy Center. Assists SVP with communication and agenda needs for Management Team and All Staff meetings.
• Manages the SVP’s calendar and ensures that the SVP is well-informed of upcoming events and commitments, the SVP’s schedule is maintained and communicated, and internal and external constituents are provided with access as required or are appropriately referred to other members of the Programming team and/or members of the Center’s leadership team.
• Maintains customer service focus and professional demeanor when responding to the needs and requests of Kennedy Center leadership and staff support across departments, including with the executive team.

Programming Event Support

• Act as line producer for assigned institutional performances and events, managing artist advance, contracting, artist payments, company and hospitality management, and liaising with relevant internal departments (Production, Box Office, Marketing, PR, etc.)
• Provide day-of support for assigned institutional performances and events, working across all genres and presentations.

Department Administration

• Assist with day-to-day use of all internal Kennedy Center systems for the Programming Department (KCMaster, Lawson), as well as any other key systems to ensure the smooth operation of the department.
• Oversee internal department documentation and intranet department pages.
• Coordinate conference calls and make arrangements for Board committee or other meetings. Coordinate in-house department functions, including the arrangement of meals and refreshments.
• Assists in special events, such as fundraising activities and Board meetings; potentially attend board, committee meetings or other meetings as requested in order to record minutes.
• Works across multiple departments to be able to identify and close logistical gaps in programs and administration.

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• 3-5+ years’ experience supporting C-suite executives, preferably in a non-profit or arts environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a variety of internal and external constituents
• High-level organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks
• Excellent attention to detail and exceptional written communication skills
• Demonstrated experience utilizing and applying independent judgement and discretion to assist in decision-making
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point), Adobe Acrobat, and Social Media web platforms
• Strong desire to work in the arts and culture space with bias for inclusivity, equity, and joy
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area

Additional Information

This role is expected to be primarily onsite. Occasional evening and weekend hours are necessary.