Manager of Music Education, Career Development Programs

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

In consultation with the Director of Music Education, this position supports the planning and implementation of all music education career development programs at the Center, with a specific focus on National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) and Washington National Opera (WNO) programs. Working closely with the Director of Music Education, the Manager serves as a direct point of contact for NSO and WNO staff, musicians, and school & community partners.

In addition to planning and implementation, the Manager also provides logistical support in terms of scheduling, budgeting, contracting, and management of interns, volunteers, and seasonal staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Assumes primary responsibility for implementing day-to-day work of the NSO Youth Fellowship Program and Summer Music Institute. These responsibilities includes planning programming and managing all faculty and student communications, auditions, marketing, website updating, scheduling, and logistics for the NSO Youth Fellowship Program and Summer Music Institute and providing onsite supervison; managing all information needed for programs to function; and preparing all necessary paperwork and documentation.
• Assumes primary responsibility for implementing day-to-day work of the WNO Opera Institute. These responsibilities include planning programming and managing all faculty and student communications, auditions, marketing, website updating, scheduling, and logistics for the Opera Institute and providing onsite supervision.
• Coordinates basic administrative tasks such as maintaining financial records, preparing POs, depositing checks, communicating with Finance and individuals to handle payment problems; preparing contracts, travel and meeting arrangements, mailings, production requests; compiling all year-end reports for all Music Education Career Development related projects, updating program webpages, preparing demographic statistics, updating all program histories. Creates online evaluations for Music Education Career Development programs and documents the results, in consultation with the Research and Evaluation team.
• Serves as liaison with other Kennedy Center departments (Advertising, Box Office, Development, Finance, Government Liaison, Group Sales, Theater Operations, Marketing and Public Relations), as well as Restaurant Associates and NSO Volunteer Council members regarding the various Music Education Program needs.
• Assists with Washington Musical Pathways Initiative student activities and facilities scheduling, and participates as an active member of the WMPI Task Force.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in music (preferred) or extensive music knowledge with knowledge of diverse repertoire or repertory
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in previous position in arts administration
• Experience managing orchestral or vocal music training programs for youth
• Self-motivated individual who works well at juggling several projects concurrently
• Program evaluation experience
• Writing and editing skills necessary to compose and/or edit public correspondence and written reports
• Good communication and human relations skills in dealing with people in person and by telephone
• Organized and can anticipate what needs to be done well ahead of time, allowing time to effectively carry-out all projects
• Able to work independently and prioritize work
• Experience with Word, Excel & PowerPoint, skills necessary for accurate demographic analyses, preparing reports, keeping financial records
• Must be able to work more than a 40-hour work week as needed in order to keep all programs running effectively; occasional evening and weekend work during the course of each season; be willing to incur many hours of overtime work during Summer Music Institute and Opera Institute each summer.
• Must be willing to move materials from one place to another (can use a cart) and move between Education offices and Concert Hall backstage area, and the REACH classroom and studio spaces.