Public Relations Coordinator (Institutional)

***Please submit a cover letter for consideration.***

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 Public Relations Coordinator (Institutional) is responsible for maintaining and positioning the public image of the Kennedy Center through local, national, and international media placements, new media, self-generated content and storytelling, and by influencing a range of internal platforms including the Center’s social media and website. The PR Coordinator will manage the publicity and logistics for two of the Center’s marquee broadcast and fundraising events: Kennedy Center Honors (annually in December) and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (annually in the spring), working collaboratively with internal departments and serving as a liaison with Honorees and their support teams, managers, and publicists, broadcasters, as well as helping to secure and manage broad national coverage for both events. In addition to this seasonal work, the Coordinator position serves as the junior publicist for other institutional projects that fall outside of the core programmatic areas and will further promote the Center as an important landmark and destination in the United States, to include: international festivals, the new, permanent Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy exhibit, special “one-off” institutional events and partnerships, ongoing publicity for Center leadership and key programmers, support of fundraising events that require visibility, as well as ongoing activity at the REACH, the Kennedy Center’s new annex which opened in 2019. As a member of the larger Public Relations team, from time to time this role will assist with collecting, editing, and routing content for the production of digital programs (the Center’s version of program books).

As the Center embarks on its next 50 years, we commit to being a hub for innovation, impact, and integrity. To this end, we strive to be a more nimble organization poised to embrace risk and exploration with intention. The Center is not just a building; it is a campus that is alive with opportunity and a place where art is celebrated as essential to everyone. As we uplift our wide range of artistic genres on our stages, we are also uniquely positioned to realize the potential for national collaboration and partnership, upgrading our campus to be a more welcoming destination, and expanding our reach and impact through our digital platforms. This position will be central to the institution’s storytelling efforts and work across departments to deliver on the Center’s fervent belief that the arts can be used for life-changing non-arts outcomes. Special projects will vary and evolve from season to season. The PR Coordinator will also provide additional media outreach and support as needed for other major events and happenings, artistic or otherwise, to ensure a high level of public awareness and achievement of the institution’s earned and contributed goals.     

Duties & Responsibilities

• Publicity & Media Relations: Working closely with the Vice President of Public Relations, devise and implement short and long-term media relations and communications strategies for the programmatic areas listed above. Help to craft and deliver messages that leverage the unparalleled breadth and vibrancy of the performing arts offerings at the Kennedy Center, and positions the Center as an enterprising arts leader across America and the world. Further promote the Center as an important landmark and destination in the United States and seek new audiences and news outlets to engage with and cover some of our highest profile events and activity.
• Reaching New Audiences: Spearhead ongoing publicity efforts to promote the new JFK (Art and Ideals) Exhibit, the REACH, major international festivals, visual art exhibits, and generally position the Kennedy Center as a national and international destination through travel and tourism media exposure and the full range of communication channels.
• Internal/External Coordination: Work proactively and initiate/attend regular meetings with internal and external stakeholders pertaining to Kennedy Center Honors, Mark Twain Prize, festivals, special events, and partnerships. Work with the VP to develop and execute strong messaging and manage flow and distribution of information to include press releases, media alerts, and social media posts. Help to problem-solve and contribute creative ideas that will generate buzz and reach a broad range of media and constituents.
• Logistics: Oversee publicity and complex logistical operations for the entirety of the Center’s two marquee events, Kennedy Center Honors and Mark Twain Prize, including managing red carpet events and large press pools, leading the public relations team, and working closely with Honors production teams, Development, Special Events, Government Affairs, awardees and their teams, and broadcast networks to ensure day-of events run smoothly and yield significant press coverage. Provide additional support for managing press events, speaking engagements, and other institutional activity including but not limited to collaborative projects with our Government Affairs team and the Office of the President. 
• Manage administrative tasks including media contact lists, media invitations and RSVP tracking, budget tracking, scheduling photographers and photo processing, and occasional travel booking. Work with other PR coordinators to review and deploy daily clip reports and quarterly board press reports, take inventory and order supplies as needed. Acts as an co-assistant supervisor to guide the office’s pair of interns in the day-to-day office practices.
• Assist with the creation of digital programs as needed. The other two coordinators create and manage the overall digital program content schedule and flow. During high-volume periods, this position may be called upon to assist with the gathering of materials, editing per Kennedy Center style, and routing internally and externally.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in public relations and/or entertainment media.
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in public relations, communications, or journalism.
• Background in or knowledge of the performing arts.
• Experience working successfully across numerous stakeholders, with experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Prior experience managing and executing complex special events and/or award programs is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated strong working relationships on a team, with a collaborative commitment to realizing company strategic goals.
• A demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit in developing and executing ideas.
• Outstanding editorial judgment, strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.