Senior Public Relations Specialist (Social Impact and Education)

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 Senior Public Relations Specialist, Social Impact and Education serves as the lead publicist for the Kennedy Center’s Social Impact and Education programs. Reporting to the Director of Non-Classical Public Relations, this role works across the Center to raise the national profile of these signature programs through thoughtful, innovative storytelling; positioning those in Education and Social Impact as thought leaders at the forefront of their fields; uplifting work in local communities; and advocating for the importance of this work with journalists, influencers, and other media across the country.

Among the key Social Impact programs are the Center’s long-running Millennium Stage programming, Culture Caucus, Social Practice Residencies, Cartography, and Arts Across America.

Within Education, this role will advance the storytelling around institutional Education programs, including Arts Summit, VSA, School and Community Programs, Research and Evaluation, Digital Learning, and ongoing Moonshot Studio activations. This person will also work closely with the other members of the Non-Classical PR team on the season of Performances for Young Audiences.

The Senior Press Representative serves as a primary contact between members of the local and national media and Kennedy Center artists and administrators. She/he must have highly effective communication skills (both verbal and written), and be able to move efficiently and resolve any conflicts in a public, dynamic, fast-paced, high-pressure atmosphere.

As a member of the Kennedy Center Public Relations Office, the Senior Press Representative will assist the other press representatives for Center-wide initiatives, including major festivals, and high-profile events such as the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and Kennedy Center Honors. She/he will also work closely with the members of her/his respective programming departments, as well as theater managers, the Box Office, development and various other Kennedy Center staff.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Fosters and maintains local, national, and international media contacts. Formulates and executes press plans, inclusive of non-traditional media, for the Social Impact and Education programs.
• Liaises with colleagues in the Social Impact and Education departments, gathering information, and gaining a deep understanding of their work to craft narratives for both overarching, long-range stories and more immediate work.
• Uses superb writing skills to create press releases and media advisories including announcements for new programs, ongoing initiatives, special performances, and recurring/annual events.
• Works with colleagues across the center for the creation of self-generated storytelling that advances the impact and reach of the Kennedy Center and its work.
• Engages with external artists and publicists in promoting the programmatic work of both departments. Reviews print and audio advertisements and brochure copy prior to release to the public.
• Assists media onsite (including reviewers, photographers, videographers, and crews) during performances and events, following and enforcing the Center’s policies and coordinates with programming departments so all are aware of media presence.
• Assists on nationally televised productions including the Kennedy Center Honors and Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, as well as other programs as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Three or more years of experience in public relations; performing arts background preferred.
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written), knowledge of editing styles, and ability to prioritize and juggle multiple, changing priorities.
• Well-developed media contacts in both the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, as well as national media contacts. Ability to cultivate new media relationships and maintain existing relationships.
• Demonstrated strength in traditional media approaches, as well as non-traditional media outlets.
• Ensure and maintain a high level of trust with important information and breaking news.
• Effective in working both independently and collaborating with members of the office, other departments, and the community to ensure goals are met. Personable and able to communicate and engage with high-profile individuals as well as support staff at every professional level.
• Ability to problem-solve while maintaining a calm, positive attitude in high-pressure, public situations.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.