Volunteer 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

The Kennedy Center’s Friends volunteer program consists of 400 regular as well as 2,500 Festival/Event volunteers whose work is essential to welcoming our audiences and guests from D.C. and around the world to the Center as well as provide support for many other activities and staff-based needs. The Manager of the Friends volunteer program is responsible for: Supervision and coordination of the day-today operations of the Friends Volunteer program including recruitment, training, scheduling and daily oversight of the volunteers who work 365 days a year; directly overseeing the NexGenFriends program for volunteers age 40 and under; administering all aspects of the Kennedy Center Friends-led tour program; managing the Friends Office, web/digital presence and volunteer management database. Report to and support the Director of the Friends Volunteers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Managing the day-to-day operations of the Friends program including: Recruitment of new volunteers, on-boarding/training, scheduling and on-site supervision of tour-guides, information desk, REACH, administrative office and all other volunteers. Staffing and administering the volunteer office administrative functions including managing all aspects of the volunteer lifecycle;  maximizing the use of the  volunteer management software and database; coordinating all volunteer needs and activities with staff across the Center including attending meetings, being a liaison between staff and volunteers, assist and provide administrative support to the Director of the Friends Volunteers; oversee the day-to-day activities of the Friends Coordinator;  and overseeing production promotional/marketing-material for the program.
• Overseeing all aspects of the Tour program including promoting, scheduling, and coordinating tours offered, including Accessibility, Foreign Language, Group, REACH, Tours for Young People, VIP, New Hire tours for new employees as well as implementing new tour experiences. Streamline tour booking procedures for a web-based online tour booking system to enhance overall efficiency. Manage tour-related web content for accuracy and up-to-date information.
• Supervising the growth, diversification, and promotion of Friends volunteers by actively engaging and strategizing with communities across the D.C. metro area including the NexGenFriends (under 40) program, and other youth based programs to encourage volunteer support.
• Administer the Festival/Event volunteer programs from promotion and recruitment to scheduling and supervising volunteer needs for events such as Opera in the Outfield, all festivals, short-term projects, and special one-day activities.  Coordinate these efforts with staff across the Center to ensure all needs are met and volunteers are appropriately engaged. 
• Support and implement recognitions, benefits and initiatives for Friends and Festival/Event volunteers, as well as assist with the planning of annual recognition events including National Volunteer Week and the Volunteer Gala. Produce and oversee volunteer-related social media platform outreach and engagement; production and publication of 3 Friendscript volunteer newsletters annually. 

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree;
• A minimum of four years' experience in the field of volunteer management required;
• A minimum of four years’ experience performing general administrative duties: knowledge of Microsoft Office suites.
• In-depth knowledge of social networking venues
• Knowledge of Better Impact, Volunteer Management software preferred
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Work Environment

• Must be able to work in an open office environment;
• Must be able to work around varying noise levels; due to the location of the box tier of the Concert Hall, the noise level does increase when Millennium Stage performers are rehearsing in early afternoon.