Public Relations Coordinator (Theater, Dance, Contemporary Culture)

***For consideration, please submit a cover letter***

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 is a frontline representative of the Kennedy Center Public Relations team, working internally across departments and externally with media, vendors, patrons, and others to coordinate day-to-day operations of the PR department. This position is an essential partner to the Director of Public Relations and the entire team in generating high-impact news coverage of the Kennedy Center’s activities and positively reinforcing the Kennedy Center brand.

Primary responsibilities include gathering materials, editing, and managing approval of programs and digital materials; managing image requests; developing and managing media lists; daily monitoring of news clips; and administrative tasks including press release scheduling, budget tracking, invoicing, and contracting.

The coordinator will also assist with PR campaigns across the Center’s work to include writing of media releases and advisories, press invitations and ticketing/seating, media outreach and pitching, and assisting with in-studio and on-site media interviews with Kennedy Center artists.

As the 2023-2024 season rolls out, and in future seasons, the coordinator’s work will focus on support for the PR efforts theater, ballet/dance, jazz, hip hop, Social Impact, and education.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinates process for creation of programs. The coordinator creates and manages the overall digital program content schedule, including setting dates and deadlines, and liaising with program production staff. Gathers materials, edits per Kennedy Center style, routes internally and externally, and gives final approval. Involves interns in office projects and activity as appropriate.
• Manages administrative tasks including media contact lists, media invitations and RSVP tracking, press release scheduling, budget tracking, invoicing, contracting, media monitoring, photography processing on the Center’s media site, and travel booking. Reviews and deploys daily clip reports. Takes inventory and orders office supplies as needed. Acts as an assistant supervisor to guide the office’s pair of interns in the day to day office practices.
• Assists with PR storytelling efforts across the Center. Liaises with programming, marketing, development, and education colleagues as well as researching and pitching media.
• Services patron inquiries and third-party requests for images and materials, including non-commercial photography and documentary requests. Collaborates with Legal Counsel, the Director of Public Relations, and VP of Public Relations to create photography/location agreements for location shoots and asset licensing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree is required
• Background in or knowledge of the performing arts.
• Excellent writing and copyediting skills, as well as experience with publications required.
• 2+ years professional experience in media relations, communications, and/or publications preferred.
• Working familiarity of digital media landscape and strategy a plus.
• Microsoft Office Suite, be able to learn and adapt to changing technology

Additional Information

While located primarily at the Kennedy Center, this role will have the ability for a partial flexible schedule, including the ability to arrange for limited work-from-home, as duties and event/performance schedule allows. Travel up to 2% may be required (i.e.-off-site press events).