Stewardship Assistant, Corporate Relations

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 Stewardship Assistant will work with the Officers(s) and Stewardship Manager of Corporate Relations to plan, develop, and implement the stewardship of corporate support for the Kennedy Center, Washington National Opera (WNO), VSA, and National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). The Stewardship Assistant will assist the Assistant Managers in drafting correspondence and sponsorship materials; conduct corporate research; and maintain a large donor database. The Assistant will help provide donor stewardship for all corporate donors falling under their portfolio, ensuring fulfillment of donor benefits by liaising with donors and the Relationship Managers via phone and email; and maintaining donor contact information. The Assistant must be able to exercise discretion in order to prioritize assignments and work under significant pressure, as many projects are time sensitive, involving concurrent deadlines and donor interaction. An eagerness to communicate and problem solve with a positive attitude is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide proactive customer service to current corporate donors within your team’s portfolio. This includes: (a) tracking benefits via the Benefits Tracker; (b) interacting with new and current donors to coordinate the activation of the benefits available to them; (c) liaising with other departments and teams to manage donor needs; (d) liaising with Communications team and donors on approved use for corporate logos and other types of text and web recognition.
• Assist team in maintaining Tessitura database and shared files, to track solicitations, donor information, deadlines, records and benefits usage. Utilize other KC systems to support team wide project management, such as Asana and Microsoft Teams.
• Process gifts to KC, WNO, and NSO programs: draft acknowledgement letters, tax receipts and correspondences and maintain accurate donor files. Aid in creating corporate proposals.
• Utilize department research tools to create research briefings for Kennedy Center senior staff and Board members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree or applicable professional experience.
• Minimum one year of development or related experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of the performing arts is preferred.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required

• Superior organizational, written, and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Careful attention to detail.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks/projects.
• A professional and cordial demeanor, tact, and diplomacy are imperative.
• Creativity and excellent communication skills are critical.
• Experience with Tessitura, Asana and Microsoft Office Suite are ideal.