Assistant, Foundation & Government Giving

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 Assistant will work with the Assistant Manager(s), and Senior Manager to plan, develop, and implement the solicitation of foundation and government support—both restricted and unrestricted—for the Kennedy Center, Washington National Opera, and National Symphony Orchestra’s  artistic and educational programming.

The Assistant will generate solicitations and donor correspondence on behalf of senior staff, track giving levels and renewal schedules, monitoring sites/newsletters of established donors for newly announced or untapped opportunities, contribute to select proposals and reports, and utilize departmental systems with regards to gift processing, solicitation tracking, and the storing/maintenance of donor information.

The Assistant must be able to exercise discretion in order to prioritize assignments and work under pressure, as many projects are time sensitive and involve concurrent deadlines and donor interaction. An eagerness to communicate and problem-solve with a positive attitude is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of fundraising proposals and reports. This may include contributing to proposal and report narratives; compiling project data, financial information, and budgets; and tracking project activity.
• Draft donor acknowledgement letters and other donor communications/materials.
• Record and process contributions and pledges. Maintain donor and department records, ensuring that all relevant grant information is entered and up to date.
• Provide proactive customer service to current foundation and government funders. This includes: (a) interacting with donors via phone, email, and in person; (b) managing donor event and ticketing needs; (c) managing signage and recognition approval process between donor and the Kennedy Center.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• 1 year development or related experience is highly preferred, as is working knowledge of the performing arts.
• The candidate must have the ability and confidence to work without close supervision, to foresee development needs, and to generate work for this position and for others supportive of this position including an intern.
• This position requires superior organizational and interpersonal skills and written and verbal communications.
• Fundraising efforts are conducted for multiple programs and events simultaneously, and the incumbent must be able to prioritize and manage many varied and time-sensitive tasks.
• Creativity and an excellent command of the English language are critical to identifying funding sources and matching their interests to projects, and to communicating persuasively, both in person and in writing, the need for funding.
• A professional and cordial demeanor, tact, and diplomacy are imperative as the candidate is regularly in contact with people at all levels of society and business including Kennedy Center leadership, high level volunteers, major donors and prospects, and other Center personnel.
• Must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.
• Must be able to occasionally work evenings and weekends.