Assistant Manager, Moonshot Studio & Experience Design

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

About the Moonshot Studio: The Kennedy Center’s REACH Moonshot Studio, a learning lab for the arts, provides visitors of all ages an opportunity to “try on” art forms, explore stories and themes from the Center’s stages, and take individual ownership of the creative process. Dedicated to the exploration of learning and creativity through art making, the Studio functions as: a weekend drop-in, immersive learning center where families and visitors can explore the artistic process and create works of art; a weekday, timed, hands-on experience that connects to and supplements the Center’s performances and exhibits for student audiences and educators; and an evening and weekend workshop space for special, ticketed events focused on art making and social interaction.

The Assistant Manager, Moonshot Studio and Experience Design supports the development and execution of innovative, interactive programming in a creative process-based environment for audiences of all ages, both school-based and general public. Supports hands-on training, participatory art making, and programmatic wraparound activities to engage patrons with multi- and interdisciplinary performing arts content and resources. Responsible for a wide range of administrative, logistical, and programmatic support for Moonshot Studio programming. Provides administrative and programmatic support to the Director of Education Activation & Engagement.

Duties & Responsibilities

REACH Moonshot Studio Administration and Logistics

• Program Logistics and Support – Oversees the onsite operations of the Moonshot Studio space. Monitors projects and develops timelines for the Moonshot Studio, including scheduling projects, calendar preparation, revision, and distribution. Provides logistical support including, but not limited to: scheduling part-time staff and volunteers, preparing and distributing Studio Assistant and volunteer schedules and identifying and requesting/ordering equipment/supplies and space modifications for the Moonshot Studio. Coordinates the installation, presentation, and maintenance of Moonshot Studio projects and installations. Updates the Moonshot Studio webpage with current programs, projects, and announcements. Serves as the primary onsite staff when the Moonshot Studio is open to the public. Trains, supports, and assists staff, teaching artists, volunteers, and the public with the use and understanding of tools, technology, and projects in the Moonshot Studio. Supervises the pert-time Studio Assistants. Recruits, schedules, and supervises Moonshot Studio volunteers, in collaboration with the Director, Friends of the Kennedy Center.
• Researches and collates information on emerging trends, best practices, and intriguing initiatives and gathers and analyzes statistics from the field in support of the strategic plan for the Moonshot Studio and performance-related experience design. Distributes and collects patron surveys and feedback. 

General Administration and Operations

• Responsible for administrative functions related to the Moonshot Studio including, but not limited to, responding to requests for information; ensuring effective, accurate, and timely communications within the institution, with patrons, and with independent contractors; preparing and keeping current financial information, preparing and processing contracts, requisitions, purchase orders, and preparing financial reports; keeping files and records current and organized; maintaining distribution lists, and databases; collecting and tabulating data from various sources; designing, writing, editing, and proofreading materials. Responsible for coordinating the maintenance of the Moonshot Studio physical spaces, including storage areas, in consultation with Theater Manager, REACH. Responsible for the maintenance of Moonshot Studio equipment. Coordinates and assists with administrative functions and provides clerical and logistical support to the Director, Education Activation & Engagement.
• Serves as a liaison to other Kennedy Center departments regarding Moonshot Studio needs.

Wrap-around Programming and Experience Design

• Works in collaboration with the Theater Education, Music Education, Dance Education, and Digital Learning teams to support and implement performance-inspired and standalone interactive experiences across the Kennedy Center campus.  

Marketing, Communication, and Outreach

• Works with the Marketing, Public Relations, Digital Learning, School and Community Programs, and Education Operations teams to promote the Moonshot Studio through written, oral, video, web, and social media communication. Researches target groups for marketing and outreach efforts. Develops and maintains contacts with organizations, individuals, and other Moonshot Studio constituents. Reviews marketing materials for accuracy. Prepares supplemental marketing materials for programs and oversees distribution. Compiles and synthesizes information on programs and special events to produce briefings, reports, and publications.

Other Projects and Programs

• Supports divisional and departmental activities, conferences, events, projects and programs, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in arts, education, museum studies, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3 years working in a performing arts organization, museum, or similar education organization providing administrative and/or logistical support. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will also be considered.  
• Experience working with children and/or families; digital media platforms; workshop facilitation/lesson planning; community-based programming; and developing programs for adult learners
• Visual arts knowledge and experience
• Experience with instructional writing
• Must be highly organized with an ability to develop systems and processes to organize and streamline workflow. Must be self-motivated, flexible, nimble, work well under pressure, and be able to prioritize multiple tasks with competing timelines. Must be able to synthesize information from disparate sources into a unified whole. Must be able to work quickly and efficiently while maintaining quality and accuracy. Must be able to troubleshoot issues and find effective solutions. Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills and comfort with public speaking. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Strong customer service and interpersonal skills. Good telephone and email etiquette and professional demeanor while interacting with internal personnel, presenters, participants, artists, and the general public. Ability to build effective relationships within the organization. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Apple iOS devices, social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.), and digital media platforms. Proficiency with routine office equipment. Working knowledge of art making equipment and materials.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• Employee must be able to work more than a 40-hour workweek, as needed, in order to keep all programs running effectively. Weekend work is required. Workweek is typically Wednesday through Sunday with Moonshot Studio regular; ongoing operating hours on Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Employee must be able to work extended hours. Occasional evening work is required.
• Frequent interaction with the public. The noise level in the work environment is normal but can get noisy when experiencing high visitor volume in Moonshot Studio.
• This position infrequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Employee must be able to stand for extended periods of time. Employee must be able to work in different environments, including those without climate control. Employee must be willing to move equipment and supplies between Moonshot Studio, storage, and offices, etc.