Manager of Individual Giving, National Symphony Orchestra

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 Manager of Individual Giving, NSO oversees the raising of funds from individual donors to support all National Symphony Orchestra operations and programming by planning and assisting in the execution of campaigns which provide operating funds for the ongoing operations and future successes of the National Symphony Orchestra. This position will manage the fundraising processes for the NSO Circles (donors $1,200-$14,999), Major Gifts (donors $15,000+), Endowment, and mid-level legacy giving (in collaboration with the Kennedy Center’s Planned Giving Office). 

Key Responsibilities

• Initiate and build ongoing relationships with current and prospective Circles donors ($1,800+), Major Gifts donors ($15,000+), endowment campaign and mid-level legacy giving supporters to increase donor retention, engagement, and loyalty.
• In collaboration with the PDIA team, identify, cultivate, and develop a robust pipeline for NSO Circles and Major Gifts campaigns.
• As necessary and appropriate, personally solicit contributions and/or manage follow-up to secure closure of major gifts.
• Develop revenue projections, analyze current data and trends, and report on Circles, Major Gifts, and Endowment campaigns.
• Inventory and review solicitation, acknowledgements, stewardship, and donor recognition materials within each campaign for quality and consistency.
• Develop and supervise the preparation of creative, individually tailored written and/or alternative media presentations for solicitations and reports for the NSO Executive Director and NSO Board of Directors.
• Alongside the NSO Chief Development Officer and NSO Director of Stewardship and Operations, manage the logistics, pipeline, and donor stewardship of the NSO’s endowment campaign
• Act as a primary liaison to the programming and education staff to:
  • solicit information about program/project/festival plans as they are developed;
  • evaluate current programs for funding potential and recommend new initiatives based on known interests of funders,
  • seek out new funding possibilities to establish institutional priorities and areas where collaborative efforts will advance the Center towards achievement of its goals.
• Database management, including regular up-keep of data for Major Gifts, Endowment, and Prospects
• Database management (reporting, list pulls, everyday up keep)
• Management:
  • Effectively manage Assistant Manager of NSO Individual Giving by supervising day-to-day work and investing in their continued professional growth
  • Hold weekly check-in meetings and lead annual review process
  • Collaborate on projects often, providing the Assistant Manager a consistent opportunity to grow professionally.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or applicable professional experience.
• Minimum 5-7 years development or related experience required.
• Working knowledge of the performing arts is preferred.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.