Program Manager, Social Impact Creative Alliances

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 Program Manager is responsible for supporting Social Impact affiliated artists in their engagement of critical interventions within existing social systems that inspire debate and social change.  The Program Manager will support artists in the task of creation and facilitate artistic exploration in an effort to emphasize the artistic process over product while positioning creative vision as a model for social ingenuity.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for building and maintaining impact focused creative alliances across the country:

• Design artist driven programs that are engaging, inclusive, and participatory based on the vision set forth by the VP, Social Impact and Artistic Director, Cultural Strategy which allow the creative process to flourish
• Manage relationships, communication, and asset collection with affiliated Social Impact artists
• Center the artists’ vision to harness and channel their creative intellect to impact societal health, development and well-being
• Develop plans of action with affiliated Social Impact artists ensuring that they are valued and empowered
• Ensure primacy of the artists’ voice and make certain that their agreed upon goals during their time with the Center are achieved
• Build, manage and disseminate monthly Social Impact newsletter

Responsible for project management, key project tasks, and office work-flow:

• Create project timelines for Social Impact programs that integrate cross-matrix functionality with other teams in the Programming division and across the Center
• Confer with Campus Planning to effectively communicate programing goals and ensure that appropriate reservations and holds are placed on Center and REACH venues
• When required, work with Marketing and Box Office to create ticket set-ups for programs
• Attend inter-departmental meetings as a Social Impact representative in order to advance the Center’s Social Impact priorities and objectives

Responsible for program budget management, revisions, tracking, and reporting:

• Consult with Senior Director of Social Impact to develop seasonal program budgets based on the vision set forth by the VP, Social Impact and Artistic Director, Cultural Strategy
• Consult with Senior Director of Social Impact to revise program budgets throughout the season pro forma process
• Track and maintain program budgets throughout the season and conduct regular budget re-projections
• Consult with Social Impact team as needed to provide Finance and Development with financial information for grant reporting

Responsible for coordination of administrative staff:

• Responsible for coordinating hiring process, including training and onboarding of interns, fellows and new staff

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in arts management or administration and community engagement, specifically in the performing arts.
• Demonstrated strength in artist relations and liaisoning.
• Flexibility and expansive thinking is required to support artist needs.
• A critical understanding of the value of the arts as a tool address societal challenges.
• Understanding of budgeting and finance expenses related to the performing arts.
• Background in finance and basic accounts payable procedures.
• Adept knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

Occasional lifting and moving of office supplies and artist hospitality needs weighing as much as 40 lbs.  Must be able to work occasional nights and weekends and work beyond 40 hours/week as needed.  Will participate in coverage of Millennium Stage shows as needed.