Vice President, Facilities

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 2023 staff video!

Job Description

Compensation for this position is tagged to Executive Federal Schedule and may not exceed the maximum rate of pay for level IV.

This position is responsible for leading the facilities, maintenance, and security operations the Kennedy Center’s facilities and grounds, including supervision of several divisions: the Division of Operations & Maintenance, the Division of Facility Services, and the Division of Security and Safety.

Areas of responsibility within these divisions include staff management and development, budgeting and financial management, development of policies and procedures, oversight of all technical aspects of departmental operations, and liaison with other departments within the Kennedy Center. The Vice President of Facilities provides overall management and direction for an approximate staff of 60 full time employees, including Federal employees and union employees (American Federation of Government Employees - AFGE).  This position is responsible for the negotiation of the collective bargaining agreement.

The Vice President of Facilities is an individual that co-represents the Kennedy Center to external constituencies including government executives, Office of Management and Budget staff, Congressional members and staff, Board of Trustees oversight committees, patrons, and community groups. 

Key Responsibilities

Personnel Management

• Recruits, hires, sets expectations and goals, sets training priorities, plans, organizes, controls, delegates, and evaluates the work of subordinate employees, both union and non-union. Successfully builds trusting relationships with employees utilizing effective coaching and discipline techniques to ensure maximum productivity and completion of work goals. Reviews the performance of direct reports including the administrative assistant.

Financial Management

• Manages and oversees the allocation of financial resources within the Facilities divisions inclusive of federally appropriated funds as well as non-federal trust funds as applicable. Manages the budget development process, including preparation and development of the justification documents (Federal and Trust) for all areas of responsibility. Performs all financial and budgetary responsibilities in compliance with organizational and legislative requirements.

Operations and Maintenance

• Provides technical oversight of all operations and maintenance activities to ensure that the facility and grounds are properly maintained. Supervises the maintenance and care of all the Center’s artworks, both interior and exterior. Ensures that preventative maintenance is regularly conducted across all systems.  Ensures a customer-focused orientation in the department while fostering a proactive, innovative, and problem-solving approach to facility maintenance. 

Facility Services

• Oversees the management of all Federal service contracts, including housekeeping, grounds maintenance, elevator maintenance, fire alarm system maintenance, and other miscellaneous technical services. Manages energy consumption and utility management, as well as building engineering and the Facilities Help Desk through WebTMA.

Capital Projects

• Provides coordination and collaboration with the Project Management Office so that the broad range of design and planning of the construction projects can transition into ongoing operations as appropriate. With others, the Vice President participates in the preparation and maintenance of a legislatively required Comprehensive Building Plan that describes and defines capital repair goals, projects, priorities, general timeframes, and expected funding levels for a multi-year facility capital repair program.

Security and Safety

• Provides oversight and direction to the Division of Security and Safety to ensure the safety and security of the facility, grounds, Center employees, patrons, all activities, and most importantly, the general public. Oversees the management of a contracted uniformed guard force, and a technical services department responsible for all technical aspects of the Center’s security.

Serves as a leading member of the Kennedy Center’s Crisis Management Team (CMT), and ensures that the CMT Manual is updated regularly.

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, facilities management or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of significant and progressively responsible professional experience in facilities management. Federal or state facility management experience with knowledge of federal acquisition regulations and contracting rules is preferred. Experience with venue operations in a large assembly venue a plus.
• Experience in managing or interfacing with issues related to building security, including electronic security and uniformed guard services. Experience with public safety management in a large assembly venue a plus.
• Experience in working with and managing both federal and union employees.
• Excellent supervisory skills and demonstrated ability to work with a diverse group of union and non-union employees and is able to lead and cultivate a culture of inclusion, equity, and diversity.
• Thorough knowledge of facilities maintenance planning, design and construction. Ability to select and manage contracted vendors, engineers, and other professional services consultants.  Demonstrated knowledge and experience in delivering projects on time and within budget, including ability to deliver major maintenance projects in a fully occupied and active facility.  Demonstrated ability to problem solve in creatively and effectively. Technical knowledge of various building maintenance and construction trades including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades.  Knowledge of LEED processes in construction and operations, helpful.
• Ability to write, develop, and manage documents such as policies, procedures, maintenance plans, management plans, personnel goals and assessments, capital plans, building condition reports, and budget justifications. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, effective communicator with various levels of personnel, including senior management, trades, trustees, and congressional staff.
• Skilled at managing budgets over multiple fiscal years, preparing and assessing estimates, track spending trends, understand procurement procedures (requisitions, purchase orders, etc.) prepare budget recommendations, projections and final reports.
• Experience in managing or interfacing with issues related to building security, including electronic security and uniformed guard services.
• Familiarity with a variety of computer applications including the Microsoft 360 suite of tools, spreadsheets, word processing and software related to facilities, project, and financial management.
• Must be able to work extended hours, nights, and weekends, depending upon emerging issues and weather.  Extensive walking throughout the building and grounds are required.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.