Programming Assistant Manager (Jazz, Chamber, Classical New Music)

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

Join a dynamic, creative, and dedicated group of arts administrators in the Kennedy Center’s Programming Department. The shared services team includes three unique and boundary pushing teams – Jazz, Chamber, Classical New Music; Comedy and Institutional Programming; and Hip Hop Culture and Contemporary Music, allowing for exciting cross-discipline collaboration with an emphasis on work with Artistic Directors Renée Fleming, Jennifer Koh, Jason Moran, and Q-Tip.  

The Programming Assistant Manager for Jazz,  Chamber, and Classical New Music will primarily support the administrative aspects of the Jazz, Chamber, and Classical New Music Departments, managing the day-to-day operations under the Senior Director of Programming for Jazz, Chamber, Classical New Music. This position is essential in furthering the Jazz department’s mission to highlight both legendary musicians and up and coming talent, and the Chamber and Classical New Music seasons to further expand and feature the diversity within the chamber music field. This position reports directly to the Manager, Programming.

Although this position will primarily focus on specific disciplines and programs, the ecosystem of the shared services team requires staff to work across all three departments as assigned by the Manager, Programming, learning about each genre while assisting with show duty, festivals, internally produced performances and/or events, and other large-scale projects.  

Key Responsibilities

• Project Management: Act as line producer for performances, festivals, and other Kennedy Center events including, but not limited to artist advance, contracting, artist payments, and liaising with relevant internal departments (Production, Box Office, Marketing, PR, etc.) for productions in the Concert Hall, Eisenhower Theater, Opera House, Terrace Theater, Family Theater, REACH Campus, and virtual offerings. 
• Day-to-day management and administrative support for the Jazz, Chamber, Classical  New Music departments under the direction of the Senior Director of Programming for  Jazz, Chamber, Classical New Music;  and the Manager, Programming. 
• Company management including arranging travel, housing, and hospitality for visiting artists when required.
• Communicate confirmed programming information to marketing and confirmed production information to production. 
• Research, ideate, and assist towards implementation thereof, of artists, themes, and concepts as they pertain to Jazz, Chamber, and Classical New Music programming. Attend live performances of new products whenever possible.
• Payroll processing for all union and non-union employees working on produced shows.
• General correspondence and other duties as assigned.   
• Other duties as assigned. 

Key Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is encouraged for this position. 
• Minimum of three years’ work experience in a related field. 
• Knowledge of a foreign language, especially Italian, French, German or Spanish encouraged.
• Must be extremely detail-oriented, have excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasked environment, work well under pressure and be able to meet deadlines. 
• Proficiency in Asana, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
• Must be comfortable working with well-known performing artists. The position requires availability on some evenings and weekends.