Assistant Artistic Administrator (National Symphony Orchestra)

About The National Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1931, the Orchestra has always been committed to artistic excellence and music education. In 1986, the National Symphony became an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where it has performed a full season of subscription concerts since the Center opened in 1971. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

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

Provides oversight of and manages the NSO Music Director's daily activity at the Kennedy Center. Exercises good judgment in acting on the Music Director's behalf, both when he is on-site and away from the Kennedy Center.

Supports VPAP/SPD and other Artistic Department colleagues in artistic and administrative tasks connected to the planning of all NSO concerts, and in rehearsal and concert artistic duties. in artistic and administrative tasks connected to the planning of all NSO concerts, and in rehearsal and concert artistic duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Executive Assistant to the Music Director and as his liaison throughout DC, and across the NSO and the Kennedy Center. Will be on call to the Music Director, including evenings and weekends; Exercises discretion and good judgment in decision-making; Compiles and maintains the Music Director's schedule as it pertains to the NSO and the Kennedy Center; Makes complicated domestic and foreign travel arrangements, providing input regarding Music Director's personal preferences, in coordination with the Music Director's independent management; Screens and handles disposition of all calls; Opens and screens mail and uses discretion and good judgment in preparing responses on the Music Director's behalf; Ensures that relationships with all constituents inside and outside the Kennedy Center run smoothly; Maintains files and records; Prepares expense reports for the Music Director; Assists as necessary with personal arrangements for the Music Director; Attends NSO, Kennedy Center, and other social functions as required.
• Participates in concert advancement, and in artistic duty coverage, not only when the Music Director is performing.  Duties include advancing and preparing artist travel, hotel booking, and itineraries; working backstage as immediate artist contact at rehearsals and performances; preparing and clearing dressing rooms; facilitating artist ground transportation; handling artist requests for tickets; backstage access, food and drink; ensuring artists are ready to take the stage when called.
• Works with colleagues in the Artistic Department to prepare, send, and monitor execution of guest artist and chamber music artist contracts; Processes guest artist payments; Assists with departmental budget projections. to prepare, send, and monitor execution of guest artist and chamber music artist contracts; Processes guest artist payments; Assists with departmental budget projections.
• Creates, edits, and distributes concert program sheets. Supports the NSO Artistic Department by maintaining and improving organization of physical and electronic files and reference documents. Assists with maintenance of the NSO’s digital and physical concert recording archives. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree in a music-related field or equivalent knowledge.
• The ability to organize, prioritize, anticipate, and manage multiple fast-paced and changing responsibilities and projects simultaneously.
• Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills; good communication skills written and oral; the ability to maintain high levels of trust and confidentiality.
• Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail.
• Must be able to perform concert production related tasks in outdoor settings.
• Must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• This employee must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays when required by the NSO performance schedule.
• Must be able to travel to NSO performance venues in and around Washington, DC and Northern Virginia.