Special Events Manager, Leadership Events

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

The Development Office at the Kennedy Center is a vibrant, dynamic, and creative group of over 50 professionals responsible for finding new, creative, sustainable, and efficient ways to meet or exceed the institution’s over $75M annual contributed income goal.  These funds support the organization’s extraordinary programming—world class performances on our many stages at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; local, regional, and national education programs reaching students, teachers, families, and budding artists; and community-driven social impact programming that upholds the legacy of President Kennedy in our role as his presidential memorial.   

The Special Events team directs and manages all development events, including fundraising and benefit-fulfillment events for the Kennedy Center, National Symphony Orchestra, and the Washington National Opera. 

Working in partnership with the Individual Giving, National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera development teams, this position is responsible for managing all facets of the event process including planning and implementation timelines of elevated leadership events and trips, as well as overseeing the planning calendar and budget management. This roles works directly with the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts (PACA), the National Committee for the Performing Arts (NCPA), the Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts (KCICA), the National Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors and National Trustees, and the Washington National Opera Governance Board 

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as project manager for each Leadership and Board meeting, event, and trip. Meetings, events and trips occur within Washington, D.C. and other metropolitan areas nationally and internationally
• Manage the budget for each Leadership and Board event, trip, and meeting, ensuring that revenue and expenses are effectively managed and adjusted throughout the fiscal year; provide progress reports and revenue/expense projection to each board and committee development team; manage all post-event financial reconciliation and ensure all invoices are submitted in a timely manner
• Prepare and conduct briefings for executive leadership on key event details
• Provide clear communication and guidance to the Development team on event timelines, details, and guest experience, including registration and RSVP process, and performance and dinner seating
• Creating and manage staffing charts for events, including the week leading up to each event
• Monitor institutional calendar and schedule programming to leverage and integrate talent to create elevated and exclusive experiences for donor leadership audiences
• Ensure high-end customer service for high net worth donors 

Leadership Meetings and Trips:  

• Research, plan, and execute mission-immersive donor trips, both domestic and international, ensuring each trip meets established business objectives and are delivered within budget
• Partner closely with volunteer committee and event chairs, as well as Kennedy Center Programming and Education teams to design and coordinate multi-day programming, high-level speakers
• Manage all venue logistics, audio visual production, catering and event design, supervision of support staff and travel logistics. Present all options to volunteer committee and event chairs for decision making
• Research venues and vendors, drafting requests for proposals, and negotiating contracts that are consistent with industry best practices 
• Management of in-person and hybrid meeting logistics
• Draft and edit marketing materials in conjunction with the Donor Communications team, including registration materials, itinerary booklets, menus, websites, and guest communication 

Board Meetings - Management logistics and event production for all board meetings for the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, the National Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, and the Washington National Opera Governance Board, including:

• Management of in-person and hybrid meeting logistics
• Management of all catering needs, event design, and on-site guest experience 
• Management of meeting enhancements, including panel discussions, talent interviews, and performances 
• Creation and management of staffing and run of show, including ensuring all meeting materials are received and distributed in a timely manner
• Oversee guest management, including communications and RSVP tracking 

Donor-Hosted Events:

• Working closing with Development teams and donor hosts, manage and execute off-site donor-hosted events, including acting as liaison with the donor, implementing and communicating all timelines, budget proposals, and coordination on all event design and programmatic elements.
• Management of all logistics and vendor sourcing including production, catering, and performance logistics including run of show and talent management

Teamwork:  

• Supervises one Assistant  
• Work collaboratively with the Special Events team to maintain a healthy, professional and vibrant working relationship within the office and across the institution. Support new ideas and creative development of events under supervision of the Director or Special Events  

Key Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years’ experience in event management, including VIP travel. The position requires a full understanding of event planning and logistics as it applies to matters of food and beverage services, production services and other vendor negotiations that are in line with Kennedy Center standards.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing events for high net worth donors
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in staff management.
• College degree preferred or applicable professional experience.
• Proficiency in database management, Microsoft Office Suite, and other computer skills, as required.  Experience with Tessitura and Asana strongly preferred.   
• Experience navigating large, complex organizations, and collaborating across teams to achieve shared goals. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills. 
• Flexibility for extended hours, including nights and weekends, as well as travel domestically and internationally.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• 25% travel is required.
• This position is required to be onsite for event activity, but is also eligible for hybrid working arrangements that accommodate remote work.