Programming Coordinator

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

Application deadline: 11/24/23

The Coordinator, Programming will support the administrative aspects and day-to-day operations for all three teams, and the Shared Services Department in general. This position is essential in delivering a variety of administrative and logistical services that ensure the efficient operation of the team and advancement of each team’s performance seasons.  

The ecosystem of the Shared Services department requires staff to work across all genres 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.  

The Coordinator must be able to exercise discretion in order to prioritize assignments and work under significant pressure, as many projects are time sensitive and involve concurrent deadlines. An eagerness to take initiative, communicate, work both independently and in a team setting, and problem solve with a positive attitude are essential. 

Key Responsibilities

• Project Management: Act as line producer for performances 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, Terrace Theater, Family Theater, REACH Campus, Millennium Stage, and virtual offerings.  
• Assist with the day-to-day management and administrative support primarily for  all genres including Jazz, Chamber, Classical New Music, Hip-Hop & Contemporary Music, and Comedy & Institutional Programming under the respective Director, Assistant Managers and Manager, Programming. 
• Company management including arranging travel, housing, and hospitality for visiting artists when required.
• Assist the Manager, Programming with day-to-day management and administrative support of the Shared Services Department including, but not limited to taking meeting minutes, expense reimbursements, ordering office and show supplies, and guiding department interns.
• 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 the Shared Services portfolio.Attend live performances of new products whenever possible.
• Payroll processing for all union and non-union employees working on produced shows.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Key Qualifications

• 1-2 years’ experience in an administrative or artist services department.
• Interest/knowledge in music or the performing arts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Familiarity of working with contracts strongly encouraged.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• Position requires lifting boxes of hospitality supplies, and bundles of bottled water, onto carts – and – pushing these carts around the campus to set-up backstage artist hospitality.
• Must be able to work odd-hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional work beyond 40 hours/week. Must be on-call during certain performances and company travel days.