Senior Director, Enterprise Systems

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 Senior Director, Enterprise Systems leads a high-performing team of technology professionals and stakeholders to create and implement a technical strategy and provide business value by delivering superior IT solutions for The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 

The position is responsible for engaging with and managing stakeholders across the enterprise to gain a strong understanding of the business needs and how software and technology can enable and improve Kennedy Center operations to deliver high quality technology solutions. 

The SD, ES plays a key leadership role in the research and development of new technologies and pushes for innovation and creativity to drive productivity. This position requires exceptional communication and technical design skills to drive innovation. Systems integration and leadership experience is necessary to ensure that applications are integrated across the Kennedy Center ecosystem.  

This position requires hands-on experience in all aspects of application management and software architecture. The SD, ES must be proficient in building and leading organizational applications and systems such as HR, Finance, CRM, and ERP and experience with Tessitura, UKG, and Lawson is a definite plus. The SD, ES will also play a key role in managing several vendor relationships. 

Key Responsibilities

• Define, develop, and manage IT systems team members to provide high quality application solutions.
• Ensure Systems team is structured to effectively deliver value via high quality solutions. Continuously evaluate staff and create a go forward organizational strategy.
• Partner with organizational stakeholders to align and prioritize current and future IT initiatives in support of The Kennedy Center’s operational and mission objectives.
• Manage user expectations with respect to the finished product; provide projects oversight. 
• Prioritize IT systems initiatives across functional work areas for effective resource planning. 
• Develop a practical and working knowledge of business processes; interact with key business partners to recommend solutions that best meet KC’s strategic needs. 
• Evaluate installed software solutions and identify areas to improve standards, simplify, enhance functionality and/or transition to solutions to improve supportability. 
• Create roadmap and timing of implementation of the roadmap based on business requirements and strategy and budgetary allowances. 
• Motivate, lead and develop a team of diverse individuals with a variety of experience levels and skill sets. 
• Assist the Project Management, Development, Marketing, Sales, Finance, HR, and Education teams in the creation of case studies, proposals and project scoping. 

Key Qualifications

• 10+ years’ management experience in information technology, with some of that time in a performing arts, cultural institution or non-profit environment.
• Strong understanding of end-user technology experiences.
• Knowledge of the system development life cycle, especially current and emerging application management tools/platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, launch and deliver multiple IT projects on time, delivering expected business results.
• Expertise in a broad range of business problems and their various system solutions.
• Strong critical thinking and managerial skills, including management of remote staff.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.