Senior Manager, Human Resources Business Partner

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 Human Resources department at the Kennedy Center is restructuring to provide more customized support to our unique departments.  This includes the addition of the Sr. Manager, Human Resources Business Partner role to serve as an internal consultant and liaison between HR and the leaders in the assigned client departments. 

The Sr. Manager & HR Business Partner (Sr. Mgr HRBP) serves as collaborative advisor, providing a proactive, practical, strategic and valued HR perspective in partnership with leaders of the assigned client groups. The Sr. Mgr HRBP provides guidance to both management and staff regarding recruiting, compensation, training, and performance management. The position serves as a consultant to management on human resource-related issues, seeks to develop integrated solutions, and formulates partnerships across the HR function to deliver value-added service to managers and employees throughout the business unit.

The Sr. Mgr HRBP works collaboratively with other HR colleagues in Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and Payroll to deliver excellent customer service and drive employee engagement across the organization. 

Key Responsibilities

Consulting and coaching:

• Provide guidance to department and team leaders on leadership development, performance management, talent management, organization alignment, and culture and employee engagement. 
• Utilize breadth and depth of HR experience, business acumen, organizational knowledge, and analytics to implement and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiencies of HR programs and processes; makes recommendations for strategic changes that support institutional priorities and goals.
• Offer day-to-day coaching to leadership on a variety of areas including employee relations, policy interpretation and application, and talent management and development
• Serve as the human resources point of contact for employees in assigned departments to provide policy direction, problem resolution, performance management, and coaching
• Support the implementation of performance management processes and ensures alignment with organizational goals and strategies.
• Establish and foster effective working relationships and strong business partnerships.  Regularly participate in department and team meetings with assigned client groups.

Collaboration with HR colleagues:

• Provide input into HR programs, initiatives, and service delivery strategy based on business needs and advise on and support the deployment and delivery of HR initiatives.
• Evaluate patterns and trends to provide proactive insight and solutions for development and training.
• Lead and participate in special projects and HR initiatives as assigned.
• Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures.      

Learning & Development (L&D):

• Partner with Sr. Director to develop training curriculum and materials to support Kennedy Center initiative to build a Continuous Learning training platform to be facilitated in person and virtually across the organization.
• Identify areas of improvement and develop training materials to address L&D needs for individual business units and individual executive coaching needs.
• Manage new hire onboarding for assigned departments in collaboration with Talent Acquisition colleagues.
• Conduct training in support of HR programs and policies.
• Provide facilitation services for client groups and the Center as a whole as needed.

HR Projects:

• Support implementation and administrative tasks for new and existing HR and Business initiatives that align with department and organization goals.
• Establish, track and manage project initiatives in project management tool (Asana).

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.   Educational background in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• HR Certification (SPHR, PHR, SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, etc.) strongly preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years human resources experience required, with experience in at least two areas of HR.  Prior experience as Learning & Development administrator, HR business partner strongly preferred.
• Experience in employee relations or employee development strongly preferred.
• Prior consulting experience is a plus.
• Working knowledge of full human resource disciplines, including but not limited to employee relations, performance management, federal and state employment laws, recruiting, diversity, and compensation.
• Proven ability to effectively coach and mentor employees and leaders through complex issues.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to effectively make presentations and facilitate workshops.
• Ability to thrive in a rapidly changing environment and learn the unique business needs of assigned client groups.
• Strong business acumen, project management skills, and demonstrated credibility as a trusted advisor and confidant to management.
• Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgement, tact and discretion with dealing with sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to work independently with initiative and discretion.  Maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and recommend creative solutions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.

Additional Information

• This position may require local travel to other Kennedy Center locations in the DMV area on occasion.
• This position may require evening or weekend hours on rare occasions and typically with advance notice.
• This position is eligible for flexible work arrangements, including flexible schedule/hours and hybrid remote and on-site work.  This position is not eligible for full-time remote work.