Major Gifts Assistant

***Please submit a cover letter for consideration***

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 Major Gifts Assistant is a key member of the Major & Leadership Gifts team, a group of dynamic fundraisers working with the Kennedy Center’s most generous and philanthropic individual donors. Reporting to the Manager of Major Gifts, the Assistant provides support for the execution of personalized fundraising and stewardship strategies for a portfolio of 100+ current and prospective major donors (undesignated and designated gifts of $50,000+). The incumbent also provides administrative support to the Manager of Leadership Gifts in the stewardship of approx. 85 members of the National Committee for the Performing Arts (designated gifts to education programming of $15,000+) and preparations for Committee meetings. Primary responsibilities include: developing written donor communications; tracking campaign progress and preparing documentation of all contributions; maintaining accurate donor records in database; and logistical support for donor meetings, special events, committee meetings, and major galas. This position works in tandem with an Assistant Manager of Major Gifts.

Key Responsibilities

Provide support to the Manager of Major Gifts, Manager of Leadership Gifts, and Director of Major & Leadership Gifts for implementation of strategies for donors contributing to annual funds, endowments, and fundraising galas:

• Drafting and coordinating all types of personalized, written materials on behalf of Development and Kennedy Center leadership (solicitations, acknowledgments, notes, briefings, newsletters, event itineraries, pledge reminders, tax receipts, etc.) of varying length and complexity;
• Preparing and tracking proper documentation for all contributions, including updating necessary systems and database records to ensure correct gift processing;
• Accurately tracking fundraising progress through Tessitura database and project management tools and reporting regular campaign updates to Managers and Director;
• Assisting in the development of materials for Committee meetings and events throughout the year, and maintaining accurate and up-to-date membership listings and contact information for committees and boards;
• Tracking and coordinating contributions, guest details, and attendee logistics for major fundraising galas such as the Kennedy Center Honors and Mark Twain Prize, including stewardship support for major event sponsorship packages and Event Chairs;
• Planning, preparing, and coordinating creative and personalized gifts for donors as they relate to Kennedy Center milestones or personal donor milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, life events, etc.);
• Providing excellent, proactive customer service to donors and their respective teams through direct contact via phone, email, mail, and in-person;
• Ensure the fulfillment of donor benefits and stewardship activities, including proper recognition and gift crediting in digital and print materials, processing performance ticket requests and event RSVPs, and regular greeting of donors at performances or onsite activities;
• Onsite customer service and logistical support for special events including cultivation and benefit events, committee and board meetings, galas, etc.;
• Oversee office resources and collateral materials;

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Experience in a front-facing, customer service-oriented role is required
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred
• Development/fundraising, writing, and event logistics (or related experience) is preferred
• Working knowledge of the performing arts is preferred
• Experience with Tessitura or similar CRM tools is preferred
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• The noise level in the work environment is minimal, however attendance at major fundraising events and performances is required. In those conditions, the noise level is very loud.
• This position requires occasional evening or weekend hours at fundraising events and performances, and typically with advance notice.
• This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangements, with a minimum of three days on-site per week. This position is not eligible for full-time remote work.
• Travel up to 5% may be required, predominantly local to offsite fundraising events or meetings