Technology Senior Program Director

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 Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts strives to deliver efficient and effective technology solutions across a wide range of disciplines and departments. Our success is largely dependent on the stellar ability of the program and project management team. We’re currently searching for an experienced Senior Program Director, (SPD) Technology to join our team.

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. 

This position requires hands-on experience in all aspects of program and project management and software architecture. The SPD must be proficient in building and leading organizational applications and systems such as HR, Finance, CRM, and ERP. The SPD will also play a key role in managing several vendor relationships. 

Key Responsibilities

• Create roadmap and timing of implementation of the roadmap based on business requirements and strategy and budgetary allowances
• Partner with IT and non-IT business sponsors to define success metrics and criteria
• 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
• Create and communicate project status, team and stakeholder meeting agendas, and other communication as required
• Develop a practical and working knowledge of business processes; interact with key business partners to recommend solutions that best meet KC’s strategic needs
• Prioritize IT initiatives across functional work areas for effective resource planning
• Continually update and follow up with relevant business stakeholders of project status and periodically publish project status reports.
• Assess and resolve all high priority project risks as they are encountered
• Develop the project charter, integrated project plan, resource plan, contingency plan, and related project management artifacts
• Works in a fast-paced project delivery environment collaborating with internal clients, vendors, stakeholders, and sponsors
• Organizes and guides project operations through Agile methodologies; defines roles and responsibilities for users and stakeholders
• Identify, assess, and control risks and plan responses to increase the likelihood of successful completion of technology projects
• Mentor project team and stakeholders on project management process and requirements
• Assist the Technology, Development, Marketing, Sales, Finance, HR, and Education teams in the creation of case studies, proposals, and project scoping 

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in IT, Project Management, or a business-related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in IT program and project management. 10+ years’ experience with Agile project management delivery. PMP certification, business analyst background, highly desired.
• End-to-end working knowledge of CRM, data and systems integration and implementation of HRIS (UKG), ERP (Sage Intacct) systems
• Experience working within a highly complex organization as a project or program manager and enterprise IT environments
• Outstanding knowledge of change management principles
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present IT and project management information to a non-IT audience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and working knowledge of related financial systems