Kennedy Center Circles Assistant (Development Assistant)

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 Assistant, Kennedy Center Circles works with the Assistant Manager and Manager, Individual Giving in the coordination and execution of the Kennedy Center Circles ($1,800-$50,000) program and related campaigns. This includes research, cultivation, acquisition, stewardship, and ongoing maintenance of unrestricted and restricted contributions.

The incumbent manages their time efficiently, anticipates the needs of the Assistant Manager, Manager, and Director, and takes initiative to advance campaign strategies. This position reports to the Manager, Individual Giving.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in the management of the Kennedy Center Circles Campaign ($1,800-$50,000) including:

• Preparing timely and accurate written communication with nearly 2,000 donors;
• Review data pulled internally and, with the Assistant Manager, ensure accuracy of renewal materials developed and managed by an outside consulting firm;
• Generate and manage solicitations, acknowledgments, tax receipts, and acquisition appeals;
• Complete timely gift entry forms and ensure accuracy of all billing and contributions;
• Prepare donor and strategy research projects in support of Campaign goals;
• Manage office resources and collateral materials;
• Participating in fundraising and general stewardship:
• Respond to donor requests for Membership logistics and details;
• Ensure proper donor recognition across several mediums;
• Solicit and renew donors over the phone and via email;
• Drafting all types of correspondence of varying length and complexity;
• Tracking proper documentation for all contributions, including regularly updating necessary systems and database records in Tessitura to ensure correct gift processing;
• 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;
• Work closely with Special Events and other Development staff on guest lists, invitations, catering, budget, and overall logistics;
• Coordinate appropriate follow-up following each event;

Assist in the coordination of the Kennedy Center Circles Board (approx.. 35 members) including:

• Providing support for three meetings per year, including catering logistics, meeting materials, and production requirements;
• Generating Board solicitations and follow-up efforts;
• Providing support for cultivation events throughout the year, working closely with Special Events and other development staff on catering, budget, and overall logistics.

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Experience working with Tessitura or similar CRM tools is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; or related professional experience.
• Minimum of one to two years of development or related experience required.
• Working knowledge of the performing arts is preferred.
• Superior and professional organizational, written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Careful attention to detail and awareness of standard accounting procedures.
• Ability to foresee development needs, generate work for this position, and multitask efficiently
• Ability to deftly manage many relationships and personality types - both internal among staff members, and external among constituents.
• Ability and confidence to work with moderate supervision.
• Experience with Tessitura or another CRM database is ideal.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• 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.
• This position requires occasional evening or weekend hours at fundraising events and performances, typically with advance notice.
• 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.
• Travel up to 5% may be required.