Studio Assistant, Moonshot Studio (Part-Time)

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 employees including: 

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video!

Job Description

Required hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. plus potentially one additional day per week to be agreed upon. Occasional evening work may be required.

The Studio Assistant, Moonshot Studio supports the installation and execution of innovative, interactive programming in a creative process-based environment for audiences of all ages, both school-based and general public. Supports hands-on training, participatory art making, and programmatic wraparound activities, to engage patrons with multi- and interdisciplinary performing arts content and resources. Responsible for the day-to-day, in-studio operations. Provides operational support to Assistant Manager, Moonshot Studio & Interactive Experience Design. The Studio Assistant interacts with all levels of staff, artists, arts leaders, and patrons, sometimes under pressure, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient, with a high level of professionalism. Studio Assistant must work independently with minimal supervision, be well-organized, flexible, and enjoy interacting with the public. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail are essential. About the Moonshot Studio: The Kennedy Center’s REACH Moonshot Studio, a learning lab for the arts, provides visitors of all ages an opportunity to “try on” art forms, explore stories and themes from the Center’s stages, and take individual ownership of the creative process. Dedicated to the exploration of learning and creativity through art making, the Studio will function as both a weekend drop-in, immersive learning center where families and visitors can explore the artistic process and create works of art and a weekday, timed, hands-on experience that connects to and supplements the Center’s performances for student audiences and educators.

Key Responsibilities

REACH Moonshot Operations & Facilitation

• Supports the onsite operations of the Moonshot Studio space including, but not limited to: opening and closing the space, setting up, changing over, and striking activities, greeting and checking in visitors, introducing and facilitating activities for visitors, distributing and collecting visitor surveys and feedback, drafting daily space reports, monitoring and restocking supplies, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and materials,. Assists with the installation, presentation, and maintenance of Moonshot Studio activities and installations. Serves as primary onsite staff when the Moonshot Studio is open to the public. Trains, supports, and assists staff, teaching artists, volunteers, and the public with the use and understanding of tools, technology, and activities in the Moonshot Studio. Assists in the supervision of Moonshot Studio volunteers.

Moonshot Studio Activity Planning, Development, and Design

• Works with the Moonshot Studio team to develop new ideas for programming, assists with the design and planning of activities.

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in arts, education, museum studies, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Two years working in a performing arts organization, arts classroom, museum, or similar education organization providing operational support or working as a teacher or teaching artist. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will also be considered. Additional consideration will be given to candidates who also possess:
• Experience working with children and/or families;
• Visual arts knowledge and experience;
• Experience with digital media platforms;
• Experience with workshop facilitation
• Experience with community-based programming
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Apple iOS devices, social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.), and digital media platforms.

Additional Information

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. Employee must be able to stand for extended periods of time, This position infrequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Employee must be able to work in different environments, including those without climate control.
• This position requires frequent interaction with the public. The noise level in the work environment is normal but can get noisy when experiencing high visitor volume.