Development Operations Coordinator (WNO)

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 Development Operations Coordinator, WNO plays an important role in ensuring the WNO Development team’s day-to-day operations are conducted in a streamlined and efficient manner, while also assisting in the success and growth of the team’s annual fundraising goals. This position works closely with the Manager of Stewardship to help organize and execute the daily administrative and fundraising activities for WNO. This role will be responsible for improving and managing team processes and workflows, help with event management and donor stewardship, and will be the administrative lead for the overall team.  

Key Responsibilities

Development Operations

• Submit all gift entry paperwork on behalf of the WNO Devo team
• Collaborate with frontline fundraising team in the drafting and mailing of donor acknowledgment letters.
• Manage processes such as donor ticket tracking, performance seat book list pulls, and coordinating special event reservations cross departmentally throughout the season.
• Provide donor facing assistance to the Chief Development Officer and Director of Individual Giving and Operations, through both written and verbal communication
• Work as the WNO Development team’s database manager (Tessitura)
• Lead database cleanup effort
• Work with the Center’s Prospect Development, Intelligence and Analytics team to implement current data standards for the WNO Development Team
• Build donor and event lists through Tessitura lists and extractions module.

Administrative Duties  

• Ensure purchase orders, requisitions and reimbursements relevant to the WNO Development team are completed in a timely manner.
• Lead team-wide office supply orders and WNO material purchases
• Manage calendar requests and assist in the scheduling of meetings with internal and external constituents
• Coordinate agenda and serve as lead notetaker for all WNO Development team meetings 

Event Management   

• Assist the stewardship team with event RSVP tracking and database reconciliation.
• Serve as team lead for several small events include the Technical Rehearsals, Circles Costume Shop Tour, and Backstage Tours  

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or applicable professional experience.  
• Minimum 2-3 years development, administrative or related experience required. 
• Working knowledge of the performing arts is preferred.
• Superior organizational, written, and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Knowledge of and experience with office administrative processes, donor research tools and donor database systems.
• A professional and cordial demeanor, tact, and diplomacy are imperative as the incumbent is regularly in contact with people at all levels of society and business including Kennedy Center leadership, high level volunteers, major donors and prospects, and other Center personnel.
• A clear understanding of the Kennedy Center mission, and an understanding of the ways in which a fundraising operation works within a large and complex institution.
• Experience with Tessitura is ideal. 

Additional Information

• Large, vibrant, fast-paced office that values initiative, efficiency, diversity, and teamwork.  
• Office culture encourages professional growth through internal promotion whenever possible.
• Working outside of normal business hours (nights and weekends) can be expected from time to time
• The noise level in the work environment is low, however attendance at major fundraising events and performances is required.  In those conditions, the noise level is very loud.
• This position is eligible for remote working arrangements.