Program Assistant, Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF)

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

Theater Education at the Kennedy Center encompasses the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) and Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences (KCTYA), as well as audience engagement events, classes and workshops, and other learning opportunities surrounding theatrical programming within the Education Division and throughout the institution. The Program Assistant position works primarily with KCACTF, a national theater program involving 18,000 students annually from colleges and universities across the country that aims to encourage, recognize, and celebrate the finest and most diverse work produced in university and college theater programs; and provide opportunities for participants to develop their theater skills and insight, and achieve professionalism. All Theater Education team members contribute to the development of new work, collaborate with exciting theatre artists in the field, and foster the next generation of theatre artists and audiences.

The Program Assistant provides administrative, clerical, and logistical support to the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival’s programs activities. Support will consist of company management; event coordination and logistics; travel arrangement for artists, creative teams, and students; and facilitation of virtual meetings and events. Additional duties include updating websites and social media; processing financial paperwork; serving as a main contact for student and faculty participants, as well as the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) partnership with the ASPIRE Arts Leadership Program, in association with the Manager of KCACTF & Theater Education; and providing additional support as needed on all projects.

As part of the larger Theater Education team, the Program Assistant participates in the development and commissioning of new work, and strategic planning for the Theater Education programs, including Theater for Young Audiences

Key Responsibilities

• Company Management – Book travel and accommodations for KCACTF Regional Festivals and National Festival, summer intensives, and various other trips; assist with registration of KCACTF National Festival participants; coordinate artist hospitality; and serve as a primary contact for artists and participants.
• Event/Production Logistics – Assist in preparation for the KCACTF National Festival and summer intensives oversee space booking in ArtsVision for KCACTF; arrange meeting logistics; represent KCACTF to public audiences as needed.
• Finance/Administrative Support – Process requisitions and purchase orders; track KCACTF school payments; process expense reimbursements and U.S. Bank credit card statements.
• Administrative Support – Coordinate daily office upkeep and manage administrative needs; provide clerical support to KCACTF Artistic Director and Manager; manage website and social media updates, including the Theater Education application pages; copy-edit documents; and research possible future Theater for Young Audiences projects for development.
• Responds to the needs and requests of Kennedy Center management and staff in a professional and expedient manner; Adheres to all employer policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree in the theatre arts, arts management, or other related field, or equivalent professional experience. Preferred: experience in theater education, development of new work, and/or performing arts for young audiences.
• Strong communication skills, proficient writing and editing skills, basic accounting skills.
• Previous experience in general administrative work; a background in the performing arts is helpful. Should have a general understanding of the arts administration structure in the world of professional theater and work well with deadlines.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills; excellent written communication skills. Must be flexible and possess good organizational skills in order to help facilitate the support needed for the running of the programs.
• Computer literacy, including experience with Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Experience in basic graphic design and/or website maintenance a plus.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. 

Additional Information

• The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
• Travel up to 2% may be required.
• The Program Assistant, KCACTF must live and work in the DC area. The position requires flexible work hours and days reflective of the dynamic schedule of a theater, especially during the National Festival and summer intensives.