Broadcast Media and Special Programs Assistant (Full-Time/Temporary)

***Position will be a 9-month term***

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

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

Job Description

This temporary position is anticipated to be a 9-month assignment.

This position reports directly to the Manager of Broadcast Media and Special Programs.  The Assistant supports the artistic administration of the operations of the Center’s special programs and broadcast initiatives including Kennedy Center Honors, Mark Twain Prize, and Next at the Kennedy Center, as well as new institutional programs and broadcast/streaming initiatives. Such programs may include America at 250 concerts, Mo at the NSO, and broadcast media/digital matrix initiatives.

This position is essential in furthering the Kennedy Center’s broadcast ambitions and its mission to showcase the depth, breadth and plethora of mediums the Kennedy Center presents and produces. The Assistant must have a keen eye to detail and exercise discretion in order to prioritize assignments and work under significant pressure, as many projects are time sensitive and involve concurrent deadlines. An eagerness to take initiative, communicate, work independently and in a team setting, and problem solve with a positive attitude is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Support for Kennedy Center Honors and Mark Twain Prize:

• Support department on all aspects of facilitating successful programs and events, specifically through collaboration cross-departmentally and with external partners
• Track RSVPs for events and coordinate ticketing with the Special Events Department
• Support the management of ancillary events, such as the Honors Dress Rehearsal and The Night Before Dinner
• Collect materials and tracking deadlines for the Program Books and look books
• Generate gifts and thank you letters for Awardees and talent
• Processes and tracks expenses, while updating the Manager and Senior Director about projection actuals
• Schedule meetings as directed, and take and distribute meeting notes

Associate Producer for various broadcast initiatives and streaming projects, including but not limited to the Next at the Kennedy Center series:

• Support contracting for artists, venues, equipment; create briefing materials, such as call sheets and itineraries
• Aid in securing clearance and rights tracking for all productions
• Assist in creating purchase orders and financial tracking
• Coordinate artist and crew logistics for shoots both locally and nationally
• Support marketing and communications for series with Kennedy Center, broadcasting partner, and artists

Administrative support in the daily organization of the Broadcast Media & Special Programs Department:

• Process department expense reports and general accounting support
• Oversee flight tracking partnerships

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelors’ degree encouraged in Arts Management, Communications, Media, or related field.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in an administrative or artist services role.
• Knowledge or interest in broadcast media, live programming, or event planning.
• Must be extremely detail-oriented, have excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasked environment, work well under pressure and be able to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access and comfortability learning new systems.
• Must be comfortable working with well-known performing artists. The position requires availability on some evenings and weekends.

Additional Information

• Lifting boxes of hospitality supplies, and bundles of bottled water, onto carts – and – pushing these carts around the campus to set-up backstage artist hospitality.
• Must be able to work odd-hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional work beyond 40 hours/week. Must be on-call during certain performances and company travel days.