Payroll Manager

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 total rewards package to all full-time employees to include: 

• 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 theKennedy Center National Dance Day 2024 staff video!

Pay Details

The Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $80,800 - $105,000, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. This is the targeted range of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. This range may be modified in the future. Base pay within the range is ultimately determined by a candidate’s skills, expertise, and experience as it relates to the position qualifications and responsibilities.

Job Description

The Payroll Manager will manage the production and processing of all aspects of payroll, health and welfare benefits and intrinsic benefits for both union and non-union employees.  The position will assist in managing outside vendors and be responsible for legal and regulatory compliance within the payroll and benefits areas.  This position will regularly interface with all levels of employees including executive management.  This position will also work closely with the finance department.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for processing multiple union payrolls and KC Trust payroll, tax filing, garnishments and levy’s, accruals and other payroll related functions.
• Point of contact for all employee related inquiries for payroll, accruals, garnishments etc.
• Manages and runs Payrolls on a weekly basis for unions and biweekly for KC Trust staff.
• Keys Payroll entries into system as necessary.
• Maintains high degree of confidentiality of all Payroll records.
• Must maintain appropriate payroll records for all employees that utilize leave benefits such as STD, LTD, FMLA etc.
• Maintains accurate accruals and tracking for all employees with vacation and sick time
• Updates system with all documentation needed in order to properly maintain system and utilize it to its fullest measure
• Must continue to learn and keep abreast of legal changes that impact payroll and Human Resources department
• Calculates and validates monthly, quarterly and/or annual bonuses for all staff levels.
• Educates and ensures that all Business Justification Forms are filled out appropriately and maintained for legal compliance of compensation adjustments.
• Works on special projects and other duties as required helping to promote department’s success.
• Assumes and performs other duties and responsibilities not specifically outlined herein, but which are logically and properly inherent to the position of Payroll
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned payroll processes
• Assure timeliness and accuracy of required filings.  Maintains employee files, both physical and electronic according to record retention rules.
• May represent organization at hearings if required and/or investigations
• May assist in negotiating agreements with benefits and/or other vendors for such areas as relocation services, food services and transportation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• 4 year college degree preferred in Business Administration, Accounting/Finance, and/or Legal
• 5-10 years of progressive Finance experience with at least 5+ years in payroll work experience required.  3-5 years experience running complex payrolls for unions preferred.
• Understanding/experience of Lawson and UKG Payroll and HRIS systems is strongly preferred.
• Strong writing, reading and math skills
• Ability to work as part of a collaborative team and to work independently; a self-initiator, versatile and assumes risk with responsibility
• Ability to persuasively communicate complex concepts and programs at the highest levels of government and business
• Computer literate (Excellent knowledge of Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint applications)
• Ability to learn other computer software programs, and enter and maintain accurate data/information
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of work records
• Strong organizational skills; Problem-solving and time management skills; Considerable people management skills; capable of acting as leader, advisor, mentor, and coach; Demonstrative abilities in collaborative team building and consensus
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills
• Significant business and stakeholder relationship building experience
• Responsiveness to change and leads as a change agent
• Must be able to maintain good rapport with all departments
• Be on time and with a minimal amount of absence
• Must be able to act with honor, character and integrity
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.