Program Assistant - Dance Education (Temporary/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 America's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across the United States and around the world, connecting the greatest living artists with audiences of every stripe, no matter their background. We welcome all Americans and creators and visitors from across the globe to discover, experience, learn about, be inspired by, and engage with the arts.

Pay Details

The pay rate for this position is $20.00 per hour. This is the targeted pay rate of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. This rate may be modified in the future. 

Job Description 

The Dance Education Programs and Productions team connects learners of all ages with high-quality performances and programs, representative of the Kennedy Center’s breadth of dance programming. As an arm of the nation’s cultural center, we are committed to providing accessible, diverse, and representative resources, support, and learning opportunities to the communities we serve on both a local and national scale.

This position is ideal for someone passionate about the performing arts and inspired by the power of dance and education to enrich the lives of students. We’re looking for a creative, detail-oriented, and organized individual who enjoys working behind the scenes in a dynamic arts environment. In this part-time role, you’ll support the day-to-day operations of a busy summer dance intensive, working closely with students and contributing to a high-caliber training experience. This opportunity is especially well-suited for those interested in arts management—such as aspiring arts professionals, students, artists, musicians, dancers, or teachers. 

The Dance Education Program Assistant is a temporary, part-time position that provides administrative and logistical support, liaising with other Kennedy Center departments, artists, and attendees of the Kennedy Center Dance Lab (KCDL). 

This includes completing program preparation (calendars, forms, name tags); assisting with local participant management (scheduling and communication); supervising arrival and dismissal of participants, coordinating catering and session logistics; and representing Dance  Education to artists, faculty, students, and parents as needed. 

Evening and weekend work required. 

Key Responsibilities

• Program and Production logistics for events and pre-professional programs – program preparation (calendars, forms, name tags); assisting with local participant management (scheduling and communication); supervising arrival and dismissal of participants, coordinating catering and session logistics; representation of the Dance Education Department to artists and public audiences as needed.         
• Artist, student, and parent communication and support – serve as a point of contact for the Kennedy Center Dance Lab, assist in maintenance of student information databases
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications 

• A current or recent graduate of programs related to arts management, the performing arts, education, other related field, or equivalent professional experience. Experience in dance performance and/or education is preferred, but not required.
• Proficient writing and editing skills, strong communication skills (including public speaking), and basic accounting skills
• Previous experience in general administrative work; a background in dance, performing arts, and/or education is helpful, but not required. Should work well with deadlines and prioritizing multiple projects.
• Strong customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills. Must be flexible and well-organized to effectively support program operations.
• Computer literacy, including experience with Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Additional Information

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person, on the telephone, and via email. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel in order to operate computer keyboard, office equipment, and other essential tasks. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. This position infrequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Employee must be able to stand for extended periods of time. Employee must be willing to move equipment and supplies between dance studio spaces and administrative offices.