Lounge Operations 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 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.

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
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy 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 $72,000 - $82,000, 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 Manager, Lounge Operations oversees the daily operations of the 6 donor lounges. These include three Member Lounges and three Circles Lounges, which are exclusive hospitality spaces available to donors giving four-figure annual gifts, Legacy Society members, and other VIP institutional guests at the discretion of the Development department, including guests of the Office of Government Relations and Protocol and the Office of the President. The Manager is responsible for the overall strategy, budget, and administration of the lounges, with all work culminating in an exceptional and gracious experience for donors. 

Key responsibilities include maintaining hospitality industry standards for all food and beverage operations, liaising with Development, Office of the President, and Office of Government Affairs to make VIP arrangements, partnering with the Volunteer office on lounge scheduling, overseeing budget and inventory purchasing, and managing relationships with vendors as well as corporate sponsors. The Manager operates highly independently with representatives across the Center to accomplish these goals. 

This role works closely with any other persons who provide services or support to the Lounges, including volunteer Lounge Hosts, Housekeeping, Facilities, Theater Managers, onsite caterer(s), and the Assistant Manager, Donor Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage six donor lounge spaces including overseeing supply management and inventory. Manage lounge budget and purchases. Hire and oversee supervision of the lounge attendant bartending staff of twelve to fifteen including payroll. Handle escalated disciplinary situations.
• Continuously strategize and implement lounge enhancements that will provide a high level of impact on the donor experience. Maintain strong relationships with vendors including potential in- kind donor relationships, in partnership with the Corporate Relations team.
• Oversee maintenance needs and consistent upkeep of the donor lounges and kitchens while working closely with the Facilities, Production, and Campus Planning teams.
• Collaborate with Volunteer Leaders and catering staff on the operations of the 6 donor lounges. Send daily ticketing lists and ensure the lounge podiums include any special VIP names and additional guest lists. Work with key KC leadership and frontline fundraisers on any special needs.
• Arrange and facilitate monthly or bi-monthly lounge working group meetings with development stakeholders from each development team
• Manages customer service at the highest levels for all donors in the lounges on an ongoing basis. Works in close partnership with the Assistant Manager, Donor Services on a nightly basis. Makes independent decisions as to when Kennedy Center policies should be enforced for donors, and when exceptions should be made. Understands the internal and external implications of both options. Routinely enforces said decisions to others.
• Supervises Lead Lounge Attendant, and 12-15 Lounge Attendants.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 5 -7 years applicable experience to position responsibilities
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided. 
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite.