Senior Vice President, Artistic Programming

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 $310,000 - $340,000, 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 Senior Vice President of Artistic Programming not only supervises a large team of creative artistic administrators but provides focus, direction and inspiration to the Center’s programming.  The opportunity to develop a cohesive, powerful message on the role of the performing arts in our society is the fundamental challenge for this individual and their team.  With 9 stages, 2000 performances annually and the broadest spectrum of programming possibilities, the SVP Artistic Programming captures the true potential of the Center’s palette to maximum result.

The SVP Artistic Programming supervises an artistic team including:  Senior Director, Artistic Operations, Senior Director, International Programming, Manager, Theater Programming, Director, Dance Programming, Faith-Based & Family Programming Director, Senior Director, Jazz and Special Concerts, and Senior Director, Broadcast Media and Special Programs.

Finally, the SVP Artistic Programming oversees the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and management team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide creative, strategic leadership and mentorship to the team of artistic administrators to develop annual programming that maximizes the Center’s potential.  This will include, but not be limited to the following:
  • Through programming initiatives, build a strong narrative around the role of the Center as an arts producer as well as presenter
  • Strengthen the collaboration between the art forms to establish a more distinctive and increasingly important position for the Center on the local, national and international performing arts platform.
  • Explore and exploit new formats and genres for presentation and production.
  • Develop artistic partnerships with international caliber performers, artistic luminaries and leading innovators to supplement the Center’s activities, provide input and spotlight to our programs and bring fresh perspective to the role of the performing arts at the Center, in Washington D.C. and on an international stage.
  • Strengthen the quality and variety of performers, establishing the Kennedy Center as a platform for excellence, innovation and discovery.
  • Support the design of new programs, evaluate existing artistic ventures and lead the forward visioning for performing arts at Kennedy Center and around the world. Maintain a strong network of DMV artists and arts and cultural organizations for collaboration and enhanced programming opportunities
  • Provide leadership around art and exhibit installations.
• Provide leadership within the senior management team on behalf of the Artistic Programming teams and advocate for the essential needs related to scheduling, program priorities, marketing, public relations and fundraising. Encourage greater collaboration between the Artistic Programming team and those departments where communications are vital to the production and presentation of performances. Provide support and clear direction on budget management, including revenue and expense projections.
• Represent the Kennedy Center in development of new works, supporting long-term relationships and explore new collaborations that advance the role of the Center as well as the performing arts locally, nationally and internationally.
• Collaborate with leadership and programming staff of the Education department to ensure maximum potential is achieved through development of cross genre, cross departmental production and presentation.
• Represent and oversee the management of the Opera House Orchestra to coordinate deployment for ballet, dance, musical theater and other artistic employment; act as the formal representative for contract management.
• Attend performances at the Center (and elsewhere) to stay current with artistic practice, audiences and emerging genres and themes.
• Together with senior leadership, provide general oversight for the Center related to performances, continuity and emergencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education required; graduate degree or equivalent preferred
• Extensive knowledge and first-hand experience in the performing arts; specialization in one or more art form acceptable but a broad knowledge and appreciation is mandatory for success in this role.
• 10 years + of senior management experience in an international quality arts organization.
• Demonstrated success as an arts producer and presenter.
• Demonstrated success as a senior level manager.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrable budget, employee management, contract and other business skills.

Additional Information

Travel up to 30%  may be required.