Advertising Communications Assistant 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

Pay Details

The Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $52,000 - $60,000, 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 

As a savvy copywriter and wordsmith, this role works closely with the Advertising Communications Manager to conceptualize, write, circulate, edit, publish, and maintain editorial content for a wide variety of print, digital, and broadcast projects. This role also oversees daily marketing email projects and processes and supervises Copywriter/Coordinator(s), Advertising Communications Intern(s), and/or Advertising Communications Freelancers/Contractors.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, conceptualize, write, and edit substantive content in brand voice for print collateral ranging from subscription brochures and direct mail to institutional publications; marketing e-mails; radio commercials; web site copy; and other projects as required.           
• Oversee the daily creation and review process for all marketing email projects that fall within their genre assignments (either developed by themselves, interns, and/or freelancers/contractors)—from build, visual asset selection/manipulation, and circulating for staff/stakeholder feedback to final file preparation and signoff—in order to meet continuous, demanding deadlines.
• Hire, train, and supervise the Copywriter/Coordinator(s), Advertising Communications Interns, and/or Advertising Communications Freelancers/Contractors on various projects and processes.
• Directly engage in creative strategy development for advertising communication efforts.
• Proactively seek out information and collaborate with marketing, design, programming, and web staff on content creation and management.
• Assist Advertising Design team in editing/closing advertisements that are routing for review.
• Manage and maintain editorial content on the web site and other digital entities.     
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education in advertising, journalism, communications, English, or related field – with at least two years of professional experience in copywriting, editing, and proofing others’ work as well as their own. Candidates must provide samples that demonstrate creativity, experience, and a passion for the written word.
• A proven creative thinker, able to strategize and develop compelling, clear, and concise messaging to reach targeted markets effectively and incite them to action.
• High level of detail, organization, and self-initiative with an ability to handle multiple assignments under the pressure of tight deadlines.
• Ability to shift between performance genes and projects quickly and efficiently, and re-prioritize as marketing needs change and materialize.
• Strong verbal communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software in a PC environment.
• A rock-solid knowledge of grammar, style, and spelling with an eagle eye for consistency and flow.
• Experience working with content management systems.
• An understanding of basic graphic and video manipulation, and how text and images work together to create powerful messages.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided. 
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite. 

Additional Information

• A note on the department culture: The Marketing/Advertising department is a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment that requires a team player with flexibility, dedication, and a positive attitude; an ability to promote a wide variety of performance genres across all forms of media; a commitment to maintaining the high quality represented by the Kennedy Center through all communications; and the ability to think strategically and creatively to help attain the goals of the department.