Manager, Music Education Programming and Productions

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 $68,000 - $78,000, 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 member of the Education Programs & Productions team, The Manager of Music Education Programming and Productions supports the planning and implementation of all music education school and family programming at the Kennedy Center. 

The Manager serves as the primary programmer for the Education Division’s concerts for young audiences and the primary producer for student concerts presented by the Division’s career development programs for pre-professional, young artists (NSO Youth Fellows, NSO Summer Music Institute, WNO Opera Institute, etc). The Manager is a direct point-of-contact for presented artists, presented and produced National Symphony Orchestra education programming, other music education-related programs at the Center, including Chamber, Jazz, and Hip Hop, and school & community partners. In addition to planning and implementation, the Manager also provides logistical support in terms of scheduling, budgeting, contracting, and management of interns, volunteers, and seasonal staff. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Manages the planning and implementation of a full music education season (presentations and productions), which includes identifying, contracting, and scheduling artists and programs to present, and collaborating with internal partners, like the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera, and the wider Artistic Planning department (Jazz, Contemporary Music, Chamber, and Hip Hop), to develop programming. Partners with Education Programs & Productions leadership to identify new programming opportunities and to identify and implement strategies that enhance current programming.
• In collaboration with the Manager of Music Education, Career Development Programs, manages the planning and implementation of young artist career development programs’ performances and presentations (NSO Youth Fellows, NSO Summer Music Institute, WNO Opera Institute, etc.). Serves as Producer for these concerts and events.
• Manages the logistics and marketing for all music education performances, presentations, and productions. Serves as primary point-of-contact for Production, Campus Planning, Theater Operations, Marketing & Sales, and other key departments.
• Coordinates basic administrative tasks such as entering and managing budgets, maintaining financial records, preparing POs and payments, depositing checks; preparing contracts, travel and meeting arrangements, mailings, production requests; compiling and processing demographic and evaluative data for all Music Education-related reporting and Research & Evaluation studies; updating program information including webpages and program histories.
• Presents to major stakeholders, such as NSO and WNO Board Members and Board Committees and the NSO Trustees, on Music Education projects and programming. Serves as liaison with other Kennedy Center departments (Development, Finance, Government Relations & Protocol, KC Friends, Restaurant Associates, etc.) and other stakeholders (ex. NSO Volunteer Council members) regarding various Music Education Program needs.       
• Creates and maintains partnerships with schools and communities through in-school activity programming such as artist residencies and guest artist visits.
• Coordinates wraparound learning content (i.e. learning guides), which may include researching and writing content, and/or contracting writers to draft content, as needed.
• Provide support for other Music Education Department and broader Education Division activity, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Key Qualifications   

• Undergraduate degree in performing arts or education; or equivalent experience
• Strong knowledge of the children’s music field
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in event and program management and/or music concert programming and production. 
• Experience in general office work, accounting practices and reports.
• Staff and volunteer supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize between projects happening concurrently
• Must work well under pressure and possess the ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
• 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

• The noise level in the work environment is normal; lots of walking from the Education office to various venues across the Center’s campus.
• Must be able to work evening, weekends, and occasionally over 40 hours/week, as needed.
• Occasional lifting and moving of supplies.
• Travel up to 5% may be required.