Manager of Corporate Engagement

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  
• 13 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 pay range for this position is $71,000 - $82,000 per year, 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 of Corporate Engagement is responsible for planning and leading a comprehensive development strategy within a specific set of industry focused donors to engage corporations and their associated foundations in support of the Kennedy Center, Washington National Opera (WNO), and National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). This position reports directly to the Director of Corporate Engagement and will work collaboratively with other development management and staff, and senior Kennedy Center staff to create, plan, and execute on multi-year fundraising plans to acquire new donors and effectively cultivate existing donors for new and renewed giving. 

This position will manage their time, resources, and workload to maximize productivity and financial results, exercise discretion, assess and engage in complex internal and external relationships, and advance campaign goals and objectives. The Manager will have a demonstrated ability to effectively recruit and onboard new staff members; set expectations and goals for team projects; and successfully build trusting relationships with staff utilizing effective coaching techniques to ensure maximum productivity and completion of work goals.

Key Responsibilities  

Fundraising

• Work with the Director to develop, plan, and execute annual and long-term goals and strategies for support of the WNO, NSO and Kennedy Center corporate campaigns, solicitations, event sponsorship, and donor stewardship.
• Initiate and build ongoing relationships with current and prospective new donors to meet established fundraising goals freely sharing the Kennedy Center’s mission, vision, and values.
• Manage the solicitation of designated funding to select artistic, educational, social impact initiatives, and event sponsorship. Ensure appropriate stake holders receive high quality information from corporate team and other departments.
• Manage the team’s outreach to programming, education, and social impact staff to:
  • solicit information about program/project/festival plans as they are developed.
  • Evaluate current programs for funding potential and recommend new initiatives based on known interests of funders.
  • Seek out new funding possibilities to establish institutional priorities and areas where collaborative efforts will advance the Center towards achievement of its goals.
• Serve as subject matter expert for inquiries from potential donors, referred prospects, and other KC staff.
• Develop, plan, and execute annual fundraising strategy for major special events, including the renewal of previous gifts, the acquisition of new attendees, and the stewardship of major contributors with regards to crediting, signage, and benefits

Management 

• Supervise assistant in overseeing stewardship, as outlined above
• Provide sufficient training to ensure success on complex fundraising campaigns.
• Participate in all Development Department meetings, and contribute to the Development Department’s strategic planning initiatives through joint leadership and core pillars
• Actively promote a collegial and collaborative working relationship with all Kennedy Center employees.

Strategic Planning

• Evaluate fundraising success and identify efficiencies and improvements, as needed.
• Keep team informed about current best practices within corporate fundraising and trends in industries associated within the identified portfolio

• Other duties as assigned.  

Key Qualifications     

• Bachelor’s degree required.  An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
• Working knowledge of the performing arts is preferred.
• This position requires a highly developed entrepreneurial spirit, and proven adaptability along with a high level of interpersonal, organizational, written and oral communications skills, as well as deep understanding and comfort with database management tools.  A desire for continued self-learning is essential. The ability to relate well in a professional and easy manner to Board members, corporate executives, donors of all giving levels, and other staff members is critical.
• The incumbent is faced daily with difficult and complicated situations and must be able to react with diplomacy, sensitivity, and a clear understanding of the broad issues relevant to a large performing arts center, a national presidential memorial site, and a major performing arts educator. Excellent management and team-building skills are necessary. The position requires a solid understanding of standard financial principles and program/project budget preparation. The incumbent must have the confidence to work without close supervision and can foresee (and meet) departmental needs and objectives. The Manager of Corporate Engagement must possess strong attention to detail, as well as an understanding of the long-term needs of the Kennedy Center.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.   
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite.  

• The noise level in the work environment is minimal, however attendance at major fundraising events and concerts is required.  In those conditions, the noise level is very loud.