Director - Development Systems & Strategies

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 $120,000 - $130,000 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 Director of Development Systems & Strategies works to implement and evaluate long-term strategies specifically related to fundraising in the development office. The Director works closely with leadership, and all development staff to advance strategies and procedures related to department-wide fundraising operations. This includes budget management, budget analysis, gift entry management, internal database maintenance and training, creation and evaluation of long term strategies and goals, and the maintenance and improvement of development systems as a whole.

The Director, Development Systems & Strategies oversees two highly motivated individuals that are integral to the successful operations of the department. The Systems team provides service, support and trainings to development colleagues; they liaise with other service departments, and they ensure the department’s systems and procedures are operating at the highest level.

Key Responsibilities  

• Development Systems: Serves as the primary liaison with the Finance and Information Systems Departments. Works closely with Development senior leadership to ensure department needs are communicated and met. Creates and rolls-out development-wide training strategies and procedures to ensure fundraising and gift accounting data is captured properly and in accordance with institutional policies. Collaborates with Development and Finance to ensure consistency of policies, increase accuracy and efficiency, and provide research, analysis and support for system and policy changes. Oversees staff executing payment entry procedures for contributions, special event payments and other payments for the development department.
• Budget Management: The development department raises $80+ million in contributed income annually with an overall expense budget of over $14 million. The Director works closely with the Senior Vice President of Development, senior development leadership/management, and finance/budget staff to oversee, plan, manage, analyze, project, reconcile and monitor the department-wide income and expense budget. The Director represents the Senior Vice President of Development and the interests of the department at budget/finance meetings when the Senior Vice President is unavailable.
• Strategy and Advancement: Using fundraising budgets, reports, analytics and input from key stakeholders, the director recommends short and long term strategies for maximizing revenue recognition. Strategizes with Finance and Development leadership on how Development can best help the organization meet financial goals based on perceived trends, internal and external opportunities/threats, and the Center’s priorities to fulfill its mission, vision and values.
• Development Data, Reporting and Analytics: Works closely with Information Systems office and development staff to identify, implement, and trouble-shoot solutions to meet department-wide data needs including: business reporting, data analytics,  and CRM change/enhancement requests and testing.
• Other duties as assigned.  

Key Qualifications     

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 5+ years of development or project management experience required
• Excellent project management skills: ability to collaborate across matrixed teams, manage others to timelines, problem solve, influence and negotiate with others, and communicate effectively.
• The position requires an advanced understanding of standard financial management and gift accounting, as well as market research and integrated marketing strategies.
• Experience working with CRM databases and/or relational databases including data extraction, modeling, and analysis. Knowledge of or experience with Tessitura software is preferred.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.   
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite.