Legislative & Board Relations Specialist

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 salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000, 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 Board Relations and Protocol office consists of four team members. This includes the Special Projects Manager, Director of Protocol and Legislative and Board Relations Specialist. Each of these report to the VP, Board Relations and Protocol.

This department serves as an extension of the Office of the President to all matters legislative and serves the Board of Trustees. Every day is different, as it also serves as the Special projects office. Each project is considered ‘all hands on deck’ and features the greatest variety of scope of any department at the Kennedy Center. No staff position, including the VP, is exempt from any specific type of work. Every members of this team displays a ‘teamwork’ mentality and assists wherever they can. 

The Specialist will support the VP, Board Relations and protocol in his role representing Kennedy Center President, Richard Grenell, on all matters related to the Board of Trustees, Legislative Affairs and special projects.

Key Responsibilities 

Administrative and Operational Support 

• Manage all incoming correspondence to the Board Relations and Protocol Office, including scheduling requests, official memos, legislative communications, and Trustee directives.
• Maintain the VP’s calendar, coordinate meeting logistics, prepare briefing materials, and ensure timely follow-up on action items.
• Develop and maintain electronic and physical filing systems to ensure efficient document management and retrieval.
• Oversee preparation of expense reports, travel arrangements, and procurement requests for departmental activities.

Board and Trustee Relations 

• Prepare, format, and proofread documents, reports, and communications related to Board of Trustees activities.
• Draft correspondence, invitations, remarks, and acknowledgments for review by senior leadership and high-level officials.
• Coordinate logistics for Board meetings, dinners, receptions, and special events — including RSVP tracking, seating charts, and materials distribution.
• Serve as an on-site representative for the department during Board functions and events, ensuring a professional and seamless guest experience.

Legislative and Government Affairs Support 

• Track local and federal legislation and legislators relevant to the Kennedy Center’s mission and activities.
• Conduct research and compile reports to support strategic legislative engagement.
• Assist in scheduling and preparing briefing materials for meetings with government officials and partners.

Protocol and Event Support 

• Provide administrative and logistical support for protocol-related activities, including receiving and hosting high-ranking officials and dignitaries at Kennedy Center events.
• Coordinate with internal teams (e.g., Operations, Security, Guest Services) to ensure VIP and Trustee experiences are executed with precision and discretion.
• Serve as on-site support during evening and weekend events as needed.

Project and Information Management 

• Collect, organize, and present information to the VP for the execution of Government Affairs, Board Relations, and department initiatives.
• Support cross-departmental collaboration on special projects led by the Board Relations and Protocol Office.
• Maintain department trackers, databases, and communications lists to ensure information accuracy and readiness.

General Responsibilities 

• Respond promptly and professionally to the needs and requests of Kennedy Center leadership, Trustees, and staff.
• Uphold strict confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
• Adhere to all Kennedy Center policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience in a legislative office at the state or federal level
• Minimum 3 years experience as an administrative/personal assistant
• Preferred experience stewarding high-level VIP’s or Government officials
• Preferred working knowledge of the Federal legislative process
• Preferred Background in events and event logistics
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided. 
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite.