Program Director - Contemporary Music

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 $95,000 - $110,000, 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 Program Director is responsible for curating contemporary music programs with an emphasis on country, rock, and bluegrass music. The director will work collaboratively across the Kennedy Center different departments, programming shows that drive development and strengthen the Kennedy Center’s connection with local communities and drive both onsite visitation and online engagement.  

Key Responsibilities

Curating and Managing Programs

• Book and manage high-visibility contemporary music programs, featuring established and emerging artists.
• Use data analytics to make booking decisions across various venues.
• Maintain relationships with agencies and managers.
• Support public program bookings for the Millennium Stage and
• Support film programming.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to meet artist and Center goals.

Project Management

• Develop performance metrics and analyze data to evaluate each program.
• Collaborate with Campus Planning to secure venue reservations.
• Work with Marketing and Box Office for ticket setups.
• Attend inter-departmental meetings to advance programming priorities.

Budget Management

• Assist in developing and revising seasonal program budgets.
• Track budgets and provide financial data for grant reporting.
• Conduct regular budget re-projections.

Other duties as assigned. 

Key Qualifications

• 5-7 years’ experience in artistic programming.
• Bachelor’s degree in the arts, arts management or other related field preferred 
• Demonstrated knowledge of the performing arts as it pertains to all genres regionally, nationally, and internationally. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop trust and rapport with diverse communities.
• An awareness of the appropriate manner to address sensitive issues when inviting engaged participation. 
• Understanding of budgeting and finance expenses related to the performing arts.
• Background in finance and basic accounts payable procedures.
• Adept knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. 
• 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

• Occasional lifting and moving of office supplies and artist hospitality needs weighing as much as 40 lbs.  Must be able to work nights and weekends and work beyond 40 hours/week as needed.  Will participate in coverage of running programs as needed. 
• The noise level in the work environment is normal, except that volume may be loud during performances.
• Some travel may be required.