Assistant Theater Manager

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 $61,000 - $68,000, 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 Kennedy Center is seeking an energetic, organized and proactive individual to serve as an Assistant Theater Manager. The Assistant Theater Manager ensures the smooth operation of performances and events throughout the Kennedy Center campus and its venues. A core responsibility is enhancing the patron experience, including coordinating efficient arrival, wayfinding, and lobby services, as well as managing concessions for timely seating. Essential duties involve house management, completing administrative tasks (house reports, payroll, settlements), communicating with other Kennedy Center departments, and detailed event documentation.

Key Responsibilities

Performance and Event House Management

• Serve as the House Manager for assigned performances, events, and activations, encompassing both indoor venues and outdoor campus spaces.
• Oversee all front-of-house operations, including venue readiness, managing house open/close times, and coordinating with artistic, production, and security teams.
• Manage and execute lobby functions and crowd control to ensure an efficient and safe flow of patrons, including line management for concessions and timely seating.

Patron Experience and Service Coordination

• Act as a primary point of contact for patron concerns, efficiently addressing and resolving customer complaints and service issues to maintain a high-quality patron experience.
• Proactively monitor and manage patron issues related to arrival, wayfinding, and movement throughout the campus, communicating critical information to appropriate staff across relevant departments (e.g., Security, Box Office, Usher Services, Programming).
• Coordinate with concessions staff to ensure timely and orderly service.

Administrative and Financial Reporting

• Complete essential performance documentation, including detailed house reports summarizing event attendance, issues, and notable incidents.
• Process and submit weekly payroll information for usher staff.
• Prepare and manage financial statements and settlements related to performances and events.
• Maintain organized digital and physical filing systems for all pertinent operational documentation.

Supervision and Staff Leadership

• Directly supervise and provide leadership to the theater’s usher staff in collaboration with the Theater Manager and Head Usher.
• Assist in training, scheduling, and directing ushers to ensure they deliver outstanding customer service and adhere to all venue safety and emergency protocols.

General Duties and Compliance

• Respond promptly and professionally to requests from Kennedy Center management and staff.
• Adhere to all organizational policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Theater Managers or upper management.

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience in a public-facing environment.
• Experience working in theater, music, or the performing arts.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, outstanding customer service, ability to work well under pressure, and effective problem-solving skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• 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

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person, on the telephone and on radio.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel in order to operate computer keyboard, office equipment, and other essential tasks.  The employee is frequently required to sit, stand/remain active for long periods of time, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach with hands and arms.  This position frequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is normal, with increased levels during rehearsals performances and events.