Annual Giving and Direct Response Assistant

***Please submit a cover letter for consideration***

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 the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts. 

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: 

• 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
• 11 paid holidays per year 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
• Flexible work arrangements
• We like to have fun! Check out theKennedy Center National Dance Day 2024 staff video!

Job Description

The Assistant, Annual Giving and Direct Response works closely with the Assistant Manager of Annual Giving and Direct Response and the Manager of Annual Giving and Donor Insights to coordinate and execute the production of all direct response campaigns for the Kennedy Center, NSO, and WNO Membership campaigns (annual donors of less than $1,800) and the Kennedy Center’s National Patron program. These include multi-channel campaigns to acquire new donors, renew annual gifts, reinstate lapsed donors, and solicit additional gifts through special appeals. The Assistant is responsible for tracking and preparing donor information and data for marketing and reporting purposes and manages all Membership and National Patron fulfillment, as well as all clerical work for the department. The position also handles the majority of personal stewardship, prospecting, and cultivation for the Annual Giving team.

The Assistant must be able to exercise discretion in order to prioritize assignments and work under significant pressure, as many projects are time sensitive, involving concurrent deadlines and donor interaction. An eagerness to communicate and problem solve with a positive attitude is essential.

• Collaborate with the Assistant Manager of Annual Giving and Direct Response and the Manager of Annual Giving and Donor Insights to execute the planning, design, preparation and implementation of all Kennedy Center direct response campaigns including: tracking production details/schedules, proof-reading/copy-editing, reviewing copy/design, overseeing print orders, interacting with production vendors, tracking inventories, processing invoices, communicating delivery instructions, and analyzing overall campaign results.
• Oversee the acknowledgement and renewal process for all Kennedy Center, NSO, and WNO Membership and National Patron contributions, including: data extraction/management, review of weekly data for fulfillment firm, tracking production, following up on firm needs, and drafting accurate and effective copy as necessary.
• Assist the Assistant Manager with the planning and execution of all Membership events including tracking rsvps, assisting with donor communications, and staffing on site events. Also assists with the stewardship of Members and patrons of the general public who purchased tickets for select gala events.
• Manage the creation and updating of all Membership and National Patron collateral, ensuring consistent appropriate branding and accuracy. Work with the Assistant Manager to organize and maintain Annual Giving’s records including filing samples from direct mail campaigns, overseeing supply inventory, and collaborating with the Archives team on record retention.
• Provide proactive customer service to current Members and National Patrons on an ongoing basis as needed. This includes: (a) soliciting and renewing contributions via email and phone; (b) interacting via phone and email with new and current donors to address any customer service issues; and (c) foster meaningful relationships leading to opportunities to increase donors' giving.
• Departmental administrative duties
• Other duties as assigned.
• Responds to the needs and requests of Kennedy Center management and staff in a professional and expedient manner.
• Adheres to all employer policies and procedures.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or applicable professional experience required.
• Proven record of high-quality customer service and fundraising experience preferred.
• Experience with CRM systems preferred, ideally Tessitura.

Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required

• Possess a warm and friendly phone demeanor, and exhibit a high degree of patience, and be comfortable conducting business over the phone and email.
• Proven ability to act with tact and diplomacy as the position regularly represents the Kennedy Center to the public.
• Superior organization and time management skills. Must be able track and meet multiple competing deadlines.
• Creativity and an excellent command of the English language are critical. Ability to communicate persuasively, both in person and in writing, the need for funding.
• Knowledge of direct mail production preferred.