Manager of Corporate Engagement

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 the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video!

Job Description

The Manager of Corporate Engagement is responsible for planning and leading a comprehensive development strategy within a specific set of industry focused donors to engage corporations and their associated foundations in support of the Kennedy Center, Washington National Opera (WNO), and National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). This position reports directly to the Director of Corporate Engagement and will work collaboratively with other development management and staff, and senior Kennedy Center staff to create, plan, and execute on multi-year fundraising plans to acquire new donors and effectively cultivate existing donors for new and renewed giving. She/he will oversee a $10-$20 million portfolio of existing and prospective donors.

This position will manage their time, resources, and workload to maximize productivity and financial results, exercise discretion, assess and engage in complex internal and external relationships, and advance campaign goals and objectives. The Manager will supervise two to three Assistant Managers and will prioritize the pipeline development and donor strategy of that team. They will have a demonstrated ability to effectively recruit and onboard new staff members; set expectations and goals for team projects; and successfully build trusting relationships with staff to ensure maximum productivity and completion of work goals

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising

• Work with the Director to develop, plan, and execute annual and long-term goals and strategies for support of the WNO, NSO and Kennedy Center corporate campaigns, solicitations, event sponsorship, and donor stewardship
• Initiate and build ongoing relationships with current and prospective new donors to meet established fundraising goals freely sharing the Kennedy Center’s mission, vision, and values
• Manage the solicitation of designated funding to select artistic, educational, social impact initiatives, and event sponsorship. Ensure appropriate stake holders receive high quality information from corporate team and other departments
• Manage the team’s outreach to programming, education, and social impact staff to: solicit information about program/project/festival plans as they are developed; Evaluate current programs for funding potential and recommend new initiatives based on known interests of funders; Seek out new funding possibilities to establish institutional priorities and areas where collaborative efforts will advance the Center towards achievement of its goals
• Serve as subject matter expert for inquiries from potential donors, referred prospects, and other KC staff
• Develop, plan, and execute stewardship plan for identified portfolio for major special events, including crediting, signage, and benefits
• Engage with Kennedy Center senior leadership, Trustees, and major donors as appropriate to advance fundraising goals

Management

• Supervise Assistant Managers in overseeing stewardship and business development as outlined above
• Provide sufficient training to ensure success on complex fundraising campaigns
• Participate in all Development Department meetings, and contribute to the Development Department’s strategic planning initiatives
• Actively promote a collegial and collaborative working relationship with all Kennedy Center employees

Strategic Planning

• Evaluate fundraising success and identify efficiencies and improvements, as needed
• Keep team informed about current best practices within corporate fundraising and trends in industries associated within the identified portfolio

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
• Six to eight years in business development, fundraising or related experience required.
• Experience in a supervisory role is preferred.
• Experience managing a portfolio of 50+ companies is preferred.
• This position requires a highly developed entrepreneurial spirit, and proven adaptability along with a high level of interpersonal, organizational, written and oral communications skills, as well as deep understanding and comfort with database management tools. A desire for continued self-learning is essential. The ability to relate well in a professional and easy manner to Board members, corporate executives, donors of all giving levels, and other staff members is critical.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• The noise level in the work environment is minimal, however attendance at major fundraising events and concerts is required. In those conditions, the noise level is very loud.
• Some remote work is possible. Travel up to 15% may be required