Leadership Gifts 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 the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video!

Job Description

The Major Gifts and Leadership Gifts team seeks a dynamic self-starter who is energized by learning new skills, managing database projects, and expanding upon a passion for the arts and non-profits. Reporting to the Manager of Leadership Gifts, the Assistant provides support for the over 80+ current and prospective donors of two leadership committees, the Kennedy Center International Committee for the Arts (KCICA) and the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts (PACA). The incumbent also provides administrative support to the Director of Major and Leadership Gifts in stewardship for the Kennedy Center’s Presidentially-appointed Board of Trustees (BOT) and Advisory Committee. This position includes critical direct and indirect donor stewardship; strategic donor outreach projects like email communications, acknowledgements, progress reports; research, mailings, benefits fulfillment, database management and event and committee meeting support. The incumbent manages his/her time, resources, and workload to maximize productivity and financial results; exercises discretion; evaluates complex internal and external relationships; and regularly takes initiative to fulfill department objectives and goals. This position works in tandem with an Assistant Manager of Leadership Gifts.

Key Responsibilities

Provide support to the Manager of Leadership Gifts and the Director of Major and Leadership Gifts for implementation of strategies and funding interests for donors in the KCICA, PACA, and BOT, as well as other and high-demand special campaigns, endowment, and events:

• Drafting and coordinating all types of personalized, written materials on behalf of Development and Kennedy Center leadership (solicitations, acknowledgments, notes, briefings, committee newsletters, event itineraries, pledge reminders, tax receipts, etc.) of varying length and complexity;
• Preparing and tracking proper documentation for all contributions, including updating necessary systems and database records to ensure correct gift processing;
• Accurately tracking fundraising progress through Tessitura database and project management tools and reporting regular campaign updates to Manager and Director;
• Assisting in the development of materials for committee meetings, onboarding and events throughout the year, and maintaining accurate and up-to-date membership listings and contact information for committees and boards;
• Actively stewarding Leadership donors and their respective teams through direct contact via phone, email, in-person, and written communication and fulfilling donor benefits;
• Tracking and coordinating contributions, guest details, and attendee logistics for major fundraising galas such as the Kennedy Center Honors and Mark Twain Prize, in addition to several other major fundraising events each season;
• Assisting in administrative tasks for the KCICA International Summit, including tracking and coordinating registrations and processing payments;
• Planning, preparing, and coordinating creative and personalized gifts for donors as they relate to Kennedy Center milestones or personal donor milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, life events, etc.);
• Providing excellent, proactive customer service to donors and their respective teams through direct contact via phone, email, mail, and in-person;
• Ensure the fulfillment of donor benefits and stewardship activities, including proper recognition and gift crediting in digital and print materials, processing performance ticket requests and event RSVPs, and regular greeting of donors at performances or onsite activities;
• Onsite customer service and logistical support for special events including cultivation and benefit events, committee and board meetings, galas, etc.;
• Assisting in the development of materials for all committees throughout the year;

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Experience in a front-facing, customer service-oriented role is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred
• Development/fundraising, writing, and event logistics (or related experience) is preferred
• Working knowledge of the performing arts is preferred
• Experience with Tessitura or similar CRM tools is preferred
• 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 performances is required. In those conditions, the noise level is very loud.
• This position requires occasional evening or weekend hours at fundraising events and performances, and typically with advance notice.
• This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangements, with a minimum of three days on-site per week. This position is not eligible for full-time remote work.
• Travel up to 5% may be required, predominantly local to offsite fundraising events or meetings.