Manager of Public Relations, Classical

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

Pay Details

The Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000, 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 Manager of Public Relations (Classical) is primarily responsible for managing the strategic communications and public relations efforts for of the Kennedy Center and its two resident artistic affiliates—the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), helmed by Music Director Gianandrea Noseda and Executive Director Jean Davidson, and Washington National Opera (WNO), led by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and General Director Timothy O’Leary—alongside distinctive music series including the Fortas Chamber Music Series (Artistic Director Jennifer Koh)., and other vocal and/or classical presentations. This role will be a key partner to the Classical constituent organizations of the Kennedy Center, delivering high-impact international, national, and local earned media coverage to elevate the profile of the respective organizations and projects.  

With an ever-shifting media landscape and a limited number of press exclusively covering classical music, this role will also pursue non-traditional media coverage and digital-first storytelling opportunities. 

Key Responsibilities

Publicity, Media Relations, and Strategy:

• This position will develop and execute publicity plans by devising potential story ideas, crafting pitches, and shepherding stories to completion. This candidate will essentially be a publicist for the Center. They will develop and nurture journalist and digital media relationships (ex. streaming media outlets, podcasts, and other non-traditional media). This person has excellent PR instincts and can think strategically to generate significant and meaningful visibility for the Classical constituents and programs at the Kennedy Center.

Internal/External Communication:

• The person will feel comfortable working in a complex, highly matrixed environment. This position will be a key partner to the Kennedy Center’s Classical constituents by communicating plans and delivering in a timely manner. They will work with managers cross-institutionally to develop and execute strong messaging and manage flow and distribution of information.

Writing and Project Management:

• This position will be a project manager for all Classical programs. This position will also write, edit, and distribute Classical program press releases throughout the season as well as review marketing content and copy for PR positioning. The role will also be responsible for drafting media pitches to further position the Center for positive news stories and earned media. They will work closely with social media team, sharing earned media as suggested content for organic social media posts consistent with strategic communications goals. Advise on the voice, messaging, and branding of the NSO and WNO’s social media accounts.

Classical-Adjacent Assignments:

• As an integral member of the Kennedy Center PR team, work related to other Kennedy Center events, initiatives, and special projects, such as Kennedy Center Honors, the Mark Twain Prize, the REACH, and other festivals, series, and performances will be assigned as needed.

Key Qualifications

• At least 3 - 5 years of public relations experience, including responsibility for high-level strategic communications and messaging
• Long and short-term PR planning ranging from national to grassroots efforts
• Strong media experience in both the arts and non-arts
• An appreciation and understanding of opera and/or symphonic music and its inner workings is preferred but not required.
• A solution-oriented, creative, and independent spirit and collaborative nature
• Outstanding writing and editing skills.
• Personal characteristics of poise, calm, and composure in stressful, crisis communications situations.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills and a capacity to build strong relationships.
• Ability to multi-task and respond quickly to requests from journalists/editors, photo desks, as well as internal departments and artistic/executive leadership.
• 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

• Night and weekend work as required by performance schedules. PR staff at the Kennedy Center share the responsibilities of concert duty, amounting to 1-2 performances weekly on average for most positions.
• Travel of up to 5% may be required.