Senior Director, Fundraising

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 $160,000 - $180,000, 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 Senior Director of Fundraising is responsible for leading a comprehensive multi-year development strategy in support of the Kennedy Center, Washington National Opera, and National Symphony Orchestra. This position reports to the VP of Development, and will work collaboratively with Development leadership, senior Kennedy Center staff, Board leadership, and multiple artistic programmers to design and execute acquisition and stewardship strategies in support of fundraising goals.

The Senior Director should have a demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, and develop staff at all levels. This role will maintain and expand the Kennedy Center’s current portfolio of donors, and will works with the VP of Development and Kennedy Center leadership to activate new relationships and strengthen existing relationships with donors.

The incumbent manages their time, resources, and workload to maximize productivity and financial results; exercises discretion; evaluates complex internal and external relationships; and regularly takes initiative to advance fundraising objectives. In addition to meeting annual fundraising goals, the Senior Director is a key contributor to department-wide working groups. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Planning

• Develop, implement, and evaluate near and long-term goals and strategies for generating contributed income and managing fundraising expenses.
• Evaluate fundraising success and identify efficiencies and improvements, as needed.
• Establish/forecast multi-year fundraising goals

Fundraising

• Initiate and build ongoing relationships with current and prospective donors to meet established fundraising goals.
• Evaluate current programs for funding potential and recommend new initiatives based on known interests of funders.
• Prioritize funding opportunities and identify areas where collaborative efforts will advance the Center towards achievement of its goals.
• Supervise the preparation of creative, individually tailored written and/or alternative media presentations for proposals and reports.
• Engage with Kennedy Center senior leadership, Trustees, and donors as appropriate to advance fundraising goals.

Management 

• Supervise a team in managing fundraising campaigns
• Strengthen the capacity of team members to take on complex projects and manage administrative processes.
• Ensure that team processes and systems are well managed and optimized.
• Participate in all Development department meetings, planning, and campaign implementation for current or long-term operating purposes.
• Contribute to the Development department’s strategic planning initiatives through joint leadership of core pillars
• Actively promote a collegial and collaborative working relationship with all Kennedy Center employees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. An advanced degree or training in a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years fundraising or related experience required.
• Experience managing a dynamic and highly competent team.
• Experience with Tessitura is preferred.
• Superior and professional organizational, prioritization, written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills as well as computer literacy.
• A nuanced understanding of the ways to maximize fundraising potential within a large and complex institution.
• Ability to foresee development needs, generate work for this position and for others supportive of this position, anticipate the needs of superiors, and multitask efficiently.
• Ability to deftly manage many relationships and personality types - both internal among staff members, and external among constituents.
• Ability and confidence to work without close supervision
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided. 
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite.