Special Events Assistant Manager

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
• Flexible work arrangements
• 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 $52,000 - $65,000, 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 Development Office at the Kennedy Center is a vibrant, dynamic, and creative group of over 50 professionals responsible for finding new, creative, sustainable, and efficient ways to meet or exceed the institution's over $70M annual contributed income goal. These funds support the organization's extraordinary programming-world class performances on our many stages at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; local, regional, and national education programs reaching students, teachers, families, and budding artists; and community-driven social impact programming that upholds the legacy of President Kennedy in our role as his presidential memorial.

The Special Events team directs and manages all development events, including fundraising and benefit-fulfillment events for the Kennedy Center, National Symphony Orchestra, and the Washington National Opera.

Manage all facets of the event process including planning and implementation timelines for small to large events (10-500+ guests). The Assistant Manager 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 have a direct impact on the donor base of the Kennedy Center.

Key Responsibilities

Event Management - Signature Events

• Project manage and execute assigned ancillary events for Kennedy Center signature and legacy events, including managing all facets of the event process - planning and implementation, and serving as onsite coordinator
• Manage audio visual production, catering and event design for assigned events; present all options to development teams and necessary Special Events/DEVO leadership
• Work with internal and external vendors to create innovative event concepts, inspired menus, and unique designs aligning with industry trends.
• Lead dinner seating process on assigned ancillary signature event dinners.
• Fully support Special Events Manager in all event logistics for each signature event to identify event format, capacity, location, guest access and movement, accessibility requirements, usher and security requirements, and any housekeeping or facilities requests.
• Design minute-by-minute logistics of the event such load in/out, set up, deliveries, vendor time management.

Benefit Event Management

• Manage all facets of the event process for assigned benefit events including planning and implementation, including those hosted off-site
• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders for benefit events to identify format, inventory and capacity, and location, to create design concept, and to manage the overall guest experience.
• Coordinate event scheduling and space calendaring through Artsvision for assigned benefit events
• Work with internal and external vendors to create innovative event concepts, inspired menus, and unique designs aligning with industry trends.
• Design minute-by-minute logistics of the event such load in/out, set up, deliveries, vendor time management.
• RSVP tracking and guest management (dietary/accessibility/seating requests)

Relationship Management

• Serve as liaison for event photography and entertainment vendors, such as bands, DJs, musicians, comedians, and other performers who are part of the pre- and post-event celebrations, receptions, and dinners.

Budgeting

• Ensure all event expenses are recorded, paid, and remain within budget guidelines
• Collaborate on post-event financial reconciliation

Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with the Special Events team to maintain a healthy, professional and vibrant working relationship within the office and across the institution. Support new ideas and creative development of events under supervision of the Director or Special Events

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in event management. The position requires a full appreciation and understanding of event planning and logistics as it applies to matters of food and beverage services, production services and other vendor negotiations that are in line with Kennedy Center standards.
• College degree or applicable professional experience.
• Excellent project management skills
• Work independently and in a collaborative team environment with ease.
• Proficiency in database management, Microsoft Office Suite, and other computer skills, as required. Experience with Tessitura strongly preferred.
• Have flexibility for extended hours, including nights and weekends.
• Investment in the Kennedy Center's mission. Interest in arts, culture, and arts education is ideal.
• Experience navigating large, complex organizations, and collaborating across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional project management skills.
• Willingness and ability to regularly participate in evening and weekend events.

Additional Information

This position is required to be onsite for event activity, but is also eligible for hybrid working arrangements.