The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, seeks a seasoned Director of Marketing who can guide its marketing vision with clarity, precision, and a strong revenue focus. This full-time, on-site position was posted on 22 November 2025 and carries the requisition number DIREC001143. The role sits within the Marketing department and supports one of the most influential cultural institutions in the United States.
About the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center stands as a national leader in the performing arts and as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The Center welcomes creators and audiences from every background. It presents opera, theater, jazz, dance, comedy, and multidisciplinary work through its own stages and through its affiliates. Its workplace culture values transparency, safety, and empowerment. It offers equal opportunities to every applicant and celebrates the diversity of its teams.
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Why Professionals Join the Team
Full-time employees receive a total rewards package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. They have access to FSA and HSA options, paid FMLA, annual leave, sick leave, and personal days from day one. The Center observes 11 paid holidays. Staff can access ticket discounts, retirement matching after 1 year, commuter benefits, and eligibility for Public Student Loan Forgiveness.
Compensation Overview
The projected salary range is $108,000 to $120,000. Final compensation depends on experience, expertise, and demonstrated ability to meet the position’s expectations.
Role Overview
The Director of Marketing oversees integrated marketing strategies for the Kennedy Center’s programming portfolio. The role focuses on growth, revenue, and audience engagement. The Director leads a team that manages campaigns across theater, comedy, dance, hip hop, jazz, contemporary music, children and family programming, and institutional initiatives.
This leader must deliver on revenue targets. They guide strategic planning, manage budgets, refine processes, and develop data-informed campaigns. They also shape the Center’s advertising revenue pipeline by building opportunities within internal channels. A close partnership with the Senior Marketing Manager for CRM and Analytics supports data alignment and audience segmentation.
Primary Areas of Responsibility
1. Strategic Market Leadership
The Director designs and oversees strategies that lift ticket sales and build audience reach. They work closely with the Artistic teams to ensure campaigns reflect program goals. They provide direction on messaging, creative development, and strategic alignment.
2. Team Supervision and Growth
The Director manages the Marketing Manager for Theater and KCTYA. They also supervise the Marketing Manager for Dance, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Contemporary Music, as well as the Assistant Manager for Comedy and Institutional Programming. They standardize processes and build a collaborative culture that strengthens performance and professional growth.
3. Financial Oversight
The Director leads budget creation and projections for the Marketing Strategy team. They monitor spending through the year and coordinate with Finance to produce reports and optimize resource allocation. They advise the VP of Marketing on cost efficiencies.
4. Campaign Operations
The Director oversees the lifecycle of marketing campaigns across digital, print, broadcast, and out-of-home channels. They coordinate with CRM and Analytics to assess campaign performance. They adjust strategies based on segmentation and user behavior.
5. Institutional Collaboration
This role collaborates across departments. The Director shares updates in institutional meetings. They work with artistic teams to maintain a unified event messaging strategy. The Director also supports the development of advertising revenue opportunities within Kennedy Center channels.
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Desired Candidate Profile
Ideal candidates bring more than six years of leadership experience in marketing, preferably in performing arts, entertainment, theater, or touring Broadway. They understand brand management and know how to design campaigns that lift revenue and meet ROI targets.
They must demonstrate expertise across the marketing mix. They should be highly organized, results-driven, and skilled in integrated marketing. The ability to communicate with clarity and confidence across all levels of the organization is essential.
Candidates must be local or ready to relocate to the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. This role requires full-time on-site work.
Education and Qualifications
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field is preferred. Ten or more years of relevant experience may substitute for a formal degree. Strong budget management skills and expertise in arts-focused marketing practices are required.
Application Process
Candidates can apply ASAP via the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts’ official careers portal.
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Additional Notes
The role may involve travel of up to 2 percent. The Kennedy Center maintains equal employment standards and provides applicants with the required federal rights information.