Organization: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Location: Washington, DC, 20566, US (On-site)
Duration: Full-time, Permanent
Schedule: Full-time, On-site
Job category: Marketing
Requisition number: ADVER001156
Posted: 10 September 2025
Compensation: $52,000 – $60,000 annually (commensurate with experience, with benefits)
About the Organization
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, located on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., serves as the nation’s cultural hub and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. As America’s performing arts center, it brings together artists and audiences from across the globe through a wide variety of performances, educational initiatives, and artistic collaborations. The Kennedy Center is also home to the Washington National Opera and the National Symphony Orchestra.
The Center emphasizes a workplace culture built on belonging, inclusivity, and empowerment. It values diversity of thought and experience, fostering a transparent and supportive environment for employees. As an equal opportunity employer, it ensures all candidates are considered fairly, regardless of background or identity.
Position Overview
The Advertising Communications Assistant Manager plays a central role in shaping the voice of the Kennedy Center’s advertising efforts. Working alongside the Advertising Communications Manager, this position develops creative content across print, digital, and broadcast channels. The role also oversees daily email marketing operations and provides leadership to junior staff, interns, and freelance contributors.
Key Focus Areas
- Inclusive Digital Ecosystems
This role contributes to digital platforms by managing editorial content across the Kennedy Center’s website and related digital outlets, ensuring consistency in brand voice and audience engagement. - Country Office Support & Capacity Building
Not applicable. - Digital Strategy Implementation
The Assistant Manager leads the execution of daily email marketing projects, from drafting and editing to asset management and final approval, while maintaining tight deadlines. - Business Operations
Responsibilities include overseeing content workflows, coordinating with internal teams, and ensuring that projects meet strategic marketing and operational objectives. - Partnerships & Strategic Communications
The position collaborates with marketing, design, programming, and web teams to produce compelling advertising content. It also contributes to creative strategy development for campaigns that reach diverse audiences. - Digital Product Design & Management
The Assistant Manager assists with web content maintenance, contributes to digital creative strategy, and ensures the seamless integration of text and visuals across platforms. - Organizational Change Management
The role involves supervising and mentoring staff such as Copywriter/Coordinator(s), interns, and freelance contributors, fostering collaboration and efficiency within the department.
Candidate Profile
The Kennedy Center seeks a candidate who is both a creative thinker and a meticulous editor. The ideal individual will demonstrate the ability to craft compelling messages, manage multiple projects under pressure, and adapt quickly to shifting priorities. Strong collaboration skills and an appreciation for the arts are essential.
Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in advertising, journalism, communications, English, or a related field—or equivalent education—is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum two years of professional experience in copywriting, editing, and content development.
- A portfolio demonstrating creativity, originality, and effectiveness in written communication.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with PC-based word processing and spreadsheet software.
- Familiarity with content management systems.
- Knowledge of grammar, style, and spelling with a sharp eye for detail.
- Understanding of how text and visuals integrate effectively for marketing impact.
- Experience with basic graphic and video editing.
- Strong verbal communication and teamwork skills.
- Must be based in, or willing to relocate to, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area (no relocation assistance provided).
- On-site presence required.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants must provide samples of written work that highlight creativity and professional experience. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Additional Information
The Advertising Communications team operates in a deadline-driven environment where adaptability, collaboration, and strategic thinking are highly valued. Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health coverage, paid leave, retirement plans with employer matching, ticket discounts, commuter benefits, and participation in PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness).
The Kennedy Center is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. For more information, visit the Kennedy Center’s official careers portal.