A Strategic Role in Development and Fundraising
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., is searching for a Major Gifts Assistant Manager to join its Development team. This position plays a vital role in advancing relationships with high-level donors whose philanthropy fuels the Center’s nationally renowned programming.
About the Kennedy Center
As the United States’ cultural hub and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, the Center presents world-class performances across genres while serving as home to the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera. Beyond its stage productions, the institution is dedicated to inclusivity, belonging, and employee well-being, offering an environment that reflects its mission of uplifting the human spirit through the arts.
Why This Role Matters
The Major Gifts Assistant Manager will support the Major & Leadership Gifts team in cultivating and stewarding donors contributing significant gifts—often exceeding $50,000. By preparing personalized communications, maintaining accurate donor records, and ensuring seamless execution of fundraising strategies, this role strengthens the Kennedy Center’s capacity to deliver transformative arts experiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Draft donor-facing materials, including solicitations, acknowledgments, and event briefings
- Track and process contributions while maintaining up-to-date donor records in Tessitura
- Coordinate logistics for donor meetings, committee gatherings, and major fundraising galas, such as the Kennedy Center Honors and Mark Twain Prize
- Provide stewardship support for National Committee for the Performing Arts members and other high-level donors
- Oversee donor benefit fulfillment, recognition in print/digital materials, and ticketing needs
- Deliver hands-on support at cultivation events, benefits, and gala evenings
- Ensure smooth day-to-day operations for development communications and office resources
Candidate Profile
Ideal applicants bring:
- 2–3 years of fundraising, donor relations, or event logistics experience
- Strong writing and communication skills
- A background in customer service or front-facing roles
- Familiarity with the performing arts (preferred)
- Experience with Tessitura or other CRM databases (preferred)
- A bachelor’s degree (preferred)
- Willingness to work onsite in Washington, D.C., with occasional evening or weekend hours
Compensation and Benefits
The Kennedy Center offers an equitable salary range of $52,000–$57,000, commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package. Perks include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave, commuter benefits, staff ticket discounts, and retirement plan matching after one year. The organization is also a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Work Environment
This is a full-time, onsite role at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Occasional travel (approximately 5%) may be required for offsite donor events. While the daily work environment is generally quiet, attendance at high-profile fundraising events involves lively and sometimes loud settings.
Why Join the Kennedy Center
Employees are part of a mission-driven team dedicated to advancing the performing arts on a national scale. With nearly 3,000 performances each year and a global audience, the Kennedy Center continues to shape culture and connect communities through creativity and collaboration.
For more information, visit the Kennedy Center’s official careers portal.
