Organization: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Location: Washington, DC, USA (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-time
Requisition #: LEADA001222
Salary Range: $95,000 – $117,000 annually, commensurate with experience
About the Organization
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts serves as America’s premier cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center hosts performances across all artistic genres and houses distinguished affiliates, including the Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. Committed to fostering inclusion, empowerment, and belonging, the Kennedy Center values diverse perspectives and life experiences and provides a safe and inspiring workplace.
Mission: As the nation’s performing arts hub, the Center connects world-class artists with audiences of all backgrounds, welcoming creators and visitors from around the world to experience, learn, and engage with the arts.
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Why Join the Kennedy Center
Full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive rewards package including:
- Staff discounts on tickets
- Retirement plan with organizational matching (after 1 year)
- Eligibility for Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
- Commuter benefits, including pre-tax parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
- Immediate access to annual, sick, and personal leave
- 13 paid holidays per year
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits with FSA/HSA options and paid FMLA
Position Overview
The Lead Archivist and Institutional Records Manager will design and implement a long-term archives and records management program for the Kennedy Center. This role involves maintaining and expanding the Center’s archival collection, developing federal and trust records management systems, managing Fine Art collections, overseeing the JFK Gallery museum operations, and establishing digital asset management processes. The position collaborates across departments to support artistic programming, marketing, fundraising, and public outreach, and will lead a team of archivists and collections staff.
Reporting to the General Counsel, the Lead Archivist ensures the preservation, accessibility, and strategic management of the Center’s historical and institutional resources.
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Key Impact
- Develop a 2-3 year strategic plan for archives and collections management, including mission statements, policies, access procedures, and operational workflows.
- Build and supervise an archives and collections team, including interns, volunteers, and full-time staff.
- Oversee day-to-day archival operations, advising senior management on administrative, operational, and budgetary matters.
- Manage accessioning, processing, inventorying, storage, and deaccessioning of archival materials and Fine Art collections.
- Implement conservation plans and assess space needs for archives and Fine Art storage.
- Develop and maintain institutional records systems and document retention schedules compliant with federal requirements.
- Establish digital asset management systems in collaboration with the IT division.
- Maintain collections databases, finding aids, and workflow documentation.
- Respond to internal and external reference inquiries related to historical and institutional information.
- Assist in identifying funding opportunities and budget planning to sustain archiving programs.
Required Candidate
Education Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Library/Information Science, Archival Studies, or Records Management from an ALA-accredited institution.
Experience & Skills:
- 7-10 years of professional archives, collections, and records management experience.
- At least 3 years of supervisory experience.
- Knowledge of archival and information science technologies, databases, content management systems, and digital asset management systems.
- Familiarity with metadata standards and best practices in conservation and preservation.
- Experience managing Fine Arts collections, including accessioning, deaccessioning, conservation, and storage.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
- Demonstrated aptitude in collection development and archival workflow optimization.
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Additional Information
This position involves regular in-person and phone communication, frequent use of hands and arms for office and computer tasks, and occasional lifting of objects up to 50 pounds.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Kennedy Center provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status. Applicants are encouraged to review the Department of Labor’s Know Your Rights notice.
Contact & More Information: Kennedy Center Careers