Organization: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Location: Washington, DC, United States
Department: Development
Employment Type: Full-time
Requisition Number: MAJOR001164
Salary Range: USD 52,000 to 57,000 per year, based on experience
About the Organization
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts serves as the national cultural center of the United States and stands as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Situated along the Potomac River in Washington, DC, the Center presents performances across all artistic genres while supporting renowned affiliates such as the Washington National Opera and the National Symphony Orchestra.
The organization values inclusion, belonging, and empowerment in the workplace. Its mission is to connect world-class artists with diverse audiences while creating a welcoming space for creativity, learning, and inspiration.
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Role Overview
The Major Gifts Assistant Manager plays a central role within the Major and Leadership Gifts team. This position supports high-value fundraising efforts and stewardship initiatives for some of the Kennedy Center’s most generous individual donors. Working under the guidance of the Manager of Major Gifts, the role contributes to personalized donor engagement strategies while ensuring accurate documentation, smooth operations, and exceptional donor experiences.
In addition, the role provides administrative and coordination support for leadership-level donors associated with the National Committee for the Performing Arts.
Key Responsibility Areas
Donor Strategy and Stewardship Support
The position supports fundraising strategies for major donors contributing to annual funds, endowments, and flagship fundraising galas. This includes preparing donor briefings, acknowledgments, solicitations, and stewardship materials while maintaining a personalized communication approach.
Development Operations and Documentation
Accurate tracking of gifts, pledges, and campaign progress remains a core focus. The role ensures all contributions are appropriately documented and recorded in internal systems while maintaining up-to-date donor records.
Committee and Event Coordination
The Assistant Manager contributes to the planning and execution of committee meetings, donor events, and high-profile galas, including the Kennedy Center Honors and the Mark Twain Prize. Responsibilities include guest coordination, logistics support, and stewardship for event sponsors and chairs.
Donor Engagement and Customer Service
Regular interaction with donors occurs via phone, email, written correspondence, and in-person engagement. The role ensures donor benefits are fulfilled, recognition is accurate, and relationships are supported with professionalism and care.
Creative Recognition and Milestone Support
Personalized donor recognition efforts are supported through thoughtful gestures tied to organizational milestones or donor life events such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Onsite and Administrative Support
The position provides on-site assistance during performances and fundraising events, oversees office materials, and supports day-to-day administrative needs within the team.
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Best Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate demonstrates strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a donor mindset. Experience in customer-facing environments, combined with an interest in the performing arts, aligns well with this role.
Education and Experience Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is preferred. Candidates should bring two to three years of experience in fundraising, development, writing, or event logistics. Familiarity with CRM systems such as Tessitura is advantageous, along with an understanding of arts or cultural organizations.
Work Requirements and Conditions
The role is based onsite in Washington, DC. Candidates must be local or willing to relocate, as relocation support is not provided. Evening or weekend hours may be required for events, typically with advance notice. Limited local travel may also be necessary.
While the regular work environment remains quiet, fundraising events and performances involve high noise levels.
Compensation and Benefits Overview
This full-time role offers an annual salary range of USD 52,000 to 57,000, determined by experience and qualifications. The benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement contributions; paid leave; holidays; commuter benefits; and access to cultural experiences at the Kennedy Center.
Application Procedure
If you are interested in joining the Kennedy Center of Performing Arts, visit the company’s official careers page now.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics, in accordance with federal employment laws.