About The Kennedy Center
"I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit." - President John F. Kennedy
The Kennedy Center is the nation's cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra.
At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.
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Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts.
Why Join Us
We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including:
- Staff offers for discount tickets
- Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
- Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
- Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
- Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
- 11 paid holidays per year
- Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
- Flexible work arrangements
- We like to have fun! Check out the staff video!
ABOUT WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA: (WNO), a flagship of the Kennedy Center, is one of the leading opera companies in the United States. Under the world-renowned leadership team of General Director and Artistic Director , the company presents a diverse repertory of grand operas and leading-edge productions across three main venues of the Kennedy Center, including the 2,200-seat Kennedy Center Opera House.
With a commitment to presenting dramatically compelling works executed at the highest levels of artistry, the company balances the standard repertory with new and infrequently performed works. Each season, WNO also seeks to shape the future of opera through commissioned American works and a variety of special concerts, youth operas, and events.
Funded in 1956 and an artistic affiliate of the Kennedy Center since 2011, WNO has a storied legacy of groundbreaking world premieres and new productions, international tours, live recordings, and radio broadcasts, digitally streamed content, as well as innovative education and community-engagement programs. In recent years, WNO has been known particularly for championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging onstage, on the podium, and behind the scenes, by championing artists and creators who identify as BIPOC, women, and non-binary in artistic leadership positions such as conductors, directors, composers, librettists, and designers.
THE OPPORTUNITY: The Managing Director for Advancement, Washington National Opera (MDA) will create and lead a team and a comprehensive advancement strategy to build out the major gift philanthropy program to take it to new levels of success. He/she/they will lead both annual and campaigns and increase and diversify the donor base, focusing primarily on individual major donors.
The MDA reports to Leslie Miller, Kennedy Center Senior Vice President, Development, has a dotted-line relationship to Timothy O'Leary, General Director, of the WNO, and will also work closely with WNO Trustees and the Artistic Director, among others. The individual in this role will lead a team of eight.
IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Passion for the WNO/Kennedy Center mission; an understanding of the importance and reach of the institution.
- Success driving growth in advancement, preferably in a major not-for-profit cultural institution.
- Proven ability to plan and lead a comprehensive advancement program and team.
- Experience working with a sophisticated donor base in a complex institutional setting.
- Confidence and relationship management skills.
- Familiar with the local and national philanthropic communities.
- Major campaign leadership experience.
- Success as a frontline cultivator and solicitor of major gifts.
- Committed to the principles of equity and inclusion and a history of growing and leading diverse teams.
- Able to work successfully with existing donors and tap into new, diverse pockets of major donors.
- Experience working effectively with board members, artistic teams, and volunteer leadership.
- A polished communicator.
- Current with best practices in the field and on-trend approaches in philanthropy including digital/social media.
- Diplomatic and ambassadorial; able to serve as an advocate and representative for the institution.
- Ability and willingness to regularly attend evening and weekend events and to travel, as necessary.
- Bachelor's degree is required, an advanced degree is a plus.
Please do not apply directly on the Kennedy Center careers page. To apply please go to
Nominations and expressions of interest will be held in confidence and may be sent to:
Esther Rosenberg or Patty Greco
Co-Managing Directors
Howe-Lewis International
(212) 697-5000