The Assistant works with two Assistant Managers and one Manager in soliciting corporate, foundation, and government support for the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), and, where appropriate, related Kennedy Center programs. The Assistant will draft correspondence, grant applications, sponsorship materials and other materials; conduct corporate and foundation research; and maintain a large donor database. The Assistant will help provide donor stewardship for all corporate, foundation, and government donors, which includes benefit fulfillment, maintaining donor listings and sponsorship credits, and maintaining donor contact information.

The Assistant must be able to exercise discretion in order to prioritize assignments and work under significant pressure, as many projects are time sensitive, involving concurrent deadlines and donor interaction. An eagerness to communicate and problem solve with a positive attitude is essential.

The Assistant will routinely arrive at work on time prepared to do the work of the day; be able to differentiate and achieve high-value work versus low-value work; demonstrate a positive, can-do attitude in all work; meet deadlines with quality work products; and build productive relationships throughout the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

10% Provide proactive customer service to current corporate, foundation and government donors to the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). This includes: (a) interacting via phone and email with new and current donors to ensure that they are aware of the benefits available to them; (b) managing donor ticketing needs; and (c) managing signage and recognition approval process between donor and the Kennedy Center's Marketing and Press Departments.

15% Identify, cultivate, and solicit current and prospective donors/sponsors at all levels, helping to ensure their continued interest in and goodwill toward the Kennedy Center and the NSO.

15% Research funding prospects and create research briefings for Kennedy Center senior staff and Board members.

15% Prepare fundraising proposals and ensure fulfillment of sponsor/donor benefits for NSO programs.

10% Prepare detailed final reports for contributors; includes the gathering and submission of financial information and budgets.

10% Utilize and maintain the Tessitura database and other systems in tracking solicitations and donor information.

15% Manage and update the credit memo spreadsheet to ensure proper recognition for donors. Work directly with the Kennedy Center's marketing department to create on-site signage.

10% Process gifts to NSO: write/generate acknowledgement letters, tax receipts and membership cards, assemble copies for files.

N/A Other duties as assigned.

N/A Responds to the needs and requests of Kennedy Center management and staff in a professional and expedient manner.

N/A Adheres to all employer policies and procedures.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree is required. An advanced degree in a related field is beneficial.
• Minimum 1-2 years of development or related experience, as well as a working knowledge of the performing arts, is preferred.

Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required

• The incumbent must have the ability and confidence to work without close supervision, to foresee development needs, and to generate work for this position and for others supportive of this position including an intern.
• This position requires superior organizational, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills, as well as strong written and verbal communication.
• Fundraising efforts are conducted for multiple programs and events simultaneously, and the incumbent must be able to prioritize and manage many varied and time-sensitive tasks.
• Creativity and an excellent command of the English language are critical to identifying funding sources and matching their interests to projects, and to communicating persuasively, both in person and in writing, the need for funding.
• A professional and cordial demeanor, tact, and diplomacy are imperative as the candidate is regularly in contact with people at all levels of society and business including Kennedy Center leadership, high level volunteers, major donors and prospects, and other Center personnel.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and on the telephone. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel in order to operate computer keyboard, office equipment, and other essential tasks. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. This position infrequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

Large, vibrant, fast-paced office that values initiative, efficiency, diversity, and teamwork. Office culture encourages professional growth through internal promotion whenever possible.

Occasional evening and weekend work required.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

No travel required.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a world premier performing arts organization and our nation's cultural center. Diversity is a critical component of our mission, vision, and values. Our staff exhibits a wide variety of perspectives and experiences which enable us to foster and strengthen an environment of diversity and inclusion. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan.