About the Organization:

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ("The Kennedy Center") 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.

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.

The Kennedy Center, which opened on September 8, 1971, is located on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. The Center continues its efforts to fulfill President Kennedy's vision by producing and presenting an unmatched variety of theater and musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, world, and folk music, and multimedia performances for all ages.

Job Description:

The Program Assistant provides general administrative, clerical, and logistical support for program activities across genres in Music Education, including, but not limited to, Hip-Hop Culture, Jazz, Electronic Music, Opera, Classical and New Music. Support may consist of arranging accommodations and travel for artists, updating websites and social media, drafting and editing of reports, summaries, and promotional materials, processing financial paperwork for the department, and serving as a point of contact for pre-professional program participants in association with the Music Education team. The position also assists with logistical support for on and off-site events, liaising with other Kennedy Center departments, facilitating program auditions and registration, and providing additional support as needed on all projects. Evening and weekend work required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

25% Administrative Support - coordinate and manage daily office administrative needs; provide clerical support to Director of Music Education and Managers; provide additional support for in-house and off-site productions, programs and intensives; manage website and social media updates, including the Music Education SurveyMonkey Apply application pages and SurveyMonkey account; check general phone line messages and email accounts; copy-edit documents; research possible future program opportunities and collaborations as needed.

25% Program and Production logistics for events and pre-professional programs - program preparation (scores, music, calendars, forms, guest artist passes); assist with company management (hospitality, Playbill, Cuesheets) and process all ticket requests; submitting production and space requests, catering and meeting logistics; represent Music Education to schools, artists, and public audiences as needed.

25% Artist communication and support - book artist travel and accommodations for productions, presentations, festivals, conferences and intensives; serve as a point of contact for the Music Education pre-professional programs (including, but not limited to, Summer Music Institute, WNO Opera Institute, and NSO Youth Fellowship) and assist in maintenance of database entries; assist with registration of travel and housing for program participants.

20% Finance - Process weekly purchase orders, expense reimbursements, theater settlements, and credit card statements.

2.5% Program Evaluation and Analysis - Use in-house or external data to create summaries and reports regarding Kennedy Center Music Education programs.

2.5% Projects and Programs - Assists with special projects and programs related to the Programs and Productions team. Assists with office and departmental activities, conferences, events, projects, and programs, as needed.

N/A Responds to the needs and requests of Kennedy Center management and staff in a professional and expedient manner; Adheres to all employer policies and procedures.

Key Qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree in arts management, the performing arts, education, or other related field, or equivalent professional experience. Experience in music performance and/or education is preferred, but not required.
• Proficient writing and editing skills, strong communication skills (including public speaking), and basic accounting skills.
• Previous experience in general administrative work; a background in music, performing arts, and/or education is helpful, but not required. Should work well with deadlines and prioritizing multiple projects.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills; excellent written and spoken communication skills. Must be flexible and possess good organizational skills in order to help facilitate the support needed for the running of the programs.
• Computer literacy, including experience with Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Experience in basic graphic design a plus.

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:

The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.

Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, and a matching 403(b) Retirement Plan.

Additional benefits include: Commuter Programs, Education Assistance Programs, Social Activities, and other employee discounts and specials.