Individual Giving Assistant Manager (Washington National Opera)

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.

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 Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video!

Job Description

The Assistant Manager of Individual Giving, WNO will work with the Director of Individual Giving and Operations, WNO in the management and long-term development of the WNO Circles Campaign (donors $1,800 - $24,999) including cultivation, acquisition, stewardship, and ongoing maintenance for both unrestricted and restricted contributions. Experience in annual campaign strategy is preferred.

The Assistant Manager of Individual Giving, WNO will be responsible for generating solicitations and donor correspondence on behalf of WNO senior leadership. This position will also ensure fulfillment of donor benefits by liaising with contributors via all forms of communication, managing the campaign's renewal schedule, assisting in the planning process of stewardship events, maintaining proper donor crediting and utilizing departmental systems with regards to gift processing and the storing and maintenance of personal donor information. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

This position must be able to exercise discretion in order to prioritize assignments and work under significant pressure, as many projects are time sensitive and involve concurrent deadlines and donor interaction. An eagerness to communicate and problem-solve with a positive attitude is essential. The Assistant Manager of Individual Giving, WNO will join a highly collaborative fundraising team, within which each individual--in addition to working on their focused assignments--participates in broad strategic planning and supports colleagues as needed to achieve the entire Development department's goals.

Key Responsibilities

Manages both the strategy and daily operations of WNO's Circles Campaign ($1,000,000+ goal) including:

• Prepares timely and accurate written donor communication

• Creates and sends all solicitation and acknowledgment materials; coordinating a multi-staged campaign effort that includes letters, emails, phone calls, notes etc.

• Prepares acknowledgments and tax receipts, etc. of varying length and complexity;

• Completes timely gift entry forms and ensures accuracy of all billing and contributions.

• Continues the growth trajectory of the Circles program

• Works closely with colleagues on Prospect Development, Intelligence, and Analytics team to coordinate prospect/research briefings and qualification of new prospects for the WNO Circles program

• Identifies opportunities for gift increases within current program donors in coordination with the Prospect Development, Intelligence, and Analytics team

• Actively stewards and solicits WNO Circles donors through in person, telephone, email, and written communication;

• Maintains accurate donor records

• Participates in fundraising and general stewardship by:

• Responding to donor requests for Membership logistics and details;

• Ensuring proper donor recognition across several mediums;

• Managing donor ticketing needs

• Coordinates the inventory of fundraising and membership collateral materials, including: art revisions; new orders; proofing/editing; and vendor communications.

Assists with donor cultivation, stewardship, and major fundraising events:

• WNO Specific Events

• Serves as team lead for assigned stewardship events working in coordination with WNO Stewardship ,Kennedy Center Special Events Logistics and Strategy Teams

• Coordinates scheduling with WNO administrative staff and artists;

• Kennedy Center Special Events

• Reviews invitation lists on behalf of WNO

• Assists in fundraising efforts where possible

• Stewards donor portfolio through Kennedy Center major events

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or applicable professional experience.

• Minimum 2-4 years of development or related experience required.

• Working knowledge of the performing arts is preferred.

• Superior organizational, written, and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

• Careful attention to detail and awareness of standard accounting procedures.

• A professional and cordial demeanor, tact, and diplomacy are imperative as the incumbent 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.

• An understanding of the ways in which a fundraising operation works within a large and complex institution.

• Creativity and an excellent command of the English language are critical to identifying funding sources, matching their interests to projects, and communicating persuasively, both in person and in writing, the need for funding.

• Ability to deftly manage many relationships and personality types; both internally among staff members, and externally among constituents.

• Experience with Tessitura is ideal.

• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• Large, vibrant, fast-paced office that values initiative, efficiency, diversity, and teamwork.

• Office culture encourages professional growth through internal promotion whenever possible.

• Working outside of normal business hours (nights and weekends) can be expected from time to time

• The noise level in the work environment is low, however attendance at major fundraising events and performances is required. In those conditions, the noise level is very loud.

• This position is eligible for remote working arrangements.