Individual Giving Assistant Manager

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, Individual Giving assists the Director of Individual Giving and collaborates with the entire Circles team in the planning, coordination, and execution of the Circles Program ($1,800-$49,999 annual gifts), a nearly $5 million program for the Kennedy Center. This position holds a donor portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects, ensures the implementation of cultivation and benefit events, supports accurate revenue and expense budget projections, and is the lead coordinator of Circles Board meetings. The incumbent serves as a development liaison and assists with and manages other special initiatives and events as necessary. This position generates work for one Circles Assistant and collaborates with the Circles Program manager, all reporting to the Director of Individual Giving.

The Assistant Manager must be able to exercise discretion, effectively prioritize their time for both short- and long-term project management, maintain database records for effective fundraising success, and develop and grow personal relationships with a range of Circles members. An eagerness to communicate and problem solve with a positive attitude and creativity is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio and Campaign Management: manage a portfolio of Circles donors in collaboration with the Circles team and an external consulting firm, including cultivation, acquisition campaigns, annual solicitations, and acknowledgments.

• Proactively steward and be responsive to a portfolio of active and prospective Circles donors via phone, email, in-person visits, performances, and events

• Strategically cultivate donors for new and upgraded giving by identifying and qualifying prospects, and creating personalized gift solicitations

• Work with our external partner and internal teams on various campaign strategies, including materials development, data analysis, and review for acquisition appeals and renewal efforts

• Collaborate with the Director and Circles Manager on key inputs to revenue and budgetary considerations, such as financial expenses and reporting

• Coordinate communications across teams for donors giving Circles-level gifts who are also major and/or leadership gifts donors for the Kennedy Center

• Ensure prompt and appropriate donor stewardship by overseeing administrative tasks with the support of the Circles assistant as well as working with the Prospect

• Development, Intelligence and Analytics and Finance teams on gift processing, database extraction, acknowledgments, tax receipts, etc.

Donor Engagement: work closely with the events team and other internal teams to plan and execute cultivation events and donor benefits.

• Work collaboratively with the entire Circles teams and when appropriate, other stewardship teams across Kennedy Center, NSO, and WNO major and leadership gifts teams to manage logistics of benefit events and cultivation opportunities, such as guest lists, invitations, catering, budgets, seating, and other items

• Manage requests for donors and prospects for Kennedy Center signature events, such as Honors, Mark Twain Prize, Fireworks on the Fourth, and NSO and WNO Galas

• Attend onsite and offsite events, greet donors in the Circles lounges, work with lounge staff to enhance Circles member experiences, and proactively engage donors creatively

Coordinate all aspects of the Kennedy Center Circles Board (approx. 35 members) including:

• Drafting and editing written materials (solicitations, acknowledgments, notes, research briefings, proposals, etc.) in collaboration with the Director and the Communications team

• Accurately tracking progress, ensuring completion of leadership responsibilities from the Board and working with the Circles Manager to coordinate solicitation and Board stewardship

• Producing and managing three meetings per year, including catering, agendas, meeting materials, production requirements, and guest speakers

• Managing fundraising efforts and initiatives led by Board Members

• Planning and executing cultivation events throughout the year, working closely with Special Events and other development staff

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Minimum of two to four years development or related experience required.

• Working knowledge of the performing arts is preferred.

• Experience with Tessitura or nonprofit experience with a CRM database is preferred.

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

Additional Information

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

• Travel up to 5% may be required. Flexible remote work options are available with some onsite work required.