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The Kennedy Center

Events Fundraising Coordinator

Washington, DC

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!

Job Description

The Development Office at the Kennedy Center is a vibrant, dynamic, and creative group of over 90 professionals responsible for finding new, creative, sustainable, and efficient ways to meet or exceed the institution's over $80M annual contributed income goal. These funds support the organization's extraordinary programming-world class performances on our many stages at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; local, regional, and national education programs reaching students, teachers, families, and budding artists; and community-driven social impact programming that upholds the legacy of President Kennedy in our role as his presidential memorial.

The Special Events team directs and manages all Office of Development events, including fundraising and benefit-fulfillment events for the Kennedy Center, National Symphony Orchestra, and the Washington National Opera.

In collaboration with the Director of Special Events, Manager of Event Fundraising, and Assistant Manager of Event Fundraising, the Coordinator, Events Fundraising is responsible for administrative and logistical coordination relating to guest management and communications, all of which support our $15M revenue goal for signature events.

Key Responsibilities

Signature Event Guest Management

  • Manages registration logistics for each signature event, including requesting tables for set up, staff training, and day-of management
  • Manage on-site registration at all signature events, including pre-event logistics and real-time customer service needs. Ensure registration table staff are efficiently trained and that the registration process is a continuously improving system through feedback sessions, technological improvements, etc.
  • Manage and update each event's guest submissions process and forms. During event lead up, manages guest change process and acts as point of contact for Development team questions relating to guest management.
  • Processes Internal Purchase Orders with the Box Office for signature event tickets, ensuring accurate ticket locations and pricing are captured
  • Manages signature event program book donor listings and collaborates with Development team for review and edits
  • In partnership with the Signature Events Coordinator, manage all printing needs relating to management, including ticket envelopes and dinner place cards
  • Manage tax receipt mailings by coordinating weekly reviews of donor contributions for signature events.
  • Oversee event email inbox communication and ensure timely responses to donor inquiries and RSVPs. Responds to incomplete website orders to close purchase and tracks conversion rate
  • Maintains signature event voicemail boxes and responds to donor inquiries
  • Maintain and continuously evaluate template documents used for events, including fundraising materials, acknowledgement letters, tax receipts, confirmation letters, etc.

Benefit and Institutional Event Management

  • Manage all facets of the event process including planning and implementation timelines for small scale benefit/institutional priority events (under 50 guests).
  • Work collaboratively with key stakeholders to identify format, inventory and capacity, and location, to create design concept, and to manage the overall guest experience.
  • Work with internal and external vendors to create innovative event concepts, inspired menus, and unique designs aligning with industry trends. Ensure concepts stay within budget while maximizing the guest experience.
  • Design minute-by-minute logistics of the event such load in/out, set up, deliveries, vendor time management.
  • Ensure all event expenses are recorded, paid, and remain within budget guidelines.

Teamwork

  • Work collaboratively with the Special Events team to maintain a healthy, professional and vibrant working relationship within the office and across the institution. Support new ideas and creative development of events under supervision of the Events Fundraising Manager.

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

  • College degree or applicable professional experience.
  • Minimum of 1 year of event management or fundraising experience.
  • Experience developing communications timetables and effective messaging strategies to reach fundraising targets.
  • Experienced project manager with a demonstrated track record of delivering high quality results on-time while maintaining a high standard of customer service.
  • Proficiency in database management, Microsoft Office Suite, and other computer skills, as required.
  • Experience navigating large, complex organizations, and collaborating across teams to achieve shared goals.
  • Exceptional project management skills. Skilled in developing work plans with tasks and tactics that achieve goals for each event.
  • Willingness and ability to regularly participate in evening and weekend events.
  • Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

  • This position is required to be onsite for event activity, but is also eligible for hybrid working arrangements that accommodate remote work.

Client-provided location(s): Washington, DC, USA
Job ID: kennedycenter-1636
Employment Type: Full Time