Job Description

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 America's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across the United States and around the world, connecting the greatest living artists with audiences of every stripe, no matter their background. We welcome all Americans and creators and visitors from across the globe to discover, experience, learn about, be inspired by, and engage with the arts.

Why Join Us

We offer a total rewards package to all full-time employees to include:

• 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
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2024 staff video!

Pay Details

The Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $110,000 - $130,000, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. This is the targeted range of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. This range may be modified in the future. Base pay within the range is ultimately determined by a candidate's skills, expertise, and experience as it relates to the position qualifications and responsibilities.

Job Description

The Director of Public Relations, Non-Classical is responsible for maintaining and positively positioning the public image of the Kennedy Center through local, national, and international media placements, new media, self-generated content and storytelling, and by influencing a range of platforms including the Center's social media and website. The Director will manage the day-to-day media operations of a fast-paced PR office, directing artistic and program announcements, leveraging publicity opportunities, driving media cultivation, and determining positioning of institutional news and issues. The Director will supervise a team of direct reports and be responsible for executing strategic communications campaigns from start to finish for all productions that fall under Theater (Broadway and Drama), Theater for Young Audiences, Ballet, Comedy, Dance, Hip Hop, and Jazz, as well as relevant educational programs and events. By building productive relationships with media, artistic partners and outside companies, publicists/managers, and internal staff, they will generate significant and high-impact coverage of a large portion of the more than 2,000 performances and events held at the Center each year.

Reporting to the VP of Public Relations, this position will also work closely and proactively with them and other senior/executive leadership, providing strategic input and guidance as it relates to all variety of communications, including crisis communications. This position regularly collaborates with external artistic partners, vendors, and publicists/managers to coordinate publicity efforts.

Upon hiring, this position will be enrolled as a member of the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers (ATPAM). Current ATPAM membership is not required for candidacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Publicity & Media Relations: Develop and implement short and long-term public relations strategies that support and leverage the unparalleled breadth, vibrancy and excellence of the performing arts offerings at the Kennedy Center. Help to craft and deliver a message that consistently positions the Center as an enterprising arts leader across America and the world. Assign, write, review and edit press releases and media communications that reflect the Center's overarching artistic vision and mission. Primary areas of discipline and focus: Theater, Theater for Young Audiences, ballet, dance, education, comedy, jazz, Hip Hop, Social Impact, and special projects as programmed and assigned.
• Media Affairs: Develop relationships with a key target list of industry press contacts and continue building an open line of communication to develop positive narratives from the media about the Kennedy Center and its programming. Proactive outreach daily to ensure there is a consistent drumbeat in the public about the works being done here. Draft and edit media pitch and other outreach necessary for a constant presence in the press.
• Internal Coordination: Work proactively and initiate/attend regular meetings with senior and artistic leadership, directors, and managers cross-institutionally to develop and execute strong messaging and manage flow and distribution of information. Use public relations expertise to contribute creative ideas that will generate buzz, reach a broad range of media (beyond arts and culture reporters), and cultivate new audiences.
• Management of staff: Provide leadership and guidance to PR team in their work towards meeting job objectives and goals. Work with direct reports on long-range PR planning and short and long-term campaigns and direct efforts to achieve maximum publicity for Kennedy Center events, artists, and stories.
• Special Events: As a senior member of the Kennedy Center Public Relations Office, assist and support team for the Center's marquee award events including the Kennedy Center Honors (December), the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (Spring), and other Center-wide special events including major international festivals and other initiatives to generate a higher profile of the Kennedy Center locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Content Generation/Production: Work closely with social media team, sharing earned media as suggested content for organic social media posts consistent with strategic communications goals. Advise on the voice, messaging, and branding of the social media accounts.
• Finance/Budget: Oversee and manage budget for PR-related expenditures (i.e. photography, media event costs) for non-classical programming throughout the year. Routinely track invoices and expenses and ensure timely payment for vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of public relations and/or corporate communications experience with demonstrated success at managing complex issues in a fast-paced environment.
• College degree required; public relations or communications degree a plus.
• Relationships with key journalists and media outlets highly valued for this position (arts beat and editorial leadership relationships, but also general/mainstream reporters).
• Excellent interpersonal skills; outstanding writing and editing skills.
• Personal characteristics of poise, calm, and composure in stressful, crisis communications situations.
• Candidates with appreciation and expansive knowledge of the performing arts are preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills, and a capacity to build strong teams.
• Ability to multi-task and respond quickly to requests from journalists/editors, photo desks, as well as internal departments and artistic/executive leadership.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite.

Additional Information

Travel of up to 5% may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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