Please submit a cover letter for consideration.
About The Kennedy Center
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. 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
Job Description
The Director of Public Relations (Classical) is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the awareness, public image, and reputation of the Kennedy Center and its two resident artistic affiliates—the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) and Washington National Opera (WNO). The Director’s primary focus is to support the artistic vision by helping to craft key messages and storylines, actively pursuing and delivering coverage and visibility through local, national, and international media placements, new media, and storytelling. This role will also work in close coordination with the Center’s marketing department to execute strategies that support seasonal marketing and on-sale initiatives to build audiences and achieve earned revenue goals.
The Director will supervise a team of two direct reports: a senior press representative and a PR coordinator. Additionally, as part of the execution of strategic communications campaigns throughout the season for the NSO and WNO, this role will craft and lead internal communications to ensure broad awareness and alignment throughout the NSO, WNO, and the Center.
Key Responsibilities
- Publicity & Media Relations: Design and implement comprehensive communications strategies that support and leverage the classical music offerings at the Kennedy Center. Assign, write, review, and edit press releases and media communications.
- Management of staff: Provide leadership and guidance to senior press rep and coordinator in their work towards meeting job objectives and goals.
- Content Generation/Production: Work closely with social media team to develop and produce organic social media content consistent with strategic communications goals.
- Digital Program Content: Review and approve draft digital and printed program content for all Kennedy Center/NSO/WNO programming and events.
- Internal Coordination: Work proactively and initiate/attend regular meetings with senior and artistic leadership to develop and execute strong messaging.
- Special Events: Assist and support team for the Center’s marquee award events including the Kennedy Center Honors and other Center-wide special events.
- Finance/Budget: Oversee and manage budget for PR-related expenditures for NSO and WNO throughout the year.
- Other duties as assigned.
Key Qualifications
- Minimum of 8 years of strategic public relations management experience, with at least three years in a supervisory capacity.
- Demonstrated publicity results on a national level and proven success at managing complex issues.
- Bachelor’s degree required; public relations or communications degree a plus.
- Strong interpersonal skills to interact professionally with media, artists, and a variety of other internal and external constituents.
- Outstanding writing and editing skills.
- Ability to multi-task and respond quickly to requests from journalists/editors.
- Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.
Additional Information
Travel of up to 5% may be required.
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