Washington, DC

Assistant Manager, NSO Individual Giving, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The Organization

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.

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.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity is a critical component of our mission, vision, and values. Our staff exhibits a wide variety of perspectives and experiences which enable us to foster and strengthen an environment of diversity and inclusion. The Kennedy Center’s Diversity & Inclusion Council, composed of staff members from various departments across the organization, is committed to guiding and holding the Center accountable in the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of the work at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Position Overview

Job Description

The Assistant Manager, NSO Individual Giving, assists the Manager of NSO Development in the management and long-term development of the NSO National Trustees (donors $15,000+), NSO Major Gifts (donors $10,000+), and NSO Circles (donors $1,800+) campaigns, including research, cultivation, acquisition, stewardship, and ongoing maintenance for both restricted and unrestricted contributions.  The incumbent serves as a development liaison and assists with and manages other special initiatives and events as necessary.  This position generates work for two Development Assistants, all reporting to the Manager of NSO Development.

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 NSO contributors. An eagerness to communicate and problem solve with a positive attitude and creativity is essential.

Duties & Responsibilities

50%   Fundraising Portfolio – Manage a portfolio of donors giving $1,800+ across NSO Circles, Major Gifts, and National Trustees campaigns:

  • Steward a portfolio of active and prospective NSO donors via direct contact through phone, email, in-person visits/events, and off-site events and travel
  • Research, qualify, and strategically cultivate donors for new, renewing, and upgraded giving by preparing research briefings, custom cultivation and solicitation strategies, and solicitations and proposals, and soliciting gifts personally
  • Ensure prompt and appropriate donor stewardship by overseeing correct gift entry, acknowledgments, tax receipts, database updates, involvement of NSO leadership, recognition/crediting, event and engagement invitations, benefits fulfillment, and overall portfolio moves management tracking
  • Work directly with the Strategy & Special Projects and Planned Giving teams to identify potential upgrade, new major gifts, and planned giving prospects

35%   Campaign Strategy & Management – Support the Manager in all aspects of implementing NSO individual giving campaign strategy:

  • Develop solicitation materials such as one-pagers, proposals, presentations, and brochures in support of the National Trustees and Major Gifts campaigns, including the Amici di Gianandrea and Noseda Era Fund
  • Develop renewal and solicitation materials, such as letters, reply forms, brochures, etc. for the NSO Circles mid-level giving campaign and work with the WNO and Kennedy Center Circles team to coordinate the stewardship and solicitation of shared donors
  • Oversee the Assistant, NSO Circles & Events, in all aspects of implementing the NSO Circles campaign, including gift processing, renewal processes, recognition, and benefit fulfillment
  • Oversee the financial tracking and performance monitoring of the NSO Circles campaign, including reporting progress to the Manager and Chief Development Officer on a bi-weekly basis and recommending adjustments to ensure the campaign meets its annual goal

15%  Events, Travel, and Meetings – Support the Manager and Special Events team in implementing NSO event and travel strategy to support NSO donor engagement and fundraising:

  • Assist in conceiving and designing thoughtful and strategic donor engagement opportunities including small cultivation events, large-scale donor benefit events, and national and international travel opportunities
  • Plan and develop/coordinate content for three annual NSO National Trustees business meetings in Washington, D.C. and national and international locations
  • Proactively engage portfolio donors through formal and informal (i.e. attending rehearsals, meeting in lounges pre-concert, arranging meals and meetings with Development staff and/or NSO staff and artists) engagement opportunities throughout the season and in support of individual moves management strategies and fundraising goals
  • Personally staff on-site and off-site NSO and Kennedy Center events, both locally and nationally, in support of donor and prospect cultivation and solicitation strategies

N/A   Respond to the needs and requests of Kennedy Center management and staff in a professional and expedient manner; Adhere to all employer policies and procedures.

N/A   Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • Two to four years development or related experience required
  • Working knowledge of the performing arts is preferred, specifically classical music

Skills & Knowledge Qualifications

  • Superior organizational, written, and verbal communications and interpersonal skills
  • Careful attention to detail
  • Proven organization and prioritization skills
  • Ability to exercise discretion and tact with staff and donors
  • Ability and confidence to work without close supervision
  • Ability to delegate, multitask, and manage projects with varying timelines
  • Experience with Tessitura is ideal

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and on the telephone.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel in order to operate computer keyboard, office equipment, and other essential tasks.  The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach with hands and arms.  This position infrequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, and a 403(b) Retirement Plan.

How To Apply

Please submit your application at www.kennedy-center.org/careers

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