The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Broadcast Media and Special Programs Manager
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
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 advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees, who bring diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to create 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 worldwide. We connect the greatest living artists with audiences of every stripe, regardless of background, inviting all Americans 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:
Staff 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
13 paid holidays per year
Medical, dental, and vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
Pay Details The Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $70,000 – $80,000, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. 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 Manager, Broadcast and Special Programs will manage the day‑to‑day operations of the Center’s broadcast initiatives, including Kennedy Center Honors, Mark Twain Prize, and Next at the Kennedy Center, as well as new broadcast and streaming initiatives. The Manager must be able to make decisions and exercise discretion to prioritize assignments and work under significant pressure, often with concurrent deadlines. An eagerness to take initiative, communicate, work independently and in a team setting, and problem‑solve with a positive attitude is essential.
This position is essential in furthering the Kennedy Center’s broadcast ambitions and its mission to showcase the depth, breadth, and plethora of mediums the Kennedy Center presents and produces. Programs this role supports include, but are not limited to, artistic and operational oversight of The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Kennedy Center Honors, and Next at the Kennedy Center series.
Key Responsibilities
Producer for Next at the Kennedy Center series and other developing broadcast or streaming projects that create national and international visibility for the Center and its programs:
Creative Input:
Serve on the creative leadership team; provide input and edit breakdowns throughout filming and post‑production to best represent the Center’s institutional goals for national exposure.
Program Management:
Develop and manage production timelines; manage deliverables and coordinate between internal and external partners, representing Kennedy Center interests.
Oversee contracting for artists, venues, equipment; create briefing materials such as call sheets and itineraries.
Manage clearance and rights tracking for all productions to ensure compliance with all copyright laws.
Oversee billing, purchase orders, and financial tracking to ensure timely payments and adherence to budget.
Personnel Management:
Manage part‑time and contract staff to ensure adherence to timelines and deliverables.
Coordinate artist and crew logistics for shoots both locally and nationally.
Artist Oversight And Event Logistics Management for Kennedy Center Honors and Mark Twain Prize, the Center’s largest fundraiser events on‑site and broadcast on network and streamers:
Relationship management with artists and honorees on behalf of the President and Senior Director of Broadcast:
Manage one‑on‑one relationships with each honoree and oversee logistics of their weekend arrivals, departures, and wrangler support.
Develop new strategies to engage the artistic community in support of the Honors to deepen relationships and broaden impact.
Work with external production company to manage the logistics of artistic partners and former honorees attending the Honors, supporting year‑round relationships with former honorees.
Serve as editor for the Program Book, generating tribute letters, collecting and licensing archival photos, researching, editing, and tracking deadlines.
Oversee ongoing annual Honors‑related activities including Board Committee and SHAC meetings.
Operations and Logistics:
Manage ancillary events through booking talent and vendors, managing guest lists and seating, overseeing the event production and run of show.
Process and track expenses while updating the Director on projections.
Support the Director in generating settlement at the end of the production.
Coordinate production needs with external producers and senior level management, serving on the creative leadership team, planning site visits, and facilitating meetings; act as the main project lead for planning, brainstorming, and problem‑solving.
Daily organization of the Broadcast Media & Special Programs Department:
Direct supervisor for part‑time staff, independent contractors, and interns.
Lead weekly team meetings and create organizational systems to improve workflow.
Payroll processing for all union and non‑union employees working on produced shows.
Other duties as assigned.
Key Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree encouraged in Arts Management, Communications, Media, or related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in the performing arts industry managing programs and event productions in a variety of genres and art forms.
Previous experience producing or associate producing television specials on a national level.
Successfully maintain effective relationships with talent, agents, writers, and directors in the entertainment industry, building credibility and strong working relationships.
Experience at a large organization or cultural or educational institution is preferred.
Must be extremely detail‑oriented, have excellent interpersonal skills, work well in a fast‑paced, multi‑tasked environment, and meet deadlines under pressure.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access; comfort learning new systems.
Must be comfortable working with highly visible performing artists; the position requires availability on many evenings and weekends.
Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.
Candidate must be willing to work on‑site.
Additional Information
Position will involve lifting boxes of hospitality supplies and bundles of bottled water onto carts, pushing these carts around campus to set up backstage artist hospitality.
Must work odd hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional work beyond 40 hours per week. Must be on‑call during certain performances and company travel days.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees, who bring diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to create 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 worldwide. We connect the greatest living artists with audiences of every stripe, regardless of background, inviting all Americans 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:
Staff 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
13 paid holidays per year
Medical, dental, and vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
Pay Details The Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $70,000 – $80,000, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. 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 Manager, Broadcast and Special Programs will manage the day‑to‑day operations of the Center’s broadcast initiatives, including Kennedy Center Honors, Mark Twain Prize, and Next at the Kennedy Center, as well as new broadcast and streaming initiatives. The Manager must be able to make decisions and exercise discretion to prioritize assignments and work under significant pressure, often with concurrent deadlines. An eagerness to take initiative, communicate, work independently and in a team setting, and problem‑solve with a positive attitude is essential.
This position is essential in furthering the Kennedy Center’s broadcast ambitions and its mission to showcase the depth, breadth, and plethora of mediums the Kennedy Center presents and produces. Programs this role supports include, but are not limited to, artistic and operational oversight of The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Kennedy Center Honors, and Next at the Kennedy Center series.
Key Responsibilities
Producer for Next at the Kennedy Center series and other developing broadcast or streaming projects that create national and international visibility for the Center and its programs:
Creative Input:
Serve on the creative leadership team; provide input and edit breakdowns throughout filming and post‑production to best represent the Center’s institutional goals for national exposure.
Program Management:
Develop and manage production timelines; manage deliverables and coordinate between internal and external partners, representing Kennedy Center interests.
Oversee contracting for artists, venues, equipment; create briefing materials such as call sheets and itineraries.
Manage clearance and rights tracking for all productions to ensure compliance with all copyright laws.
Oversee billing, purchase orders, and financial tracking to ensure timely payments and adherence to budget.
Personnel Management:
Manage part‑time and contract staff to ensure adherence to timelines and deliverables.
Coordinate artist and crew logistics for shoots both locally and nationally.
Artist Oversight And Event Logistics Management for Kennedy Center Honors and Mark Twain Prize, the Center’s largest fundraiser events on‑site and broadcast on network and streamers:
Relationship management with artists and honorees on behalf of the President and Senior Director of Broadcast:
Manage one‑on‑one relationships with each honoree and oversee logistics of their weekend arrivals, departures, and wrangler support.
Develop new strategies to engage the artistic community in support of the Honors to deepen relationships and broaden impact.
Work with external production company to manage the logistics of artistic partners and former honorees attending the Honors, supporting year‑round relationships with former honorees.
Serve as editor for the Program Book, generating tribute letters, collecting and licensing archival photos, researching, editing, and tracking deadlines.
Oversee ongoing annual Honors‑related activities including Board Committee and SHAC meetings.
Operations and Logistics:
Manage ancillary events through booking talent and vendors, managing guest lists and seating, overseeing the event production and run of show.
Process and track expenses while updating the Director on projections.
Support the Director in generating settlement at the end of the production.
Coordinate production needs with external producers and senior level management, serving on the creative leadership team, planning site visits, and facilitating meetings; act as the main project lead for planning, brainstorming, and problem‑solving.
Daily organization of the Broadcast Media & Special Programs Department:
Direct supervisor for part‑time staff, independent contractors, and interns.
Lead weekly team meetings and create organizational systems to improve workflow.
Payroll processing for all union and non‑union employees working on produced shows.
Other duties as assigned.
Key Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree encouraged in Arts Management, Communications, Media, or related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in the performing arts industry managing programs and event productions in a variety of genres and art forms.
Previous experience producing or associate producing television specials on a national level.
Successfully maintain effective relationships with talent, agents, writers, and directors in the entertainment industry, building credibility and strong working relationships.
Experience at a large organization or cultural or educational institution is preferred.
Must be extremely detail‑oriented, have excellent interpersonal skills, work well in a fast‑paced, multi‑tasked environment, and meet deadlines under pressure.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access; comfort learning new systems.
Must be comfortable working with highly visible performing artists; the position requires availability on many evenings and weekends.
Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.
Candidate must be willing to work on‑site.
Additional Information
Position will involve lifting boxes of hospitality supplies and bundles of bottled water onto carts, pushing these carts around campus to set up backstage artist hospitality.
Must work odd hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional work beyond 40 hours per week. Must be on‑call during certain performances and company travel days.
#J-18808-Ljbffr