Director of Public Relations, Classical

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  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 Smart Benefits (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 $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 (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), alongside distinctive music series including the Fortas Chamber Music Series. The Director’s primary focus is to support the artistic vision of the above by helping to craft key messages and storylines, actively pursuing and delivering coverage and visibility 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.

By deepening existing relationships with arts journalists and developing new connections to entice new writers, editors, and producers to cover the NSO and WNO, The Director will expand feature coverage nationally and globally. In an increasingly changing media landscape, the public relations team seeks to leverage new opportunities through multiple, non‑traditional media channels and creatively spur interest among new, diverse audiences in symphonic, operatic, and chamber music repertoire and experiences.

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…