Donor Relations & Hospitality Specialist

Donor Relations & Hospitality Specialist

Join to apply for the Donor Relations & Hospitality Specialist role at The John

F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

“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 an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

We offer a total rewards package to all full-time employees, including staff discount tickets, retirement plan with organization matching after 1 year, qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), commuter programs, annual leave, 13 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision benefits with FSA/HSA, and paid FMLA.

The projected salary range is $70,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience.

The Donor Relations and Hospitality Specialist will serve as a primary point of contact for upper-tier donors before, during, and after performances, combining donor relations, hospitality, and relationship-focused sales support to encourage renewals, increase donor engagement, and identify upgrade opportunities.

• Conduct proactive outreach including renewal reminders, benefit education, birthday calls, and performance invitations.
• Provide support with benefit access, ticketing questions, and membership-related concerns.
• Apply relationship-based sales techniques to encourage timely renewals and identify opportunities for giving upgrades.
• Maintain detailed notes on donor preferences, engagement history, and previous interactions.
• Staff all donor lounges during performance nights and donor-focused events, ensuring a consistent, trained, and professional presence.
• Communicate donor arrivals and relevant details to internal departments.
• Assist Development and Special Events with donor-facing needs during receptions, private functions, and donor activities.
• Support Development by encouraging on-time renewals and increased engagement with membership benefits.
• Identify patterns of donor enthusiasm to suggest opportunities for upgraded giving or expanded participation.

• 4 years in fundraising, specifically with donor relations and donor engagement strongly preferred.
• Experience in scheduling and staffing event spaces.
• Customer support experience.
• Strong writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Experience in sales and/or client relationship-building preferred.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite.

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.