Donor Relations & Hospitality Specialist

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.

• 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

The Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $70,000 - $75,000, 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.

The Donor Relations and Hospitality Specialist will serve as a primary point of contact for upper‑tier donors before, during, and after performances. This role combines donor relations, hospitality, and relationship‑focused sales support to encourage renewals, increase donor engagement, and identify upgrade opportunities. Each Specialist will staff donor lounges during performance nights and donor‑focused events, ensuring a consistent, trained, and professional presence that aligns with donor expectations.

These positions support Development by providing proactive outreach, personalized communication, and in‑person hospitality that reinforces loyalty and long‑term giving.

• 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 Circles lounges and assume responsibility for hosting duties, donor check‑in, guest assistance, and in‑lounge coordination.
• Provide consistent, polished hospitality in all donor lounges and donor spaces as they reopen or are renamed.
• Ensure each lounge is professionally staffed, service‑ready, and reflective of Kennedy Center…