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 at work. We 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 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 - $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.

Job Description

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.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Communication and Sales Support

• 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.

In-Building Donor Hospitality and Lounge Hosting

• 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 standards.
• Welcome and assist donors, coordinate group arrangements, and address real-time questions or issues.
• Communicate donor arrivals and relevant details to bartenders, Food and Beverage, Lounge Operations, ushers, and other internal departments.

Indirect Internal Coordination

• Maintain indirect communication with Development, Food and Beverage, Lounge Operations, and Protocol through established communication channels.
• Share accurate and timely donor information, visit schedules, and special requests that support internal preparation and coordination.
• Assist Development and Special Events with donor-facing needs during receptions, private functions, and donor activities.

Donor Retention and Revenue Support

• Support Development by encouraging on-time renewals and increased engagement with membership benefits.
• Identify patterns of donor enthusiasm that may suggest opportunities for upgraded giving or expanded participation.
• Ensure donor inquiries and concerns receive prompt resolution to support long-term satisfaction and retention.

Key Qualifications

• 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.