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 $45,000 - $53,000, 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 Public Relations Coordinator is a frontline representative of the Kennedy Center Public Relations team, working internally across departments and externally with media, vendors, patrons, and others to coordinate day-to-day operations of the PR department. This position is an essential partner to the Vice President, Public Relations, and to the Director, Public Relations both Classical and Non-Classical, as well as the entirety of the department. The role is critical in generating high-impact news coverage of the Kennedy Center’s activities and positively reinforcing the Kennedy Center brand.

Primary responsibilities include gathering materials, editing, and managing approval of content, including press releases and media advisories; managing image requests; staffing press nights and performances as needed (typically 1-2 times per week), developing and managing media lists; daily monitoring of news clips; and administrative tasks, including budget tracking, invoicing, and contracting.

Additionally, the Public Relations Coordinator will assist the Vice President and Directors with institutional events, including PR logistics for major events such as the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the Kennedy Center Honors, season announcements, and other special events. The coordinator will also provide support for the Deputy Director, Public Relations, Classical during times of absence or time-intensive projects, on an as-needed and limited basis.

Key Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Deputy Director, Public Relations, Classical, the coordinator creates and manages press materials, edits per Kennedy Center style, and routes internally and externally. Involves interns in office projects and activities as appropriate.
Manages administrative tasks, including budget tracking, invoicing, contracting, media monitoring, photography processing, and travel booking. Acts as administrative support to the VP of PR, scheduling meetings, reserving space, and formatting presentations. With the Deputy Director, Public Relations, Classical, reviews and deploys daily clip reports. Takes inventory and orders office supplies as needed. Acts as an assistant supervisor to guide the office’s pair of interns in the day-to-day office practices.
Supports the Vice President and Directors of Public Relations in coordinating major events and initiatives. Responsibilities include coordinating PR logistics for special events, including Kennedy Center Honors, Mark Twain Prize, press dinners/conferences/events, etc. The coordinator works across departments to develop invitations; track RSVPs, coordinate event set-up, food/beverage service, arrange parking/arrival logistics, security, prepare event materials to distribute to the PR team and other departments, and other performance/event needs as required. May staff interviews, staffing news cameras, serving as a back-up on press nights, and otherwise serving as a back-up for press reps’ designated performances.
Services patron inquiries and third-party requests for images and materials, including non-commercial photography and documentary requests. Collaborates with the office of Legal Counsel, the Directors of Public Relations, and the VP of Public Relations to create photography/location agreements for location shoots and asset licensing.
Other duties as assigned

Key Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree is required
Background in or knowledge of the performing arts.
Excellent writing and copyediting skills, as well as experience with publications, are required.
2+ years of professional experience in media relations preferred.
Working familiarity with the digital media landscape and strategy is a plus.
Microsoft Office Suite, be able to learn and adapt to changing technology
Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.
Candidate must be willing to work onsite.

Additional Information

Travel up to 2% may be required (i.e., off-site press events).

Public Relations Coordinator

Recommended for you

Assistant to Producer/Literary Manager

Similar positions

Public Relations Coordinator

Public Relations Coordinator at Lucasfilm

Public Relations & Influencer Account Coordinator