Strategic Partnerships Senior Director

Strategic Partnerships Senior Director – The John

F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

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 home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. We foster belonging and empowerment at work and are an equal‑opportunity employer.

• 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

Projected salary range: $150,000 – $165,000, commensurate with experience. The range may be modified in the future. Base pay is ultimately determined by a candidate’s skills and experience.

The Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships leads the development, integration and execution of comprehensive partnership, sponsorship and engagement strategies that expand the Kennedy Center’s national presence, revenue opportunities, donor pipeline and community impact. This role cultivates relationships with local, national and global brands, cultural institutions, technology and media platforms, and community organizations.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive partnership strategy spanning community‑based partnerships, national sponsor ships, corporate alliances and brand collaborations.
• Work with the SVP Marketing to expand diverse audiences, membership and partner ecosystems across community, corporate and national segments.
• Cultivate relationships with major national and global brands to build sponsor ships, co‑marketing opportunities and cross‑platform awareness campaigns.
• Create high‑level engagement opportunities—briefings, summits, salons and events—positioning Kennedy Center leadership, especially the President, to strengthen and expand national networks that drive revenue.
• Identify and establish partnerships with small businesses for the Kennedy Center gift shop and highlight community relationships to attract donors and supporters.
• Identify and establish partnerships with larger businesses to create membership opportunities for staff.
• Develop evaluation and prioritization criteria for selecting marketing partners and sponsors.
• Establish local and supplier diversity initiatives to support vendor decisions for marketing agencies, media buying, products and services. Track investments in diverse suppliers.
• Partner with retail to develop a strategy for incorporating partners and local cultural experiences into the patron experience.
• Partner with marketing, digital and public relations teams to showcase and support storytelling around partnerships and community sponsor ships.
• In conjunction with the Director of Analytics, develop reporting and analytics and create best practices for sponsorship marketing.
• Expand the Kennedy Center donor base, partner network, patrons and visibility in Washington, DC and nationwide through high‑profile activations, sponsor ships and partner‑driven initiatives.
• Engage current and prospective partners to develop co‑marketing plans, awareness‑driving initiatives, community engagement and sponsorship of initiatives that attract new and diverse audiences.
• Oversee fundraising events, working with vendors, staff and donors to secure new supporters and first‑time donors.
• Develop a forward‑looking vision for integrated fundraising and programming events, aiding in reaching donors and patrons reflective of our organizational values and antiracism and inclusion intentions.
• Prospect and develop a high‑value pipeline of brand partners, local and national, for co‑marketing, community outreach and engagement, and in‑kind support.
• Research and create opportunities for inclusion of the Kennedy Center in local…