Strategic Partnerships Senior Director

The Kennedy Center

13d • $150,000 - $165,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships will lead 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 will cultivate relationships with local, national, and global brands, cultural institutions, technology and media platforms, and community organizations to strengthen the KC's visibility and influence across Washington, DC and nationwide. Working closely with the President, SVP, Marketing and collaborating across all departments, the Senior Director will create a unified strategy for growing and engaging partners—from small businesses and local organizations to major corporations such as streaming platforms, digital media companies, lifestyle brands, and other national sponsors.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in an arts-related, marketing, business, or communications field.
• 7-10 years in strategic partnerships, sponsorship development, corporate relations, or marketing—experience in performing arts or cultural organizations preferred.
• Demonstrated excellence in stakeholder management and partner-facing communication.
• Strong understanding of the performing arts, nonprofit environments, and cultural sector.
• Prior experience managing fundraising and community outreach highly desired.
• Experience with corporate sponsorships, brand partnerships, national marketing alliances, and community engagement highly desired.
• Proven relationship-builder with the ability to cultivate partnerships across diverse sectors including technology, media, entertainment, lifestyle brands, and local organizations.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.
• Relocation assistance is not provided.
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite.

Responsibilities

• Partnership Marketing and Development of National and Community Strategy
• Develop and execute a comprehensive partnership strategy that spans community-based partnerships, national sponsorships, 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 (e.g., Spotify, YouTube, media and technology companies, consumer lifestyle brands) to build sponsorships, 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 sponsorships.
• In conjunction with Director of Analytics, develop reporting and analytics and create best practices for sponsorship marketing.
• Events & Donor Engagement
• Expand the Kennedy Center donor base, partner network, patrons, and visibility in Washington, DC, and nationwide; enhance visibility through high-profile activations, sponsorships 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.
• In collaboration with the Special Events and Development teams, oversee two-three (2-3) 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 fundraising + programming event innovation that aids in reaching donors and patrons reflective of our organizational values and our antiracism and inclusion intentions.
• Partner Cultivation
• 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 and national conferences and events with relevance to patrons and the community.
• Support the NSO and WNO programs with partnership development, marketing, and activations.
• Partner with universities and education to drive awareness and interest in Kennedy Center events, memberships, and performances among faculty and staff.
• Support Campus rentals with driving partnerships and community activities on the Kennedy Center campus.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees