What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant General Counsel position at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts?
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.
Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts.
Why Join Us
We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including:
- 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)
- Enhanced safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including onsite vaccination/booster clinics for staff
- Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
- 11 paid holidays per year
- Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
- Flexible work arrangements
- We like to have fun! Check us out - Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2019
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
The Kennedy Center is a welcoming and inclusive culture where everyone benefits - we do it in a way that honors everyone’s humanity. We are able to advance our mission because of 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. Through honest discussion, our focus on DEI, and the creation of a D&I council, we are committed to always being the best versions of ourselves.
Job Description
The Assistant General Counsel I position is located in the Office of General Counsel (OGC), Office of the President, Kennedy Center. The purpose of this position is to provide professional legal advice and services to the General Counsel, appropriate Kennedy Center staff, and Kennedy Center departments and affiliates, including the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera and VSA on matters that require the utmost confidentiality and urgency. The Assistant General Counsel I will report directly to the General Counsel.
The OGC handles legal, policy, and regulatory matters for the Kennedy Center and is consulted generally on programming, operational, and organizational matters.
The Assistant General Counsel will support OGC in fulfilling its responsibilities through a broad range of legal, policy, and administrative activities requiring the application of expert legal knowledge and experience, and regular interaction with the General Counsel, other senior Kennedy Center management team officials, Kennedy Center staff and affiliates.
Duties & Responsibilities
LEGAL (80%)
- Independently research, interpret, analyze, and develop expert legal advice, opinions and technical support, either in writing or orally, on a broad range of complex and/or precedential matters arising out of the Kennedy Center’s business. Written deliverables such as legal memoranda, emails, letters, briefs, presentations, etc. must be concise, thorough, propositional, and provide well-reasoned interpretations and recommendations.
- Independently draft, review and negotiate all types of agreements, including domestic and international artist agreements, license agreements, corporate sponsorship agreements, donor agreements, independent contractor agreements, venue agreements, exhibition agreements, construction agreements, IT agreements, hotel agreements, bequests, commercial leases, partnership agreements, and other commercial agreements.
- Assist United States Attorney’s Office in litigation involving Kennedy Center, respond to subpoenas, draft and review pleadings, and assist with or represent staff at depositions.
- Subject matter expert for copyright and trademark matters, including filing copyright applications, managing royalty filings and working with outside trademark counsel.
- Stay up-to-date and competent in all areas of law relating to entertainment industry and federal agency management.
POLICY (10%)
- Provides expert guidance for Kennedy Center staff and affiliates on substantive, complex legal and policy issues related to the Kennedy Center’s activities based on in-depth research and consultation/coordination with appropriate staff and outside contacts as needed and with minimal supervision.
- Serves on internal administrative committees as needed.
GENERAL (10%)
- Proactively provides creative and innovative recommendations on administrative and organizational processes associated with the operational efficiency and effectiveness of OGC.
- Ensures Kennedy Center compliance with a range of federal administrative law reporting requirements, following up as necessary.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Key Qualifications
- Minimum 7 years as a practicing attorney dealing with legal issues in related areas.
- Admission to the District of Columbia bar and current membership in good standing.
- Related legal experience with a non-profit or performing arts institution preferred.