OUR TEAM

EXECUTIVE OFFICE
PRESIDENT
Diana Mayhew
dmayhew@ncbfdc.org
202.661.7596
Vice President
Lillian Iversen
liversen@ncbfdc.org
202.661.7584
Business Development & Sponsorship
Senior Sponsorship and Development Manager
Melissa Lembke
mlembke@ncbfdc.org
202.638.8374
Community Partnerships Manager
TaKeyia Dickens
tdickens@ncbfdc.org
202.638.8372
Business development & sponsorship manager
Jessica Brown
jbrown@ncbfdc.org
202.638.8364
Sponsorship & development manager
Christina Teufert
cteufert@ncbfdc.org
202.661.7592
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EVENTS COORDINATOR
Miriam Moreno - Alcala
mmoreno-alcala@ncbfdc.org
Sponsorship Coordinator
Reiko Hirai
reiko@happi-events.com
202.638.8363
DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS CONTRACTOR
Maya Brown
mbrown@ncbfdc.org
development Intern
Andrea Londono
alondono@ncbfdc.org
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
design manager
Jacqueline Garcia
jgarcia@ncbfdc.org
202.626.1133
Sponsorship & Communications Liaison
Ramona Carver
rcarver@ncbfdc.org
202.638.8376
Marketing manager
Kristin Baasansukh
kbaasansukh@ncbfdc.org
design manager
Jacqueline Garcia
jgarcia@ncbfdc.org
202.626.1133
integrated Marketing coordinator
Martina Tinong
mtinong@ncbfdc.org
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
Neptune Pringle III
npringle@ncbfdc.org
202.455.8954
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Patrick Oberman
poberman@ncbfdc.org
FOOD AND BEVERAGE COORDINATOR
Antoine Lee
alee@ncbfdc.org
ACTIVITIES AND ACTIVATIONS COORDINATOR
Dey Stegall
dstegall@ncbfdc.org
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Caitlin Nix
cnix@ncbfdc.org
ACTIVITIES AND ACTIVATIONS COORDINATOR
Dey Stegall
dstegall@ncbfdc.org
COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR
Aysha Malik
amalik@ncbfdc.org
TALENT MANAGER
Kristopher Thompson
kthompson@ncbfdc.org
Business operations
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Caryn Fraim
cfraim@ncbfdc.org
FINANCE MANAGER
Rebecca Glazer
rglazer@ncbfdc.org
202.661.7567
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
Francise Dyson
fdyson@ncbfdc.org
202.661.7585
2024 SPRING INTERNS
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Alexandra Oquendo Christina Xue
MEDIA PARNER
Jessica Diaram
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Isabelle Frangakis
PROGRAMMING
Nia Harris
Olivia Johnson
Ancheng (Mike) Shi
JOIN OUR TEAM
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES & INTERNSHIPS
FULL TIME & Part time roles
The National Cherry Blossom Festival produces and promotes the nation’s greatest springtime celebration and is dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational and entertainment initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.
The Finance Manager is responsible for managing the financial activities of the organization, including financial analysis and planning, accounting operations and reporting, budgeting and external audits. The Finance Manager is responsible for establishing and improving upon the organization’s financial policies and procedures and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance of the financial functions. Additionally, the Finance Manager provides guidance to senior management, supports Board relations through clear communication of financial reporting and analysis and is the primary interface with external parties on financial matters, including banks, vendors, customers and tax authorities.
Responsibilities
Provide primary support for the business operations functions of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Communicate with management staff, Board members, clients and vendors using a high degree of tact, professionalism and discretion. Handle NCBF materials under direction of the President and CEO of the NCBF. Carry out directives and established policies and completes assignments with moderate supervision. Organize daily work within parameters set by the NCBF. Track funds and handle cash and confidential financial documents. This position reports to the Director of Business Operations and works in conjunction with the President and CEO as well as the Treasurer of the organization.
The Finance Manager is responsible for:
Financial & Operational Management
- Serve as in-house bookkeeper, supporting day-to-day accounting functions in Quick Books, to include general ledger entry and tracking, accounts payable and receivable transactions
- Support budget creation, budget projections and analysis of expenses as needed.
- Maintain the budget and cash flow; produce weekly and/or monthly reports to monitor revenue and expenses, including but not limited to: budget updates, cash flow reports, merchandise sales reports, and monthly Executive updates.
- Oversee the accuracy of the organizational accounting records and maintain the chart of accounts.
- Establish and monitor adequate internal controls.
- Supervise month-end closings and bank reconciliations.
- Track, report and maintain files on all 1099 workers and produce 1099 form each year for each contractor.
- Provide on-site support and assistance at Festival events.
Accounting & Administration
- Ensure maintenance of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures.
- Manage the monthly close process and other reporting with external accounting firm.
- Timely preparation and completion of the annual audit and 990 with the external audit firm.
- Draft, maintain, and ensure implementation of appropriate administrative procedures and policies for the organization.
Project Areas
- Manage grant procedures, ensure that requirements are fulfilled, and prepare necessary reports.
- Gather and organize data to report on National Cherry Blossom Festival results and achievements.
- Assist in managing earned revenue programs and opportunities, including group and individual ticket sales to Festival events.
Board Committee Assistance
- Act as the liaison to the Board of Directors Finance Committee, including but not limited to: prepare materials for, make presentations to, and serve as primary staff for the Financial Committee of the Board of Directors. Coordinate the scheduling, setup and execution of the monthly Finance and all other NCBF meetings.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s in Accounting or other related field preferred
- Minimum of three years’ demonstrated experience working in accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, budgets, cash flow and tax knowledge
- Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles
- Excellent project coordination, time management, and organizational skills with the ability to juggle and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Strong creative, strategic, analytical and personal sales skills
- Strong leadership skills
- Superior communication and writing skills
- Attention to detail, high productivity and concern for accuracy and excellence
- Proficiency in QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and strong database management skills are necessary
- Experience with Monday.com or Slack is a plus
- Must be a self-started, proactive and driven with a strong work ethic, a high level of motivation, a strong sense of urgency when needed, the ability to work without direct supervision and consistently meet deadlines
- Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams
- Ability to work non-traditional hours
- Ability to foster positive, productive relationships, collaboration and teamwork, internally and externally, among staff, board members, volunteers, partners and other Festival stakeholders
As an integral part of the NCBF team, this salaried exempt position participates fully in the production and execution of Festival events. This requires flexibility to be available evenings and weekends and to work additional hours during peak periods.
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS
Salary range: $60,000 – $65,000/year. Benefits package includes health insurance with prescription drug, dental, and eye plans (substantially underwritten by NCBF); annual and sick leave; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; flexible spending account; 401K plan with safe harbor contributions eligible 6 months after hire; parking/transit subsidy.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To apply for the role: Finance Manager , visit JobScore
JOB DESCRIPTION
National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC, is currently seeking a Director of Marketing & Communications.
Company Description
The National Cherry Blossom Festival produces and promotes one of the world’s greatest springtime celebrations and is dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational and entertainment initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.
Job Summary
The Director of Marketing & Communications is responsible for planning, development and implementation of all of the Festival’s marketing and communications strategies and public relations activities, both external and internal. They oversee all marketing and communications efforts, PR initiatives, advertising campaigns, digital marketing efforts, media partnerships, short- and long-form messaging deliverables, and collateral and presentation materials that support other Festival departments. They manage the efforts of the marketing, communications team (both internal and external) including media relations and creative services agencies, contractors and interns. The Director has a deep understanding of the NCBF brand and voice, and ensures all messages and creative execution are in line with the brand identity and standards. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic, outgoing individual with a passion for collaborating and building strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels in a mission-driven work environment. They are a broad and well-rounded leader, equally capable on both strategic and operational levels. This individual will bring an entrepreneurial spirit, and is committed to innovation, creativity and excellence.
Responsibilities
The Director of Marketing & Communications is responsible for the achievement of marketing/communications/public relations mission, goals and financial objectives. The Director works with the President, Marketing Committee, and other management staff in charting the direction of the Festival, assuring its accountability to all constituencies and ensuring its effective operation. Outside of the organization, this position may respond to media/reporters as well as media advertising partners, sponsors, other Festival stakeholders, and new potential partners.
The Director of Marketing & Communications is responsible for:
Strategic Planning:
- Create, implement and measure the success of a comprehensive marketing, communications and public relations program that will enhance the Festival’s image and position with the general public.
- Build strong relationships and collaborate with key brand stewards both internal and external to cultivate and manage the Festival’s brand voice and style.
- Serve as lead in the development of message-driven events and campaigns: construct what the Festival wants to convey, the goals and objectives of speaking to the selected audience, and then work with programming and sponsorship on the possible tactics employed.
Project Management – Execution:
- Develop and execute a year-round communication and production calendar.
- Work with in-house graphic designer and external creative services agencies/designers on development of all publications, collateral materials, advertisements and promotional signage; includes editorial direction (including copy/messaging and photography selection), design, production and distribution.
- Develop and manage departmental budge.
- Develop, execute and monitor results for marketing, sales and promotional plans for all Festival events, programs, and campaigns.
- Research and develop new advertising and marketing streams for varied and evolving Festival events, programs, and campaigns.
- Own and optimize all marketing channels, including but not limited to the Festival’s website, social media accounts, television, radio, print, digital, and strategic partnerships.
- Ensure brand integrity in the appearance of all Festival print and electronic materials and other aspects of the Festival organization.
- Oversee development and coordination of resource materials that aid in sponsor procurement or programmatic collaboration.
- Direct photography and videography efforts, including shot lists, artistic direction and image selection for marketing initiatives.
- Ensure general public inquiries are up-to-date and responded to in a timely manner (i.e. emails received via contact us form, social media comments).
- Coordination with Destination DC (visitors bureau) to ensure up-to-date information to field calls to the hotline.
- Coordinate and execute external marketing committee meetings.
Project Management – Analysis & Reporting:
- Monitor and analyze website traffic and social media impressions to optimize ROI.
- Ensure that the Festival regularly conducts relevant market research and competitive analysis to ensure the organization is effectively positioned with our current audience, poised to reach new audiences, and comparable against others in our industry.
- Direct post-event sentiment surveys.
- Oversee development and execution of data collection and analysis to discern attendee metrics (demographics, engagement, behavior) relevant to event bench-marking and economic impact reporting.
- Track and valuate internal and external marketing and communication assets for stakeholder reporting.
Marketing & Advertising Partnerships:
- Evaluate the market to uncover new opportunities and assure that the Festival’s marketing & advertising partner assets are aligned with market demand.
- Maintain ongoing relationships with marketing & advertising partners, including development of partnership packages and recap results.
- Oversee execution of marketing & advertising partner benefits prior to, during, and after the Festival.
Media Relations:
- Serve as a Festival representative with the media.
- Oversee project plan for annual press conference.
- Network and build relationships on behalf of the Festival with diverse groups including high level stakeholders such as VIPs and high level engagement with the White House, The Mayor’s Office, The Embassy and celebrities.
Staff Supervision and Development:
- Marketing & Communications team members to enhance existing processes within the organization Supervise Communications Manager, Graphic Design Manager, Sponsorship & Communications Liaison, department contractors, interns and volunteers.
- Participates in the interviewing and hiring of Marketing & Communications team.
- Assists in planning, assigning and directing of work.
- Provide regular performance feedback and conducts performance appraisals.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Communications or other related field preferred.
- Minimum two –three years’ in Director level position or comparable experience and at least seven years’ experience overall with demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing and communications.
- Proven ability to think strategically and analyze critically.
- Willingness to listen to other opinions, incorporate diverse viewpoints, and foster consensus where possible, even when such consensus does not reflect one’s personal opinion.
- Track record of demonstrating respect to colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
- Experience developing and managing budgets.
- Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a range of constituencies.
- Ability to communicate effectively – to listen, influence, motivate and lead.
- Ability to identify key metrics and track success.
- Superior communication and writing skills.
- Demonstrated successful experience writing outbound messaging narratives (i.e. annual reports, scripts, and advertorials), making presentations, and negotiating with marketing and advertising partners.
- Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays resulting from NCBF’s event schedules, responsibilities and priorities.
- Ability to foster positive, productive relationships, collaboration and teamwork, internally and externally, among staff, board members, volunteers, partners and other Festival stakeholders.
- Must have the ability to quickly assimilate into the culture of the Festival and work effectively with the entire leadership team, especially the President.
Attributes of our ideal marketing & communications director:
- Strategic, with the ability to translate and implement big ideas into action.
- Mission driven.
- Proactive, solution oriented, able to perform under pressure and problem solve.
- Detail oriented and organized in his/her approach.
- Creative with new ideas and recommendations.
- Must be Forward-Thinking and open and receptive to new ideas or feedback construed around experience.
- Hands on, managing priorities by rolling up his/her sleeves and working collaboratively.
- Effective as a project manager, keeping multiple projects flowing simultaneously.
- Adaptable and able to monitor progress and pivot when necessary.
Additional preferred experience:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint are necessary.
- Experience with Monday.com and Slack are preferred.
- Familiarity with WordPress, Elementor, Google Analytics, Brandwatch, Mail Chimp, and Spatial (or similar platforms) a plus.
- As an integral part of the NCBF team, this salaried exempt position participates fully in the production and execution of Festival events. This requires flexibility to be available evenings and weekends and to work additional hours during peak periods.
Compensation and Benefits:
We offer competitive salary of $90,000-$110,000 commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, 401k plan, transit subsidy, 12 paid holidays, sick and annual leave, and more. Convenient downtown location near multiple metrorail and bus lines.
To apply for the role: Director of Marketing and Communications , visit JobScore
INTERNSHIPS
All Fall 2024 internship positions have been filled. Please check back Spring 2025.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.
Job Description
The Community Outreach & Events intern will contribute to community-based programmatic development of various National Cherry Blossom Festival activities, including City in Bloom, Cherry Picks restaurant program, Hotel Program, Tree Plantings, and other projects as assigned. Duties may include but are not limited to:
- Assist with City in Bloom, Cherry Picks, Cherry Night, and Hotel Program initiatives, including the execution of the program, research, outreach, distribution of collateral and supporting materials
- Assist with Community Program planning and execution
- Assist with the execution of the Tree Planting program and attend plantings with the Community Partnerships Manager
- Manage Community Programs inventory and track distribution
- General Administrative support for Community Programs and Business Development department
Time Requirements
- On or about September 9, 2024 through December 2024, with the option to extend into June
- Minimum 15 hours per week between 9:00 AM and 5:00PM (hours and schedule to be determined in consultation with the Community Partnerships Manager)
- Attendance and participation onsite at Festival events in September – December
- While some of the functions can be performed remotely, intern candidate must be available to meet and work from the NCBF office located in downtown DC
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an accredited university or college as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student
- Tech Savvy – knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Slack and Monday.com
- Detail oriented and organized with the ability to multi-task
- Ability to work with a variety of people and build teamwork
- Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information
- Effective in-person and remote communication skills
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
Compensation
National Cherry Blossom Festival internships are unpaid, but college credit may be offered depending upon the educational institution’s guidelines and requirements. A travel allowance is provided to those who are on site at least 10 hours a week.
To apply for the role: Community Outreach & Events internship, visit JobScore.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.
Internship Description
The Marketing & Communications Media Partners Intern will contribute to the communication and marketing plans of a variety of National Cherry Blossom Festival programs and events for the 2025 Festival. Duties may include:
- Ensuring that media partner assets are fulfilled.
- Assisting in the creation of the ad schedule onto CRM Monday.com
- Tagging assets as created on CRM Monday.com
- Entering asset values and estimated impressions onto CRM Monday.com
- Packaging and submission of all creative assets to media partners
- Cataloguing collateral from each Festival
The Festival is also seeking MarComm interns who wish to focus on a particular specialty (e.g., photography, design, video, social media, website, media monitoring, campaign tracking). Depending on the area(s) of interest and level of expertise, the work can be structured to offer a valuable hands-on learning experience.
Time Requirements: The Festival is seeking a MarComm intern who is available for both Fall AND Spring semester to get the most value and experience during this internship. An intern who wishes to work just one semester, either Fall or Spring, are also welcome to apply. Event execution support is subject to the intern’s availability and discretion. Interns are asked to commit to at least one full semester supporting the Festival.
On or about September 9, 2024 – December 2024:
10 to 15 hours per week between the hours of 10 AM and 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
Start and end dates are flexible to align with semester schedules and internship academic credit requirements.
Hours, schedule, and work format (must be available in-person) are determined in consultation with the MarComm team and based on student availability.
January – June 2025:
10 to 15 hours per week between the hours of 10 AM and 5:30 PM Monday through Friday.
Start and end dates are flexible to align with semester schedules and internship academic credit requirements.
Hours, schedule, and work format (must be available in-person) are determined in consultation with the MarComm team and based on student availability.
Evening and weekend availability to follow through on executing key Festival programs and events during peak months (March and April).
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an accredited university or college as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student
- Passion for strategy, content creation, and events
- Detail oriented and organized with the ability to multi-task
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills (knowledge of AP Style preferred)
- Able to work independently and complete projects in a timely manner
- Ability to collaborate with a variety of people in an exciting, fast-paced environment
- Adobe Creative Suite and Monday.com software knowledge preferred but not required
- Photography and videography skills are a plus
Compensation
National Cherry Blossom Festival internships are unpaid, but college credit may be offered depending upon the educational institution’s guidelines and requirements. A travel allowance is provided to those who are on site at least 10 hours a week.
To apply for the role: Marketing & Communications Media Partner internship, visit JobScore.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Do you share our vision of creating diverse and creative programming promoting arts and culture, natural beauty and community spirit? We want to hear from you!
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE SPONSORS
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.