Our Team

OUR TEAM

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

PRESIDENT

Diana Mayhew

Diana Mayhew

dmayhew@ncbfdc.org
202.661.7596

Vice President

Lillian Iversen

Lillian Iversen

liversen@ncbfdc.org
202.661.7584

Business Development & Sponsorship

Community Partnerships Manager

TaKeyia Dickens

tdickens@ncbfdc.org
202.638.8372

Sponsorship Coordinator

Reiko Hirai

reiko@happi-events.com
202.638.8363

Business development & sponsorship manager

Jessica Brown

jbrown@ncbfdc.org
202.638.8364

Sponsorship & development manager

Christina Teufert

cteufert@ncbfdc.org
202.661.7592

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 | 240.461.0806

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

VOLUNTEER MANAGER

Isabella Staton

istaton@ncbfdc.org
202.661.7595

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 FALL INTERNS

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Alexandra Oquendo                                                                                      Christina Xue

MEDIA PARNER

Jessica Diaram

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

 Isabelle Frangakis

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

 Rico Farquharson                                                                                                 Han Hoang

SPONSORSHIP

Sarah Yoshimoto-Lyons

PROGRAMMING

Harper Johnston                                                                                                    Ava Robinson

Headshots provided by

Festival Associates

JOIN OUR TEAM

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES & INTERNSHIPS

No positions are available at this time. Please check back.

FULL TIME & Part time roles

Job Description
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 budget
· 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.
 
Click here to apply

Job Description

The Sponsorship and Development Manager will be responsible for identifying, soliciting, securing, and nurturing relationships to support the Festival’s mission and financial goals. This role is a strategic thinker with strong marketing skills to create compelling sponsorship packages and deliver exceptional value to our partners. The Sponsorship and Development Manager has a clearly defined scope, and requires tact, discretion, and professionalism in representing the Festival to all levels of outside partners, sponsors, and audiences.

Responsibilities

In coordination with the Director of Development and Partnerships, the Sponsorship and Development Manager will participate in developing and executing long and short-range sponsorship and fundraising plans that will ensure the achievement of established objectives. They will participate in developing general and tailored proposals and presentations to be utilized in sponsor and donor solicitations.

The Sponsorship and Development Manager will also:

  • Identify prospects, solicit, and secure sponsors
  • Make in-person visits to prospects
  • Handle incoming sponsorship inquiries
  • Assist in creating marketing materials for sponsorship solicitation and outreach
  • Write proposals and agreements
  • Provide comprehensive and timely reports summarizing program activity and project status
  • Serve as the primary internal liaison for all sponsorship deliverables at signature events, ensuring seamless communication and execution of sponsor commitments and expectations
  • Support the review and approval process for sponsorship marketing and communications as well as program and event deliverables, ensuring alignment with sponsor agreements and brand guidelines
  • Network and build relationships on behalf of the Festival
  • Assist and support solicitation for fundraising teams for events including working with event host committees
  • Responsible for execution of sponsor and donor benefits before, during, and after the Festival
  • Manage and supervise volunteers and interns
  • Maintain an organized record of all documents and contact information related to sponsor and partner involvement

Marketing

  • Collaborate with marketing team to create integrated sponsorship packages that include digital, social media and on-site activations
  • Develop marketing materials and presentations to effectively communicate sponsorship opportunities
  • Utilize data and analytics to measure the success of sponsorship campaigns and provide insights for improvement

Event Coordination

  • Work closely with the programming team to ensure seamless execution of sponsorship activation
  • Coordinate sponsor-related logistics, including branding, signage and on-site presence
  • Provide on-site support during the Festival to ensure sponsor satisfaction and address any issues

Relationship Management

  • Cultivate strong relationships with sponsors, understanding their goals and objectives
  • Regularly communicate with sponsors to provide updates and gather feedback
  • Develop and implement strategies to enhance sponsor engagement and retention
  • Create and deliver comprehensive recap reports at the conclusion of the Festival

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business, or other related field preferred
  • Minimum of three years’ experience with proven track record in sponsorship and/or fundraising development is required; corporate and major gift cultivation/solicitation
  • Strong marketing skills with the ability to create compelling sponsorship packages
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders. Internal and external to the organization
  • Excellent time management, organizational skills, and ability to juggle and prioritize multiple projects; ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines and financial goals
  • Superior communication and writing skills
  • Passion for events and a creative mindset
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and strong database management skills are necessary; Experience with Monday and Slack a plus
  • Demonstrated desire and capacity to work collaboratively with colleagues, consultants, and volunteers
  • Attention to detail, high productivity, and concern for accuracy and excellence
  • Must be a self-starter, 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

As an integral part of the NCBF team, this full time, 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 $65,000-$70,000 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.

Click here to apply

INTERNSHIPS

All Fall 2024 internship positions have been filled. Please check back Spring 2025.

National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC, is currently seeking an intern to assist the Business Development & Sponsorship team.
 
Company Description

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.

National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC, seeks an energetic, creative, and passionate Marketing & Communications – Media Partner Intern to assist the MarComm team in executing the 2025 Festival.
 
Who We Are

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.

National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is seeks an Events and Programming Intern to assist the events team during the Fall 2024 semester with preparations for the upcoming 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival. Option to extend position into Spring semester is available.
 
Company Description

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC, 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.

Job Description

The Events and Programming Intern(s) will contribute to the programmatic development of a variety of National Cherry Blossom Festival signature events including Launch Event & Artwork Reveal, Opening Ceremony, Blossom Kite Festival, Petalpalooza®, National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade®, and the Tidal Basin Welcome Area and Stage. Duties may include:

  • Learn and understand event management process by participating in programming team meetings, site visits, and other planning meetings with vendors and partners
  • Assist with coordination process and provide onsite assistance for the National Cherry Blossom Festival Launch Event
  • Assist with collecting vendor estimates and related administrative tasks
  • Assist with vetting process of talent for National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® and Petalpalooza
  • Assist with creating production rundown and documents
  • Organize performer and VIP hospitality (e.g. gifts, catering) for a variety of events
  • Research opportunities and execution costs for event entertainment, production, and sponsorship activations for all events
  • Create and manage performer/participant applications
  • Assist with coordinating operations, logistics and engagement with venue representatives
  • Assist with permit tracking, revisions and communicate with local agencies as needed
  • Inventory existing event supplies and develop cost estimates for replenishing items as needed for all events

Time Requirement

  • September – December 2024, with possible extension to the Spring semester
  • Minimum 15 hours per week between 9:00AM and 5:00PM through December (hours and schedule to be determined in consultation with Director of Programming)
  • If extended through the Spring 2025 semester, additional duties focused on on-site execution of Festival events will be incorporated and the internship hour commitment will be higher, particularly during the months of March and April.

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in an accredited university or college as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student
  • Experience with operations, activity and event management
  • Detail oriented and organized with the ability to multi-task
  • Ability to work with a variety of people and build teamwork
  • Ability to take initiative
  • Capable of doing physical labor (lifting boxes, various event set-up duties, etc.)
  • Comfortable working in both office and outdoor settings (rain, cold, mud, sun, wind, etc.)
  • Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and GoogleDocsrequired; familiarity with Slack and Monday.com preferred

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: Events & Programming 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!

CONTACT US TODAY

CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

READ FAQs

FESTIVAL ASSOCIATES

A special thanks to our Festival Associates who have donated their services in-kind to our organization.