National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC, seeks an intern to assist the Business Development and Sponsorship team in executing the 2027 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, culture, and build community spirit.
Internship Description
Partnerships and sponsorships are integral aspects of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and we are looking for candidates that are interested in learning and gaining experience in corporate sponsorships and experiential marketing for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This position requires attention to detail, strong communication and organizational skills, and solid computer knowledge.
The candidate needs to be able to work in a fast paced, flexible, and energetic environment while maintaining a positive attitude and customer service to external partners. Tasks can include but are not limited to:
- Administrative support for the Business Development Department
- Prospecting research and drafting sponsorship proposals, build sponsor recap reports
- Collaborate with Marketing and Event & Operations Departments to execute on-site sponsorship activations
- Attending and supporting fundraising/stakeholder meetings and events as well as Festival events as it pertains to sponsorship service, activation, and execution
- In-kind solicitation and procurement of staff/ volunteer meals, auction item procurement and support
- Support on key Business Development Department projects
Time Requirements: The Festival seeks interns who are available for both Fall AND Spring semesters to get the most value and experience during this internship. Interns who can commit to only 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.
Schedule:
Fall Semester targeted start date: Monday, September 14, 2026
Fall Semester end date: December 2026, depending upon the intern’s schedule
Spring Semester targeted start date: Monday, January 11, 2027
Spring Semester end date: May 2027, depending upon the intern’s schedule.
The 2027 National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 – April 11, 2027.
15-20 hours per week between 9:00AM and 5:00PM. Hours and schedule to be determined in consultation with the Business Development & Sponsorship Team.
Attendance and participation onsite at Festival events; some nights and weekends during the Festival
While some of the functions can be performed remotely, interns 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, Inc. internships are unpaid, but college credit may be offered depending upon the educational institution’s guidelines and requirements. A monthly stipend is available for interns to defray the cost of commuting to the office.
Skills Required
- Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program
- Availability to commit to at least one full semester (Fall and/or Spring) and support festival dates
- Ability to work 15-20 hours per week between 9:00AM and 5:00PM, schedule flexible with team
- Ability to attend and participate onsite at Festival events, including some nights and weekends
- Ability to meet and work from the NCBF office in Downtown DC (onsite availability)
- Tech-savvy with knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Slack, and Monday.com
- Detail oriented, organized, able to multi-task and manage time effectively
- Strong in-person and remote communication skills and ability to work with a variety of people
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
What We Do
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. The festival celebrates spring in Washington, DC, and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan, producing a wide array of events that promote traditional and contemporary arts, culture, and community spirit.
