Marketing & Social Media Intern

National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC, is currently seeking an energetic, creative, and passionate Marketing & Social Media Student Intern to assist the Marketing and Communications team in executing the 2026 Festival.

Organization Description

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 & Social Media Intern will contribute to the communications, marketing, digital content creation, and branding strategies of various National Cherry Blossom Festival programs and events for the 2026 Festival. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Drafting and scheduling content (written, graphic, and video) for social media and email campaigns
• Assisting with creation of photo/video content for social media
• Tracking post-performance/engagement metrics, pulling analytics reports, and clipping for social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube) and website (Google Analytics)
• Updating and managing content calendars across all communication touchpoints (website, emails, social media, and on-site)
• Assisting with capturing live content from Festival events through phone and digital camera
• Creating PowerPoint presentations for internal and external use
• Assisting with execution of Festival events via on-site support
• Monitoring inbound questions submitted via website contact form and respond directly or routing messages appropriately

The Festival welcomes Marketing and Communications 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 tailored to the intern’s skills and focus.

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 8, 2025

Fall Semester end date: December 2025, depending upon the intern’s schedule

Spring Semester targeted start date: Monday, January 12, 2026

Spring Semester end date: Late April through early May 2026, depending upon the intern’s schedule.

The 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 – April 12, 2026.

September – December 2025:

o 10 to 15 hours per week between the hours of 10 AM and 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

o Start and end dates are flexible to align with semester schedules and internship academic credit requirements.

o Hours, schedule, and work format (must be available in-person) are determined in consultation with the Marketing and Communications team and based on student availability.

January – June 2026:

o 10 to 15 hours per week between the hours of 10 AM and 5:30 PM Monday through Friday.

o Start and end dates are flexible to align with semester schedules and internship academic credit requirements.

o Hours, schedule, and work format (must be available in-person) are determined in consultation with the Marketing and Communications team and based on student availability.

o 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, ideally with a PR/Marketing focus, though not required
• Passion for strategy, brand, storytelling, 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
• Canva, Monday.com, social media monitoring software knowledge preferred (e.g. Brandwatch) but not required
• Photography and videography skills are a plus

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.