National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc.

Compensation

Full Description

National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC, is currently seeking a Programming Coordinator. Company Description 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival (NCBF) seeks a highly organized, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic Programming Coordinator to support the Vice President and contribute to the success of the Festival's diverse programs and events. This dynamic role requires exceptional communication and administrative skills, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for community engagement and cultural programming. The Programming Coordinator will serve as a key liaison across departments, stakeholders, and community partners, and lead high-volume programs and select event executions that drive participant throughput and timely deliverables across the Festival season. This role has an immediate start date. The Programming Coordinator will step into several active projects and must be a quick learner who can get up to speed quickly and begin contributing right away to ensure the success of key Festival program areas. QUICK FACTS Reports to: Vice President Work Location: District of Columbia (candidates must be current residents of the District of Columbia) Start Date: Immediate – we are looking for a candidate who can start as soon as possible. Work Style: Quick learner, proactive, and comfortable working independently once trained. Scope and Responsibilities Executive and Programmatic Support • Represent the Vice President in communications and public interactions by managing correspondence, scheduling and attending meetings, and responding to inquiries. • Support preparation and execution of meetings and events, including agenda creation, material preparation, note-taking, and follow-ups. • Assist in managing special projects and initiatives that align with the Festival’s mission, enhancing its visibility and impact. • Provide financial and administrative support as needed, including tracking expenses and coordinating with the Finance Manager. • Other duties as assigned. Participating Organizations Program • Serve as a central communication point for all participating organizations post-Vice President approval. • Manage applications, contracts, promotional materials, and logistical coordination to ensure smooth execution of Festival-aligned events. • Liaise with Communications and Finance teams to support marketing, invoicing, and on-site presence at participant events. • Lead the post-event wrap-up process including data collection, thank-you communications, and the creation of a comprehensive wrap-up report. Additional Programs & Projects Owned • City in Bloom — Decals Management — own decal ordering, inventory, distribution logistics, partner communications, and installation tracking (program operations only; relationship escalations route to Vice President). • Cherry Picks — manage partner onboarding, listing submissions and accuracy, asset delivery, and basic reporting. • Hotel Program — oversee hotel listings, offer collection, proofing, and CMS updates; coordinate with Comms and Finance for promotion/invoicing. • Official Artist liaison (Tim Yanke / Park West Gallery) — oversee communication with artist Tim Yanke; plan and coordinate logistics for the artist’s 2026 Festival appearance during parade weekend (e.g., schedule, deliverables, on-site needs), collaborating with Programming, Comms, and the Talent Manager as needed. • Tamagawa University liaison — oversee communication with Tamagawa University representatives; manage NCBF obligations including reminders for hotel rooming lists, shirt sizes (sourcing, fulfillment, and delivery to hotel), and support to the NCBF Talent Manager on ground transportation and related logistics. • Event Leadership • Event Lead: Parade Breakfast — build timeline/run-of-show, staffing plan, vendor coordination, on-site execution, and immediate post-event reconciliation. • Act as event lead for other assigned events as needed. Recommended Skills and Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business administration, communications, event planning, hospitality or tourism management, nonprofit management, or a related field. • Experience coordinating events and working with community partners, sponsors, and vendors; experience in membership management or destination marketing is strongly preferred. • Exceptional organizational, project management, and multitasking skills. • Demonstrated ability to learn new systems, processes, and information quickly. • Proven track record of taking ownership of projects and moving work forward with limited supervision. • Comfortable stepping into ongoing initiatives and organizing tasks to meet tight timelines. • Highly self-sufficient and resourceful, with strong judgment about when to ask questions and when to move ahead. • Strong verbal and written communication with attention to detail and professionalism. • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools such as Monday.com or similar platforms. • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining flexibility and a solutions-oriented mindset. Availability: This position has an immediate start date, and will conclude June 15, 2026. In your cover letter, please indicate your earliest possible start date and any commitments that may affect your availability between now and April. Compensation: This hourly position is compensated at $25 per hour and is expected to work 30–40 hours per week, with flexibility for evenings and weekends. During the peak Festival season (March 1–April 17), additional hours may be required to support event production and execution. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).