Communications Fellow

NOTE TO APPLICANT: City Blossoms will only consider candidates for up to two fellowship positions maximum. To be considered for multiple fellowship positions, candidates should submit separate applications (resume and short essay responses) for each position they would like to be considered for through the Idealist portal.

CITY BLOSSOMS COMMUNICATIONS FELLOW

REPORTS TO: Development Manager

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt, Part-time

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

City Blossoms is a nonprofit that cultivates the well-being of our communities through creative programming in kid-driven gardens. We envision cities with abundant, accessible green space where communities thrive and children build lifelong connections to the natural world. Applying our unique brand of gardens, science, art, healthy living, and community building, we "blossom" in neighborhoods where kids, their families, and neighbors may not otherwise have access to green space.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

City Blossoms strives to create a work environment and programs based on our values:

• EQUITY. Strive to ensure access and inclusion for all
• DIVERSITY. Celebrate everyone's strengths and experiences
• RESPECT. Nurture compassion and consideration for all living things
• COLLABORATION. Enhance our impact by joining together
• CREATIVITY. Cultivate open-mindedness and experimentation

All City Blossoms programming aligns with our mission and strategic plan. City Blossoms staff work as a team to embody the values of the organization to carry out all aspects of our work.

POSITION SUMMARY

City Blossoms fellowships are designed to support the professional development of young leaders interested in community and youth engagement, non-profit management, outdoor education and/or environmental and food justice. Fellows work side-by-side with the City Blossoms team, receive training and coaching, and are provided the opportunities to develop their professional experience and interests within program areas over eight months. The Communications Fellow reports to the Development Manager.

Alongside the Communications and Development Coordinator, Development Manager and Executive Director, the Communications Fellow is responsible for supporting branding and outward communication for the organization. This includes growing and honing the public-facing voice of the organization in alignment with City Blossoms 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. The Communications Fellow will have both internal and external responsibilities, including social media content creation and storytelling around City Blossoms programs and impact, community-focused graphic design, and on-the-ground engagement with stakeholders through periodic tabling opportunities and events.

Additional responsibilities include supporting the rest of the City Blossoms team to meet organizational needs, including but not limited to participation in our garden workdays, community events, fundraising efforts, and community programming during regular Open Time hours at our garden sites. The Fellow will receive mentorship and professional development to guide them in their career path and next steps after the Fellowship.

The position is 20 hours per week beginning on March 18th through November 22, 2025.

The Fellow must be able to:

• Work in-person at the City Blossoms Studio and travel to program partner sites and Community Green Spaces (locations found on our website) across all eight Wards of Washington DC.
• Flexibility to work between the hours 8:30am and 6:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday, totaling no more than 20 hours/week.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1- Strategy, Vision, and Administration

• Have an understanding of City Blossoms’ communications strategy, including goals, objectives, target audiences, and approaches;
• Partner with the Communications and Development Coordinator, Development Manager and Executive Director to accomplish City Blossoms’ strategic goals and objectives as laid out in the organization’s work plan;
• Refine City Blossoms’ external voice and tone;
• Participate in regular meetings to support planning and implementation of communications and development strategies;
• Contribute to a culture of support, high performance and continuous improvement that values learning, collaboration, and commitment to City Blossoms’ mission;
• Represent City Blossoms externally, as necessary.

2- Social Media Content Creation and Storytelling

• Support in shaping social media strategy alongside the City Blossoms team;
• Create and publish social media content on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok to promote City Blossoms programs and impact;
• Track and analyze social media engagement to evaluate communication performance;
• Conduct interviews with program participants and key stakeholders to support storytelling efforts.

3- Graphic Design and Written Communication

• Collaborate with City Blossoms staff to create digital templates to support community engagement across all programs;

4- Representation, Networking & Collaboration

• Support daily programming in other program areas as needed. Including but not limited to Open Time hours and Community Workdays across our garden sites;
• Maintain good working relationships with team members, outside partners, and donors;
• Represent City Blossoms in relevant forums and develop/maintain relationships with outside partners, government entities, and other stakeholders.

Other tasks in line with the essential functions/responsibilities mentioned above may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• High School Certificate or equivalent;
• Two post-high school years of employment or education preferred;
• Experience utilizing social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok required;
• Interest working in diverse settings, on community-based initiatives, and directly with community members;
• Passion for City Blossoms’ mission.

Requirements

• Successful MPD background check;
• Submission of a COVID-19 proof of vaccination

Skills

• Basic proficiency in Spanish preferred, but not required;
• At home working in a collaborative, fast-paced professional setting;
• Strong active listening, verbal and written communication skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, etc.) and Google applications;
• Strong problem-solving skills;
• High attention to detail and self-starter mentality;
• Preference for a highly collaborative and creative work environment;
• Comfortable with physical tasks, including lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Proficient presentation and public speaking skills;
• Comfort and/or interest in outdoor, nature-based work.