Communications Intern
COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
What We Do
Sitar Arts Center engages DC youth, from early childhood to young adulthood, in building a creative community of learning and belonging that removes financial and cultural barriers to arts education and career training. We envision a city in which all young people experience transformative moments through quality, accessible arts education and career training and are supported on their path to discover their creativity and achieve their full potential.
At Sitar Arts Center, students engage in affordable, high-quality education and workforce development in the visual, digital, and performing arts. Each semester, 80% of students are from Washington DC households at 60% or less of the area median income. Programs take place year-round during out-of-school time in Sitar's state-of-the-art facilities, which feature an 85-seat theater, visual and digital art studios, a dark room, dance studios, and private and ensemble instrumental music studios.
Located in the vibrant Adams Morgan neighborhood, Sitar's community includes youth from every ward in DC. Across the year, up to 900 students engage in high quality classes including instrumental music, ballet and hip-hop dance, acting and musical theater, digital photography and filmmaking, and more. Each summer children from K- 8th grade enjoy our full day, 6-week Camp Sitar and teens enroll in summer workforce development programs. Sitar's new ArtsAdvance program offers alternative pathways to careers in the creative industries for 18-24-year-olds.
Your Compensation
Pay is $22 per hour.
When and Where You'll Work
The Communications Intern is a hybrid in-person and remote role with in-person days at Sitar Arts Center, located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, DC. Remote options will be available after you finish your probation period. You will also attend periodic evening and Saturday events, such as the annual gala and other fundraising events and student showcases and performances.
The Communications Intern will work a flexible schedule, working up to 30 hours per week.
Who You Are
You're a creative communicator with a passion for youth development and a desire to launch your career in communications. As a detail-oriented professional, you're seeking an opportunity that allows you to leverage your exceptional communication skills and make a significant impact.
You are drawn to Sitar's mission, are inspired by the work, and have an understanding of how effective communication can drive organizational success.
Key Qualifications and Experience
- Strong proficiency in graphic design with experience using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) or Canva.
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
- Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g.,
ActiveCampaign, Mailchimp, Constant Contact) - Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage multiple projects on deadline.
- Passion for the arts and belief in Sitar’s mission of equity and access through arts education.
Requirements
- Background check and TB test
- Ability to work in person plus some evenings and Saturdays for community events.
What We’ll Take Care of For You
We’ll do our best to take care of you so that you can take care of our children and youth.
- Paid Leave: Five days of paid leave
- Perks: Metro stipend
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Credit: School credit, if applicable
What You’ll Do
As the Communications Intern, you will be responsible for supporting the development, execution, and management of Sitar Arts Center’s communication and marketing initiatives. You'll be involved in supporting Sitar’s digital presence, creating compelling content, designing materials, assisting with brand management, supporting marketing initiatives, and collaborating with teams to achieve organizational goals. Through your work you will engage Sitar's community and showcase our mission and impact.
You will report directly to the Director of Communications and help execute effective communication strategies. Your creativity, attention to detail, and ability to build relationships will be essential in achieving our mission.
Core Responsibilities Include:
Multimedia Design (35%)
Server as the primary creator of print and digital materials that promote Sitar’s programs and initiatives.
- Design flyers, postcards, signage, brochures, multi-page documents, and infographics.
- Prepare visuals and layouts for reports, presentations, and event materials.
- Ensure all designs align with Sitar’s visual brand and accessibility standards.
Content Creation (25%)
Support the development of compelling written and visual content that reflects the voices of our community.
- Conduct interviews with students, parents, faculty, and alumni for story collection.
- Write and edit spotlight features for Sitar’s blog, website, and social media.
- Support content creation for press releases, campaigns, and other materials.
- Brainstorm and draft social media post captions, campaign ideas, and content themes as needed.
- Proofread communications to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency with Sitar’s brand voice.
Digital Communications (25%)
Execute digital outreach strategies to grow engagement and awareness.
- Manage, design, and distribute email campaigns that promote programs and build community.
- Maintain contact lists and monitor email performance metrics.
- Assist with scheduling, publishing, and monitoring posts on Facebook, Instagram, and X as needed.
- Publish approved updates to Sitar’s website and third-party platforms.
- Contribute to SEO strategy through keyword research and optimized content updates.
Marketing and Communication Management (10%)
Help implement and assess strategic marketing plans.
- Maintain brand consistency across all communication channels.
- Organize and update the organization’s asset library and branded templates.
- Assist with the development of marketing strategies and campaign planning.
- Support the creation of dashboards and reports to track communications performance.
Miscellaneous (5%)
- Serve as a backup at the front desk as needed.
- Assist with Center events, including student performances, community programs, tours, and the annual gala.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and planning retreats.
- Foster a positive and inclusive staff culture aligned with Sitar’s mission and values.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Communications Team.
Our Values
Embed Equity
Embed equity in our systems, programs, and spaces to advance social justice.
Everyone should have equitable access to opportunities, representation, and voice.
Foster Belonging
Foster belonging by engaging, supporting, and celebrating our diverse community members through genuine and meaningful relationships.
Everyone deserves a welcoming space where they can feel like they belong.
Prioritize Balance
Prioritize balance between the mental, emotional, physical, and creative well-being within ourselves and our fellow community members.
Everyone deserves the opportunity and support to prioritize wellness within their lives.
Build Trust
Build trust by assuming positive intentions and taking ownership of our words, actions, responsibilities, and commitments.
Everyone benefits when we approach relationships with openness and commit to follow through.
Inspire Transformation
Inspire transformation by listening to, learning from, and growing with our community and the world around us.
Everyone can be a student, and anyone can be a teacher.
Encourage Collaboration
Encourage collaboration with thoughtful and clear communication, a curious mind, and a creative spirit.
Everyone benefits when we work together as a team.
How You Can Apply
This position will remain open until filled. However, for best consideration please apply by July 25, 2025.
You need to submit a resume and answer all required questions. No phone calls please.
After applying you’ll receive an email confirming that we have your application on file. If you’re selected for the next stage, you will be contacted for an interview. The hiring process can take 4-6 weeks after posting. You will be considered if the position is still vacant.
We appreciate your interest in Sitar Arts Center. Sitar Arts Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Sitar Arts Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status, or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.
For more information about Sitar Arts Center, please visit www.sitarartscenter.org.