Communications Intern

ABOUT DC CENTRAL KITCHEN:   

DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. Our approach provides hands-on culinary job training while creating living-wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed in our city. We serve scratch-cooked farm-to-school meals in DC schools; deliver fresh, affordable produce to corner stores in neighborhoods without supermarkets; provide delicious catering; and operate fast-casual cafes. Above all else, we are committed to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive community, both outside our doors and right here on our team. We strive to offer a safe environment to learn, discover, and develop individual strengths, and pursue meaningful career pathways. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we recognize and work to address the lasting effects of historic injustices and systemic racism, and we strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ people, returning citizens, and people who have experienced poverty or homelessness to apply to join our team.

DEPARTMENT DESCIPTION: 

The Development and Communications team directs DC Central Kitchen’s fundraising, communications, marketing, event planning, and advocacy activities. This diverse team of ten skilled professionals oversees DCCK’s external affairs, stewards nearly 11,000 annual donors, manages marketing and communications efforts for the organization as a whole and for each DCCK social venture, raises $13 million in donations each year, and organizes Capital Food Fight, the city’s best foodie event. We prioritize transparency, teamwork, and creativity in our daily work while taking an asset-based approach to storytelling and upholding donor-centered fundraising practices.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Working directly with the Communications Specialist and Communications Coordinator, the Comms Intern will assist with marketing efforts and storytelling projects, as well as perform light administrative duties. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Generate written content for various channels, including the DCCK blog, social media platforms, website, press materials, and event collateral, among others.
• Assist in interviewing and cataloguing individual stories of DCCK team members for Living History project.
• Work with the team in developing and implementing marketing plan for Capital Food Fight 2026.
• Monitor daily press and social media for DCCK coverage.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned by management and / or duties and tasks needed to drive the vision, mission, and values of DC Central Kitchen.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Must currently be enrolled in a higher education program studying PR/Communications, Marketing or English
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with writing for social media
• Self-starter, comfortable working independently and collaboratively with a team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Exceptional organizational skills 
• Energetic and creative
• Desire to advance DC Central Kitchen’s unique mission and be part of a fast-paced, high-energy, collaborative team of development and communications professionals 
• Pre-employment background check, COVID-19 vaccine, and drug test are required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be capable of independent local travel.
• May occasionally move Audio/Visual and other office equipment or lightweight items weighing up to 20 pounds for various meeting and event needs. Some functions of this position may require moderate physical activity, including transporting, positioning, installing, or removing office equipment items, such as printers, computers, phones, and so on.
• Needs to occasionally move about inside the office and commercial kitchen space to access supplies, materials, file cabinets, office machinery, etc.; constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; constantly positions self to access and maintain computer equipment; and must be able to remain in a stationary position for at least 50% of the time.
• Must be able to work in an environment where exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, fumes, dirt, smoke, loud noise, and a variety of odors is common.
• This job description is subject to change at any time. 

NOTE: 

This document is an outline of the primary tasks assigned and may be changed at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. All team members are expected to assist DC Central Kitchen in achieving its goals even if such tasks are beyond the scope of this outline. The job description does not constitute an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 

DC Central Kitchen is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and a Strengths-based organization.