Our team
Staff
Our team is deeply committed to being connected to the communities we serve. This translates to relationships with a broad ecosystem of business owners, community members, and partners working together to achieve our community goals.
Board of Directors
MICHELLE BOQUIREN URBEN
Board Chair, Chair of the Finance Committee
STARSHA VALENTINE
Director
CHELSEA COFFIN
Secretary
DAVID DESANTIS
Vice Chair
MATT LAPIN
Treasurer
CHE RUDDELL-TABISOLA
Director, Chair of Board Recruitment Committee
TRACY LOH
Director
Join Our Team
District Bridges is growing. Do you want to work for a dynamic organization serving some of DC’s best neighborhoods? Check out the job descriptions and if you think you’d be a good fit please send a cover letter, resume, and relevant work samples to hiring@districtbridges.org.
We are committed to pay transparency –
Community Navigator
The CN reports to the Director of Community Navigation (DCN) and is responsible for working with the DCN to develop a robust support system for residents who need assistance navigating city resources, specifically those experiencing housing insecurity and/or substance abuse disorder. The CN will also play an integral part in District Bridges “Placekeepers Program,” engaging residents and community partners in the sustainable implementation of community-based interventions to holistically serve the community. They work in collaboration with the Ward-based team to connect individuals with social services, support the implementation of community events, and recruit and manage volunteer Plackeepers.
Licensed Community Navigator
The CN reports to the Director of Community Navigation (DCN) and is responsible for working with the DCN to develop a robust support system for residents who need assistance navigating city resources, specifically those experiencing housing insecurity and/or substance abuse disorder. The CN will also play an integral part in District Bridges “Placekeepers Program,” engaging residents and community partners in the sustainable implementation of community-based interventions to holistically serve the community. They work in collaboration with the Ward-based team to connect individuals with social services, support the implementation of community events, and recruit and manage volunteer Plackeepers.
Marketing Coordinator
District Bridges seeks a dynamic and detail-oriented Marketing Coordinator to support the organization’s marketing initiatives at a pivotal stage in our growth. The Marketing Coordinator will report to the Director of Storytelling and Marketing (DoSM) and support them in executing marketing strategies, managing content, and assisting with campaigns that share our impact and mission. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to impactful storytelling and strategic marketing efforts while gaining experience in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Vending Zone Manager
The Vending Zone Manager (VZM) is a full-time position, responsible for supporting the implementation of the Columbia Heights | Mount Pleasant Vending Zone, this role specifically focuses on program implementation, street vendor outreach and management, technical assistance, and zone management and compliance. The VZM reports to the Director of Programming (DP) and is responsible for working with the DP to develop a robust system for implementing the CHMP vending zone, supporting vendors in obtaining and maintaining compliance, managing conflicts, and developing policies and procedures for vendors within the zone to comply with.
Our Internship Opportunities
District Bridges is an ecosystem development non-profit working to bridge community engagement and economic development opportunities to foster equitable, resilient, and connected communities in DC and beyond. Founded in 2005 by neighbors in Columbia Heights, our values of relationship, collaboration, innovation, diversity, action-oriented, fun, story, and inclusion have driven our mission and work.
District Bridges offers internships at our office in Columbia Heights, in Washington, DC. District Bridges’ internship program is designed to provide training and experience for students interested in economic and community development on a hyper-local level.
At this time, District Bridges internships are unpaid opportunities. Interns who work for at least 15 hours a week receive a gift of SmarTrip fare (up to $25/week with eligible SmarTrip card.)
Events and Engagement
District Bridges is seeking an Events & Engagement Intern. Reporting to the Events & Engagement Managers (EEM), interns can contribute to over 80 events a year across 10 neighborhoods while gaining hands-on professional experience.
Responsibilities may include:
● Digitally store and organize event paperwork such as invoices, contracts, etc.
● Research possible vendors for event needs
● Assist EEMs with volunteer coordination and management
● Day-of assistance at events
● Printing and placing mandatory permits for events
● Creating day-of event binders
● Equipment reserving
● Engage the local community by soliciting volunteers, attendees and partners
● Attend and contribute ideas to event planning meetings
● Draft vendor agreements
● Support EEMs with administrative tasks
Prioritized qualifications include:
● Creativity, professionalism and a positive, can-do attitude
● Ability to work independently with effective time management
● Attention to detail
● Excellent oral and written communications skills
● Demonstrated success with multi-tasking and juggling multiple priorities
● Previous event planning and community engagement experience (internship, volunteer assignment, coursework)
● Availability for and interest in in-person, on-the-ground work
Digital Marketing
District Bridges is seeking a Digital Marketing Intern. Reporting to the Director for Storytelling and Marketing (DSM), interns can contribute to the online growth of a community ecosystem development organization while gaining hands-on professional experience.
Responsibilities may include:
● Monitor the social media calendar in collaboration with external consultants
● Assist the DSM in planning content
● Attend and document events, activities, and meetings via photos, videos, and verbal testimonies
● Digitally store and organize content (Content Database: Air)
● Work with the broader team to draft written materials for blogs and newsletters
● Assist in managing DB digital media presence and content
● Identify trends and broader initiatives for DB to capitalize on to reach new audiences
● Assist in analyzing the DB digital media content and planning future campaigns
● Support the DSM with administrative tasks
Prioritized qualifications include:
● Creativity, professionalism and a positive, can-do attitude
● Ability to work independently with effective time management
● Attention to detail
● Excellent oral and written communication skills
● Ability to develop original content and edit materials
● Demonstrated success with multi-tasking & juggling multiple priorities
● Demonstrated knowledge and/or interest in new and existing social media channels (Facebook, X fmrly Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) as well as best practices, key uses, and analytics
● Previous community engagement and marketing experience (internship, volunteer assignment, coursework)
● Availability for and interest in in-person, on-the-ground work
Development
District Bridges is seeking a Development Intern. Reporting to the Deputy Director (DD), interns can contribute to financial sustainability of a community ecosystem development organization while gaining hands-on professional experience.
Responsibilities may include:
● Write drafts for letters of interest and grant applications
● Digitally store documentation for partners and sponsors
● Attend community events and build rapport with potential partners and/or sponsors
● Work with the broader team to identify fundraising needs
● Assist DD in communicating fundraising opportunities with community stakeholders and partners
● Research and identify possible local partners and sponsors
● Support the DD with administrative tasks
Prioritized qualifications include:
● Creativity, professionalism and a positive, can-do attitude
● Ability to work independently with effective time management
● Attention to detail
● Excellent oral and written communication skills
● Ability to develop original content and edit materials
● Previous fundraising experience (internship, volunteer assignment, coursework)
Community Navigation
District Bridges is seeking a Community Navigator Intern. Reporting to the Director of Community Navigation (DCN), interns can contribute to the strengthening of a community ecosystem while gaining hands-on professional experience in connective services.
Responsibilities may include:
● Create and distribute public surveys, in-person and digitally
● Digitally store content, documents, and other assets
● Assemble care packages for community members
● Speak with community members to identify resource gaps
● Research potential community partners
● Administrative tasks to assist the DCN
Prioritized qualifications include:
● Creativity, professionalism and a positive, can-do attitude
● Ability to work independently with effective time management
● Attention to detail
● Excellent oral and written communication skills, proven abilities in project management
● Demonstrated success with multi-tasking & juggling multiple priorities
● Previous community engagement and grassroots experience (internship, volunteer assignment, coursework)
● Fluency in Spanish
Our support teams
