Careers

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. Representing more than 1,100 world famous name brands, AAFA is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its more than 3.6 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $523 billion in annual U.S. retail sales.

The AAFA team – including Membership, Policy, Events & Programming, Communications & Marketing, and Finance - is primarily based in Washington, D.C. with varying hybrid schedules. Benefits include bonus potential and:

  • Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • 401(K) Plan with profit sharing
  • Generous PTO and holiday time

AAFA’s year-round internships are competitive, combining academic experience to real world situations that advance the apparel and footwear industry.

Internship Opportunities

Policy Intern

About this Job:

AAFA offers competitive internship opportunities in our Policy Department. The department is interested in legislative and regulatory matters at national and international levels, while directing lobbying and advocacy responses for matters affecting the apparel and footwear industries.

We focus our policy work around three core pillars: brand protection, trade, and supply chain and manufacturing. 

Key responsibilities:

  • Participate in virtual meetings with AAFA members on policy-related matters as well as occasional external meetings with government agencies and members of Congress.
  • Support the creation of AAFA regulatory resources and tools.
  • Support the development of letters and agendas and summarize regulatory updates.
  • Support development of presentation content for policy-oriented speaking engagements.

Personal characteristics and qualifications:

  • Demonstrated interest in trade, legislative, and regulatory matters.
  • Demonstrated interest in corporate social responsibility and/or sustainability a plus.
  • Detail-oriented and well-organized.

Application Process:

The deadlines for applying are as follows:

  • Spring – October 20th
  • Summer – February 28th
  • Fall – May 29th

Please send your resume and a short email about your interest in the position to jobapps@aafaglobal.org. 

Note: Must be located in the United States and authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization and able to participate in internship within AAFA business hours (9am – 6pm Eastern Daylight Time).

Location:

Washington, D.C. (mix of telework and in-person office days)

Communications & Social Strategy Intern

About this Job:

AAFA offers competitive internship opportunities in our Communications and Marketing Department. The Communications and Marketing team is responsible for advancing AAFA’s voice, strengthening brand reputation, and supporting engagement across media, membership, and key stakeholders in the apparel and footwear industries.

The team focuses its work around AAFA’s three core priorities: Brand Protection; Supply Chain & Sourcing; and Trade, Logistics, & Manufacturing.

The Fall AAFA Communications Intern will work closely with a three-person communications team in a primarily remote environment (with optional one day per week in-office) to support media monitoring, content development, and strategic communications initiatives.

Key responsibilities:

  • Monitor traditional and social media for relevant AAFA mentions, including conducting social listening, media tracking, and basic analytics.
  • Support drafting and editing of press releases, media materials, and social media content (primarily LinkedIn).
  • Conduct research on communications trends, media strategies, and social media tactics to inform team efforts.
  • Identify and flag relevant reporters, media outlets, and emerging stories aligned with AAFA priorities.
  • Assist in tracking and evaluating communications performance and engagement metrics.
  • Collaborate with team members to support ongoing communications campaigns and initiatives.

Personal characteristics and qualifications:

  • Demonstrated interest in communications, public relations, media relations, or social media strategy.
  • Strong writing, editing, and research skills.
  • Detail-oriented, well-organized, and proactive.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively and thoughtfully incorporate diverse input.
  • Comfortable working in a remote environment and highly attentive in a virtual setting.
  • Interest in brand reputation, public affairs, or industry communications a plus.

Application Process:

The deadlines for applying are as follows:

  • Fall (September start) –June 30

Please send your resume and a short email about your interest in the position to jobapps@aafaglobal.org. with the subject line: “Communications & Social Strategy Internship.” 

Note: Must be located in the United States, authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization, and able to participate in the internship during AAFA business hours (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time).

Location:

Washington, D.C. (primarily remote with optional one day per week in-office)