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 1,000 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 3.2 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $490 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.

For full-time positions, all applicants must write to jobs@aafaglobal.org. 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.

Full-time Positions

Sustainability Policy Coordinator

Basic Function:

The primary objective of this position is to support the association’s work on sustainability, product safety, chemical management, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues, including supporting AAFA’s Environmental Committee, AAFA’s Product Safety Council, and AAFA’s Social Responsibility Committee.

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Provide logistical and administrative support to the Director, Sustainability for a variety of association and government affairs and policy activities including responding to member inquiries, preparing materials, creating presentations, and developing talking points.
  • Provide support for the Director, Sustainability, including scheduling for hill meetings, fly-ins, and member DC visits, taking minutes, and other assistance as required.
  • Assist in tracking and analyzing legislation, rules, and regulations.
  • Attend congressional hearings, agency meetings, and briefings.
  • Assist with the drafting of weekly committee notes, members tools and resources, articles, updates, and social media posts.
  • Assist with the preparation of AAFA lobby days and PAC-related activities.
  • Scheduling and calendar alignment for AAFA Policy Team.
  • Support AAFA Communications and Marketing department in developing and refining media-facing and consumer-facing talking points on issues related to trade, customs, logistics, and labeling.
  • Closely collaborate with the Education and Programming department and Communications and Marketing department to assist with planning, execution, and success of the annual AAFA Product Safety and Compliance Seminar, the annual AAFA Traceability & Sustainability Conference, AAFA webinars, and other related AAFA events.
  • Participate in lobbying activities associated with the Policy Team on all issues, as needed.
  • Maintain a relentless focus on the needs of our membership.

Qualifications:

  • BA/BS.
  • Experience/expertise in sustainability and/or product safety/chemical management/social responsibility.
  • Familiarity with the United States federal government, including the Administration, agencies, and Congress.
  • Familiarity with state legislatures and/or the European Union a plus.
  • Strong analytical, writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to quickly understand, digest, and communicate complex policy concepts to AAFA colleagues, member company representatives, and policymaker audiences.
  • Ability to take direction from multiple people across AAFA Policy Team.
  • Excellent time management and logistics skills, including managing and prioritizing simultaneous activities, tasks, and deadlines.
  • Work well under time pressures while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Proficient in utilizing relevant software programs, including but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
  • An understanding of communications, social media content development (e.g., Facebook, Linkedln, Twitter)
  • Experience in industry a plus.

Location:

Washington, DC (hybrid – 2-3X week in office). Some domestic travel, periodic international travel.

Salary:

$50,000 - $65,000, depending on experience and expertise.

To Apply

Please send your submit cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to jobapps@aafaglobal.org

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:

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis for a summer 2024 internship. 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 office days)