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 3.5 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $509 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:

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis for a fall 2025 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)

Brand Protection Intern

About this Job:

This virtual internship opportunity is with the Policy Department of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, headquartered in Washington D.C. This internship opportunity would focus on the Brand Protection (BP) portfolio, helping AAFA with advocacy initiatives to protect of intellectual property rights (IPR); working to increase awareness of the dangers of counterfeits to businesses, consumers, workers, and the environment; and to help educate the industry on how to overcome shared challenges that cause lost sales and irreparable damage to brand reputation.

Key responsibilities:

  • Joining virtual meetings with AAFA staff, AAFA members, external cross-industry partners, and more on policy-related matters. Participate in occasional external meetings with government agencies, Congressional staff, and others as appropriate.
  • Help to coordinate wide-ranging coalition activities and support for key policy priorities.
  • Supporting the creation or updating of AAFA regulatory resources, tools like a platform directory for AAFA members and updating databases.
  • Helping draft government comments as USTR’s annual Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy, regular member notes, letters, meeting agendas, legislative/ regulatory summaries and more.
  • Researching various intellectual property issues impacting brands and prepare background documents for hearings and/or meetings.
  • Potential support for amicus preparation and research to turn over for legal drafting of briefs.
  • Monitoring congressional and other events to create summaries or key take-aways; creating summaries of research, legislation and other priorities.
  • Tracking dates of importance and potential of planning activities to support, including work with our communications team on editorial calendars or drafting social content or supporting other development assets.
  • Assist with events and logistics, including lobby days and support around AAFA BP meetings
  • Maintain a relentless focus on the needs of AAFA members.
  • Other supportive duties as determined based on AAFA's strategic plan.

Personal characteristics and qualifications:

  • Work within their system to obtain any credit for externship/ internship as AAFA is willing to participate in any processes needed. 
  • Be able to set a work schedule (at least 20-30 hours per week) around a class schedule; with heavy work slated for the end of September to the middle of October.
  • Set a learning plan at the start of the internship including set duties but also areas they would like to explore expanding the internship.
  • Learn how the AAFA interacts with its client members and develop client interaction skills.
  • Develop professional relationships within and outside of the membership network, including industry leaders, law firm professionals, brand representatives, academia, and other non-profit organizations.
  • Access events and learning opportunities across AAFA’s portfolio and teams.
  • Receive real-time feedback and mentorship.
  • Receive training on legislative technology systems and tools used by the policy team.
  • Gain fundamental knowledge of the advocacy space and the U.S. government.

Application Process:

Please email jscogginshanks@aafaglobal.org with AAFA Brand Protection Internship - (your name) in the subject with a cover letter and your resume attached.

Location:

Virtual