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. 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 Opportunities

Media Relations and Communications Coordinator

About this Job:

The American Apparel & Footwear Association is seeking a Media Relations and Communications Coordinator who is skilled in writing/editing, media relations, social media, and translating complex information and data into succinct soundbites. The candidate will be a skilled writer who can translate messages to a variety of stakeholders and audiences in the areas of AAFA’s three key priorities: Brand Protection; Supply Chain & Sourcing; and Trade, Logistics, & Manufacturing. The qualified candidate will have a keen attention to detail, ability to collaborate effectively and be patient in assessing diversity of input, and will be highly productive in a remote/hybrid office.

The position will report to the Senior Vice President, Communications but will lead projects in tandem with the Education and Programming department to fulfill marketing visions and outcomes for AAFA’s suite of virtual and in-person events, plus initiatives with the Policy and Membership departments. This position will also work to achieve integrated, cohesive storytelling across all channels and enforce the AAFA Brand Guidelines.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and at least 3 years of communications/writing/media relations experience (agency, advocacy organization, campaign).
  • Capitol Hill experience welcome.
  • Strong writer and editor with superior communications skills and keen attention to detail.
  • Results oriented; self-sufficient; highly organized.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet critical competing deadlines.
  • Forward-thinking and open to new ideas with a strong desire to continuously improve.
  • Excellent collaborative skills working with a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience with Google Analytics (GA4) and social media KPI reporting.
  • Experience with digital advertising (e.g., mobile geofencing and retargeting).
  • Proficient in Email marketing (e.g., MailChimp, Constant Contact, Critical Impact).
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Sharepoint, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to manage year-round event marketing schedules and tactics, including methods to convert new audiences to registrants for AAFA events.

Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a front-line writer and editor for policy-focused op-eds, case studies, one-pagers, reports, and live remarks.
  • Generate clips/recap AAFA’s earned media. Drive content for AAFA Weekly Brief newsletter.
  • Field media inquiries and proactively pitch stories to national and local media to generate interviews in support of AAFA's strategic priorities.
  • Identify proof points, member testimonials, and case study opportunities.
  • Organize and update talking points for media opportunities and policy presentations.
  • Support and streamline internal communications initiatives, including SOPs.
  • Collaborate across departments to develop marketing points to support Membership, Sponsorship, and Event/Educational programs.
  • Ensure consistency and positive positioning of AAFA's brand in external communications.
  • Leverage data and analytics to ensure campaigns meet goals and enhance AAFA's brand presence.
  • Generate unique avenues for building awareness and driving attendance to AAFA’s meetings and events.
  • Strategize, prioritize, and automate email marketing campaigns.
  • Address back-end-entry of materials for the AAFA website, including the AAFA image library and library of publications/reports.
  • Fiercely protect the AAFA Brand Guidelines.
  • Develop and maintain social media calendars (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Threads, Youtube).
  • Regularly conduct website health/support web content audits and improve SEO results. Continuously evaluate AAFA collateral for accessibility.

Benefits:

  • Salary: $50,000 - $65,000, depending on experience and expertise
  • Virtual office/work from home flexibility
  • Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • 401(K) Plan with profit sharing
  • Generous PTO and holiday time

Application Process:

Applicants must submit cover letter and resume to jobapps@aafaglobal.org

Location:

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

Director, State and Local Government Affairs

About this Job:

The primary objective of this position is to represent AAFA and advance the association’s policy priorities at the state and local level in the United States.

This person will work with the AAFA Policy Team to execute effective advocacy strategies, develop political relationships, and manage contract lobbyists in key jurisdictions.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

  • BA/BS (Masters preferred).
  • 5-7 years relevant experience working at state and local government level (previous experience in a state legislature preferred).
  • 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.
  • 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 Zoom, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Familiarity and ability to comply with all applicable government ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance regulations.
  • Willingness to travel within the United States as needed.
  • Experience in the industry a plus.

Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Monitor, research, analyze, and respond to legislation, rules, and regulations affecting the apparel and footwear industry at the state and local level.
  • Devise and execute state-level lobbying strategies, including managing state-level contract lobbyists and consultants, coordinating with other key industry groups, and organizing state-level lobby days for AAFA members.
  • Represent AAFA positions and priorities before state officials, outside organizations, and NGOs, including by testifying, participating in briefings, and conducting in-person and virtual meetings.
  • Inform AAFA Policy Team colleagues about relevant state and local legislation and regulatory requirements and coordinate on developing and implementing holistic strategic approaches to policy concerns.
  • Work with AAFA Policy Team subject matter experts to track and analyze relevant legislation, rules, and regulations.
  • Respond to member inquiries on state and local policy issues and participate in member policy briefings.
  • Create member tools and resources and draft articles, updates, and social media posts relating to state and local policy issues.
  • Support AAFA Communications and Marketing department in developing and refining media-facing and consumer-facing talking points and collateral on state and local policy issues.
  • Collaborate with the AAFA Education and Programming department and Communications and Marketing department to assist with planning, execution, and success of AAFA webinars and AAFA events.
  • Maintain a relentless focus on the needs of our membership.

Benefits:

  • Salary: $100,000 - $125,000, depending on experience and expertise
  • Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • 401(K) Plan with profit sharing
  • Generous PTO and holiday time
  • Remote-eligible position (position requires regular travel within the United States).

Application Process:

Applicants must submit cover letter, resume, and an acknowledgement of the stated salary range to jobapps@aafaglobal.org

Location:

Remote-eligible, domestic travel required.

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 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)