Government Affairs and Advocacy Intern

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND ADVOCACY INTERNSHIP

The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is a dynamic, member-driven and impactful organization committed to promoting and sustaining the growth and development of the local restaurant industry while providing our members legislative and regulatory representation, marketing and small business support, programming, and events.

RAMW offers year-round internship opportunities and is currently seeking a motivated Government Affairs and Advocacy Intern to join our team. The successful candidate will work closely with our Government Affairs team to monitor legislative developments, mobilize restaurant owners and operators, engage with key stakeholders, and contribute to advocacy initiatives that directly impact our organization and members. This internship provides a unique opportunity for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in government relations, grassroots organizing, and advocacy campaigns, including:

• Skill- and knowledge-building opportunities in government affairs and field organizing, especially as it relates to the hospitality industry and small business.
• Training and experience in grassroots mobilization, voter engagement, and community organizing tactics.
• Hands-on experience in professional research, writing, and advocacy communications.
• Opportunities to build the intern's professional network in policy and advocacy sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Working closely with the Vice President of Government Affairs, major responsibilities of the Public Policy Intern include: 

• Field Organizing Support: Assisting with outreach to restaurant owners and operators for advocacy campaigns, supporting member participation in lobby days and public hearings, and contributing to grassroots support for policy priorities.
• Legislative Monitoring: Assisting with tracking and reporting on legislation in city and county governments in the Washington metropolitan area, with a strong focus on the District of Columbia.
• Policy Research: Conducting research on priority policy issues, providing insightful summaries, and contributing to policy recommendations.
• Legislative Meetings Support: Supporting the planning and execution of meetings with policymakers, legislative briefings, and advocacy campaigns, including assisting with scheduling, preparing briefing materials, and follow-up communications.
• Hearing and Testimony Support: Attending public hearings, assisting with testimony preparation, supporting coordination of member and expert witnesses, and tracking legislative proceedings.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Assisting in building and maintaining relationships with government officials, regulatory agencies, and fellow business and industry associations.
• Event Support: Assisting with the planning and execution of government affairs and member events, including receptions, policy forums, legislative breakfasts, and stakeholder meetings.
• Records Management: Assisting with updating and maintaining records of local policymakers, key staff, and member engagement activities.
• Collaboration: Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams within the organization to support alignment between government affairs activities and broader organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate student with a strong interest in government affairs, public policy, advocacy, grassroots organizing, or campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and comfort engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with restaurant owners, community members, and policymakers.
• Careful attention to detail and proofreading skills.
• Ability to problem solve and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Self-motivated with strong time management skills and willingness to ask questions as necessary.
• Strong service orientation and passion for advocacy.
• Computer competencies, including conducting online research and experience with G Suite tools (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• Interest in or knowledge of the local food, beverage, and hospitality industry is a plus.

Apply Today

 Internships are 18 to 24 hours per week in person at the RAMW office and paid $20 an hour. To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and three samples of work to internships@ramw.org. Work samples should include at least one academic sample (coursework, papers, projects completed for classes) and at least one applied sample (work completed for internships, student organizations, volunteer roles, independent projects, or other non-classroom settings).

RAMW is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or beliefs.

About RAMW 

For more than 100 years, RAMW has advocated and provided a community for more than 1,400 entrepreneurs and small businesses in the greater Washington area. We count among our members beloved neighborhood spots, family-owned businesses, homegrown restaurant groups, and national and regional favorites. Together we are one of the largest job creators in the District and leading contributors to revenues.