Strategic Communications and Writing Intern

Restaurant Association 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 skilled and motivated Strategic Communications and Writing Intern to join our team. The successful candidate will play a central role in advancing our mission by crafting compelling written content, developing persuasive advocacy materials, and supporting strategic communications that amplify the voice of the restaurant industry. This internship provides a unique opportunity for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in strategic writing, public affairs communications, and advocacy messaging, including:

  • Training in strategic communications development, message framing, and audience-specific writing techniques.
  • Hands-on experience crafting advocacy materials including talking points, testimony, op-eds, and policy briefs.
  • Practical experience developing member communications, social media, newsletters, and organizational messaging.
  • Opportunities to build the intern's professional network in the advocacy, hospitality, and small business sector.

Key Responsibilities

Working closely with the Vice President of Government Affairs, major responsibilities of the Strategic Communications and Writing Intern include:

  • Advocacy Writing: Assisting with developing and drafting advocacy materials including talking points, testimony for public hearings, policy briefs, comment letters, and position statements that advance organizational priorities.
  • Member Communications: Supporting the development of member-facing communications including newsletters, email campaigns, action alerts, member updates, and announcements that engage and inform the membership.
  • Social Media Support: Assisting with planning, drafting, and scheduling content across RAMW platforms including Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and supporting strategies that grow engagement and audience reach.
  • Research and Analysis: Conducting research on policy issues, industry trends, and communications best practices to support messaging strategy and content development.
  • Content Editing: Providing copyediting and proofreading support for organizational materials, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency with brand voice and style standards.
  • Stakeholder Communications: Assisting with drafting correspondence and communications to policymakers, community partners, and stakeholders that advance organizational relationships and advocacy goals.
  • Collaboration: Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to support communications activities that align with organizational priorities and advance the association's mission.

Qualifications

  • Undergraduate or graduate student with coursework or demonstrated interest in journalism, communications, political science, public relations, public affairs, or related fields.
  • Exceptional written communication skills with demonstrated ability to write clearly, persuasively, and for diverse audiences.
  • Strong understanding of or interest in advocacy communications, political messaging, and public affairs writing.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills and comfort engaging with diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong research and analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex information into accessible narratives.
  • Careful attention to detail and exceptional proofreading and editing 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 and organizational skills and willingness to ask questions as necessary.
  • Strong service orientation and passion for advocacy and mission-driven work.
  • Computer competencies, including experience with G Suite tools (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides) and comfort learning content management systems.
  • Experience in 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 with the subject line “RAMW Internship Application: Strategic Communications and Writing - (Your Name)”. 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.