Communications Intern - American Feed Industry Association (AFIA)

Paid • Closes April 1

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) Internship Program gives college and postgraduate students hands-on experience in the animal feed industry while exploring its vital role in animal health, food safety, and sustainable agriculture. As the leading trade association for the U.S. feed industry, AFIA offers interns meaningful exposure to policy, advocacy, and regulatory issues shaping the future of agriculture.

As an AFIA intern, you’ll work side by side with industry professionals, contribute to real projects, and gain firsthand exposure to the animal feed industry. This program is ideal for students curious about food and agriculture, sustainability, public policy, and the regulations that shape how our food system works.

Program Duration

• Length: Typically 10–12 weeks, with flexible start and end dates to accommodate academic schedules.

• Location: Based in AFIA’s headquarters with some remote work options available, depending on the department.

• Hours: Full-time or part-time (with flexibility for academic commitments).

• Pay: $14/hour

Position Summary: The Communications Intern will support the American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) communications team in telling the story of the U.S. animal feed industry through digital content, member communications, and media support. This internship offers hands-on experience in strategic communications, content development, and digital engagement within a national trade association.

Position Responsibilities

• Write, edit and/or send: daily event and product marketing emails, content for the AFIA FeedGram weekly member newsletter, posts for the AFIA Feed Bites blog and biweekly newsletter, the annual AFIA state of the industry print report, new webpage content for AFIA’s and IFEEDER’s websites, news releases, event moderator notes and other conference materials, IFEEDER products, and more.

• Develop and post social media content (e.g., # FeedFacts graphics, tweets, posts) and other multimedia content for use on AFIA’s social channels and on the website. Create member social media toolkits as necessary.

• Assist with gathering information for AFIA’s crisis preparedness team and tracking key topics via AFIA’s news and social media monitoring tool, Meltwater.

• Proof materials (e.g., congressional or regulatory letters, presentations) for staff as necessary.

• Upload and properly tag photos for AFIA’s photo database.

• Update existing AFIA infographics with the latest data and branding.

• Assist with minor video work (e.g., reviewing B-roll, creating Bitable marketing videos).

• Support database cleanup and other minor administrative work for the organization.

What You’ll Gain

• Practical experience in professional writing and strategic communications

• Exposure to communications strategy within a national trade association

• Portfolio-ready work across digital, editorial, and media-related projects

• Experience collaborating with policy, events, and member engagement teams

Please note: interns may be assigned to one area of work primarily, but may also be given exposure to project in other departments depending on the opportunity.

Desired Qualifications

• Education: Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a bachelor’s or graduate program in a related field such as public policy, agriculture, animal science, food science, business, environmental science, economics, communications, journalism, marketing, or political science.

• Skills:

  • Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills

  • Clear written and verbal communication abilities

  • Interest in agriculture, the animal feed industry, sustainability, public policy, or regulatory affairs

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with data or analytics tools is a plus

• Attributes:

  • Curious, proactive, and eager to learn in a professional environment

  • Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks

  • Collaborative mindset and comfort working with cross-functional teams

Application Process

• Application Period: All applications for summer internships must be submitted no later than April 1st.

• How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit the following to careers@afia.org:

  • Resume

  • Cover letter explaining your interest in the internship and how it aligns with your career goals.

  • Relevant work samples (writing or other communications projects)

  • Two references (academic or professional)

• Selection Process: Candidates will be invited for interviews, which may be conducted virtually or in-person, depending on location.

Learn more and apply here.