Advocacy Intern

Texas Restaurant Association; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) in Austin, Texas seeks a Legislative Session Intern to support advocacy during the 2027 Texas Legislative Session. The role offers hands-on experience with policymakers, state agencies, and industry leaders, tracking legislation and preparing summaries and talking points.

You’ll work closely with TRA’s Chief Public Affairs Officer on policy research, stakeholder engagement, and event coordination, gaining exposure to the legislative process and advocacy

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student, recent graduate, or comparable experience in public policy/advocacy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to summarize complex information clearly.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and adapt to changing priorities, with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Track and analyze legislation affecting Texas’ restaurant and foodservice industry.
• Monitor hearings and debates, providing timely updates.
• Prepare bill summaries, briefings, talking points, and advocacy communications.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Policy awareness

Multitasking

Education

Undergraduate student or recent graduate

Tools

MS Office

Canva

AI tools

Job description

Compensation: $20/hour | Approximately 25 hours per week

Term: December 2026 or January 2027 through June 2027

About the Opportunity

The Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) is seeking a motivated, resourceful, and highly organized Legislative Session Intern to support our advocacy efforts during the 2027 Texas Legislative Session.

Representing more than 58,000 restaurant, bar, and foodservice businesses across Texas, TRA is a leading advocate for an industry that supports millions of Texans and serves as the state’s largest private-sector employer.

This is a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience with the Texas legislative process while working directly with TRA’s Chief Public Affairs Officer and engaging with lawmakers, legislative staff, industry leaders, and advocacy professionals.

From tracking legislation and attending Capitol hearings to conducting policy research, supporting member engagement, and coordinating advocacy events, you’ll gain meaningful exposure to the legislative process and the inner workings of a statewide business advocacy organization.

We’re looking for a dependable, curious, and proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys tackling new challenges, and is eager to make a meaningful contribution.

What You’ll Do

Legislative Research & Policy Support

• Track and analyze legislation affecting Texas’ restaurant and foodservice industry.
• Monitor legislative hearings, committee proceedings, and floor debates, providing timely updates on relevant developments.
• Conduct legislative, regulatory, and policy research to support TRA’s advocacy priorities.
• Assist in preparing bill summaries, legislative briefings, talking points, presentations, and other advocacy communications.
• Maintain organized legislative research, records, and resources.

Capitol & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support TRA’s engagement with legislative offices, state agencies, coalition partners, and restaurant industry members.
• Assist with scheduling and preparing for meetings with policymakers and legislative staff.
• Help coordinate legislative office lunches, briefings, and other relationship-building activities.
• Support restaurant operators and industry representatives participating in legislative hearings, meetings, and testimony.
• Represent TRA professionally in interactions with policymakers, staff, members, and stakeholders.

Advocacy Events & Team Support

• Assist with Texas Capitol Day, legislative hearings, press events, receptions, and other advocacy activities.
• Support event logistics, including registration, attendee lists, materials, schedules, signage, and coordination.
• Provide administrative and project support for TRA’s advocacy team and industry coalitions.
• Help manage competing priorities and support the day-to-day operations of a fast-moving legislative team.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student, recent graduate, or individual with comparable experience and demonstrated interest in public policy, advocacy, communications, or a related field.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex information clearly and accurately.
• Dependable, professional, and comfortable taking initiative.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential or politically sensitive information.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, AI-powered tools, Canva, and other digital platforms, with a willingness to learn new technologies.
• Politically aware and comfortable working in a nonpartisan environment with stakeholders across the political spectrum.
• Location: Austin, Texas, with regular in-person work at the Texas Capitol and TRA headquarters.
• Schedule: Approximately 25 hours per week, with flexibility based on legislative activities.
• Duration: December 2026 or January 2027 through June 2027. December start preferred.
• Compensation: $20 per hour.
• Transportation: Reliable transportation within the Austin area is required.
• Flexibility: Some early mornings, evenings, and occasional schedule adjustments may be necessary. Reasonable accommodations for class schedules or standing commitments are available for the right candidate.

Why Join TRA?

At the Texas Restaurant Association, you’ll have a front-row seat to the legislative process while contributing to advocacy efforts that impact thousands of businesses and millions of Texans.

You’ll work directly with experienced public affairs professionals, develop relationships with policymakers and industry leaders, and gain practical experience in legislative research, public policy, communications, and advocacy.

For an ambitious, dependable self-starter, this internship offers opportunities to take on increasingly meaningful responsibilities throughout the legislative session.

If you’re interested in public policy, eager to learn, and ready to experience the Texas Legislature firsthand, we’d love to hear from you!