Intern, Business Development, Partner Network

American Bar Association; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

American Bar Association in Washington, DC is offering a paid internship focused on business development within the Partner Network. The role emphasizes research, outreach, and relationship-building across ABA divisions while providing exposure to leadership and policy-related banking industry work.

The internship runs this summer and requires a rising junior or senior with strong research and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Strong research skills to conduct lead searches and gather data.
• Analytical skills to interpret membership data and generate insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for customer service and marketing support.
• Attention to detail for accurate research and materials.
• Customer service orientation to interact with members and partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM tools.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Business development support for the Partner Network team.
• Market Research: identify potential partners, sponsors, and exhibitors; track industry trends.
• Membership Analysis: evaluate Partner Network benefits and improve offerings.
• Sales Support: assist outreach to potential members, sponsors, exhibitors.
• Lead Generation: conduct searches to identify potential recruitment targets.
• Event & Competitor Research: analyze industry events and pricing; assess sponsorships.
• Customer Engagement: support communications to boost visibility and relationships.
• Assist in customer service activities for the Partner Network.

Skills

Research

Analytics

Communication

Attention to detail

Customer service

Office proficiency

Adaptability

Education

Undergraduate student

Tools

CRM software

MS Office

Job description

Want to work for a great Organization?

Joining ABA makes you part of a team that:

• has Extraordinary People - ABA experts are the “go to” sources for bankers, policy makers and the media for credible information and insights for the banking industry.
• has Unmatched Scope and Scale - ABA’s unparalleled information and services keep members current, knowledgeable and prepared.
• is Impact-Driven - ABA has a proven record of bringing about positive change for our members and the industry. We take action and achieve results.

Plus competitive pay, an outstanding benefits package, a convenient DC location, a professional collegial work environment and an opportunity to work on issues of national significance equals a winning combination!

Employer of Choice

ABA is recognized with a 2025 Great Company Culture Award and 2025 Great Place to Work designation!

Duration / Hours

June 7, 2027 – August 13, 2027

Pay rate is $25/hour for undergraduate student (Must be a rising junior or senior at an accredited college or university with a graduation date between December 2027 and May 2029)

Full-time; 37.5 hours per week

Based in Washington, DC, with an expectation to work onsite at least two days per week.

ABA’s Internship provides students with a paid opportunity to work with one of the biggest trade associations in Washington, DC. This extremely selective opportunity provides students with the opportunity to do substantial work in various divisions across ABA, connect with leadership, build a network, and make a difference.

Primary Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll help identify potential companies that might benefit from our Partner Network membership, research banking industry events, and analyze the benefits that association members receive. You’ll also play a key role in supporting sales efforts for sponsorships and exhibits at industry events, ensuring partners and exhibitors see the value of working with us.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Business development support for the Partner Network team.
• Market Research: Identifying potential new partners, sponsors, and exhibitors while tracking industry trends.
• Membership Analysis: Evaluating the benefits of Partner Network membership and helping improve offerings.
• Sales Support: Assisting the team in outreach efforts to potential members, sponsors, and exhibitors.
• Lead Generation: Conducting lead searches to identify potential companies for recruitment.
• Event & Competitor Research: Finding out which industry events key banking companies attend and how they engage with associations. Performing competitor analysis (exhibit pricing, sponsorships package/pricing, exhibit hall models).
• Customer Engagement: Supporting communication efforts aimed at enhancing the Partner Network’s visibility and engagement to ensure excellent relationships with members and partners.
• Assisting in customer service activities related to the Partner Network.

This is a great opportunity for someone interested in business development, sales, marketing, and communications, looking to gain real-world experience in a professional environment. If you enjoy research, relationship-building, and strategic thinking, this internship is for you!

Required Skills

• Strong research skills: Ability to conduct lead searches, analyze competition, and gather data effectively.
• Analytical skills: Ability to analyze membership data and provide actionable insights.
• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication for customer service and marketing support.
• Attention to detail: Accuracy in research, data analysis, and marketing materials.
• Customer service: Ability to interact with customers and partners professionally and effectively.
• Proficiency in office software: Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and possibly CRM tools.
• Adaptability: Ability to manage multiple tasks and respond to changing priorities.

Minimum Education Requirements

• Must be a rising junior or senior at an accredited college or university with a graduation date between December 2027 and May 2029

Preferred Field of Study

• Business/Marketing/Communications

Salary Band Range

$15.00 - $37.50 - $60.00

American Bankers Association (ABA) is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected Veteran status, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.