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NATA Elevate: Aviation Business Internship
2026 Membership & Industry Research Track

The NATA Elevate Aviation Business Internship is a paid summer internship program designed to expose students to the business, advocacy, and operational side of the aviation industry.

Location: Remote or Washington, D.C. (Hybrid/In-Person Available)
Duration: 8-12 Weeks (Summer 2026)
Compensation: Based on minimum wage for intern’s residence
Hours: 10 hours per week, flexible scheduling available

About NATA

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NATA is a non-profit trade association of over 2,700 aviation business companies. For more than eight decades, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has contributed significantly to the prosperity of aviation service companies and has been a catalyst for improvement within the aviation industry.

NATA is the leading national trade association representing the business interests of general aviation service companies on legislative and regulatory matters and providing education, services, and benefits to its members to empower their safety and long-term economic success.

Position Overview

NATA is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented student to join the NATA Elevate Aviation Business Internship as a Membership & Industry Research Intern. This paid summer internship provides hands-on experience supporting membership development, data management, industry research, and strategic initiatives while offering exposure to the business, advocacy, and operational side of the aviation industry.

This program is ideal for students interested in aviation, business, data analytics, nonprofit management, marketing, public policy, or association management. Interns will gain hands-on experience working within Salesforce-based membership systems while learning how a trade association serves and supports the aviation industry.

The primary focus of this role will be researching, updating, and maintaining membership and prospect data, helping ensure NATA’s database remains accurate, actionable, and positioned to support membership growth and engagement efforts.

In addition to core database projects, interns may have opportunities to contribute to projects aligned with their interests and skills, including graphic design, video content creation, workforce development, marketing, or government affairs.

Key Responsibilities

Membership & Data Research

  • Research aviation companies and industry contacts to identify prospective members.
  • Update and maintain membership records within NATA’s Salesforce/Fonteva database.
  • Verify company information, locations, employee counts, and key decision-maker contacts.
  • Assist with data quality initiatives, contact audits, and email deliverability improvements.
  • Support membership retention and engagement efforts through research and reporting.
  • Compile industry intelligence and market research to support outreach initiatives.

Industry & Workforce Research

  • Assist with aviation workforce development and career pathway research.
  • Research industry trends, market segments, and emerging aviation businesses.
  • Support scholarship, internship, and student engagement initiatives as assigned.

Optional Project Opportunities

Depending on interests and experience, interns may also:

  • Assist with graphic design and visual content creation.
  • Support video editing, production, and storytelling projects.
  • Contribute to social media and digital marketing campaigns.
  • Assist with legislative and regulatory research.
  • Support advocacy initiatives and policy tracking.
  • Help develop content for NATA publications and member communications.

Qualifications

Preferred candidates will possess:

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Ability to conduct independent research and manage multiple projects.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
  • Interest in aviation, business, public policy, marketing, data analytics, or nonprofit organizations.
  • Experience with Salesforce, CRM systems, graphic design tools, video editing software, or data analysis tools is a plus, but not required.

What You’ll Gain

Preferred candidates will possess:

  • Real-world experience working for a national trade association.
  • Exposure to the business side of aviation.
  • Hands-on experience with Salesforce and membership database management.
  • Opportunities to network with aviation industry leaders and professionals.
  • Professional development through mentorship, resume reviews, and career coaching.
  • Participation in department meetings, staff briefings, webinars, and industry discussions.
  • Potential opportunity to visit aviation businesses and facilities in the Washington, D.C. area.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining their interests and career goals to:

Alexandra Brendel
Associate Vice President, Member Services & Engagement
abrendel@nata.aero

Please include “Summer 2026 Membership & Industry Research Intern” in the subject line.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NATA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, present or future membership in a U.S. Uniformed Service, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.