Communications and Advocacy Intern

Overview

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.

Are you a creative, passionate, and result-driven student interested in communications and legislative advocacy? The AARP Kentucky State Team is looking for you! Our team organizes exceptional community events and advocates for public policies that enhance the lives of Kentucky residents, working to create a better tomorrow for future generations. We’ll challenge you to think critically as you help design and execute media campaigns, monitor legislative activity, and design print and digital social media content. You will work directly with staff, volunteers, and community leaders in the Commonwealth. You must be available to work at least 25 hours per week, with on-site work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and remote work on Mondays and Fridays, using AARP-issued equipment. This paid internship has an anticipated start date of Spring 2026 and may continue through the end of the year, with the potential for extension.

Responsibilities

• Apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to help promote policy issues on family caregiving, health and welfare, and retirement security
• Engage in the communications strategies to advance these issues and the events organized as part of these efforts
• Research policy issues, draft documents to support our advocacy efforts, participate in team meetings and strategy discussions, collaborate in communications tactics, and engage in a support role for various remote and in-person events
• Prepare and assist with communications for all state-led engagements
• Monitor local municipalities Council Committee activities and research select policy issues
• Create digital, social, and print content for advocacy and community outreach
• Assist with the production of MS Teams Live and Facebook Live events
• Create and deliver a high-quality work portfolio before the internship's end
  
  

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university as rising undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or postdoctoral students, and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship, or must have previously graduated from college and enrolled in a continuing education program.
• The ideal candidate will be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university; be considered a rising undergraduate junior or senior, graduate student, or postdoctoral student; and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Pursuing a degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related fields
• Must be a self-starter and adaptable, with the ability to work under tight deadlines
• Ability to manage multiple projects, anticipate project needs, and discern work priorities
• Ability to work well with diverse populations, including gender, race, and sexual orientation
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
• Familiarity with creating and editing videos and knowledge of multiple social media platforms are a plus
  
  

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgment in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• Home office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate home environment noise
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

The hourly range is $18 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, and $28 for Ph.D. candidates. Internships are non-exempt positions and are not eligible for employee benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.