External Relations Intern

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.

AARP’s Office of Chief of Staff keeps AARP operating and informed on a day-to-day basis. The staff works closely with the CEO and other E-Team members to provide leadership and direction to make strategic decisions.

Are you a creative, design-savvy, and results-driven student interested in media relations and advocacy work? TheAARP External Relations team is looking for you! Our team works to improve people's lives as they age and help build a better tomorrow for future generations by amplifying AARP's impactful advocacy work through the media. We'll challenge you to think and work innovatively on high-impact media relations projects. Through this internship, we will foster your continued learning and development in media relations. This paid internship has an anticipated start date of Fall 2026, with the possibility of extending additional semesters.

Responsibilities:

• Apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to help promote policy issues on family caregiving, health and welfare, and prescription drugs
• Engage in communications strategies to advance these issues and organize the events 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 support for various remote and in-person media events
• Design visually appealing post-campaign reports to highlight the reach and impact of our advocacy media campaigns

Qualifications:

• Must 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 to work under tight deadlines
• Ability to manage multiple projects, anticipate project needs, and discern work priorities
• Ability to work well with others and communicate effectively
• Must have strong proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
• Familiarity with creating visually appealing PowerPoint presentations is a plus

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly range is $18.40 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.