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 results-driven student interested in communications and legislative advocacy? The AARP Colorado Team is looking for you! Our team advocates for public policies that improve people's lives as they age and help build a better tomorrow for future generations. We'll challenge you to think critically as you help our team communicate the benefits of state and federal policy and our work statewide. AARP is committed to your growth and cultivating your continued learning and development. This paid internship has an anticipated start date of May 2025 and continues through December 2025.

Responsibilities

• Work with advocacy staff and volunteers to plan and implement state and federal legislative grassroots advocacy tactics
• Monitor legislative activities and research legislators’ community engagement and communication channels
• Enhance AARP’s social media presence by creating and posting relevant and timely content
• Produce and distribute materials for legislators, the media, members, and the public
• Write and edit press releases and articles for the state website, blog entries, email communications, action alerts, letters to the editor, and other articles, focusing on AARP’s policy issues and state priorities
• Research background information for talking points and other communications needs, as needed by staff
• Interview volunteers, staff, community members, and legislators for statewide articles
  
  

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college/university rising undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or post-doctoral students and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship or must have previously graduated from college and enrolled in a continuing education program
• Prior experience in issue and/or legislative advocacy, although not required, would be helpful
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, partnered with strong time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects to achieve deadlines
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and familiarity with social media tools
• Research and analytical skills
• Interest in aging, nonprofits, communications/public relations, and political issues
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills to work well with team members while being flexible and adaptable to work on independent projects
• Must be available to work a minimum of 15 hours a week
  
  

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 judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
  
  

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 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, $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.