Communications and Advocacy 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.

Are you a creative, passionate, and results-driven student interested in communications and legislative advocacy? The AARP District of Columbia State Team is looking for you! Our team builds great community events and advocates for public policies that improve the lives of District residents to create a better tomorrow for future generations. We’ll challenge you to think critically as you help design and execute media campaigns, monitor Council activity, and design print and digital social media content. You will work directly with staff, volunteers, and community leaders in the District. The pace is fast, and the work is never dull. You must be available to work at least 25 hours per week, working on-site Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and remotely on Mondays and Fridays using AARP-issued equipment. This paid internship has an anticipated start date of Spring 2026 and will go through the end of the year, with the possibility of extending additional semesters.

• Prepare and assist with communications for all state-led engagements
• Assist advocacy staff and volunteers in planning and implementing state and federal non-partisan advocacy tactics and voter engagement activities
• Monitor DC 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 body of work portfolio before the internship's end
• Create and deliver one special project of interns' making that supports a state objective

• 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
• 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 age, gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs & Zoom
• Solid oral and written communication skills
• Familiarity with creating and editing videos and knowledge of multiple social media platforms is 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.