Livable Communities Intern (May start)

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 creating age-friendly, livable communities? The AARP Iowa Team is looking for you! Our team collaborates with Iowans statewide to create stronger communities and improve the lives of people as they age. We’ll challenge you to think and work on real-world projects. AARP is committed to your growth and cultivating your continued learning and development. This paid internship has an anticipated start date of May 2026 and will run through the end of the year.

• Apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to help promote policy issues related to AARP’s Livable Communities initiatives (e.g., housing, transportation, walkability, public spaces, and human connections)
• Engage with local Age-Friendly community partners and statewide Livable Communities advocates to further AARP Iowa’s local community-level advocacy
• Research Livable Communities best practices that support the public, our members, key stakeholders, and volunteers
• Draft documents to support AARP Iowa’s local community-level advocacy and Livable Communities work, participate in team meetings and strategy discussions, collaborate in Livable Communities tactics, and engage in a support role for various remote and in-person events
• Work with volunteers to support AARP initiatives, set up presentations, and assist with operational support
• Assist with graphic design projects using Canva and Microsoft Office programs

• Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college/university; rising undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or post-doctoral students are eligible and must remain academically enrolled throughout the internship, or must have previously graduated from college and enrolled in a continuing education program
• Knowledge and interest in topics within AARP’s Livable Communities scope of work (e.g., housing, transportation, walkability, public spaces, and human connections)
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with volunteers, staff, and partners
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team on a wide range of tasks
• Proactive and self-directed, with a willingness to take initiative and ask questions 
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and anticipate project needs
• Strong research and writing skills, including the ability to translate complex information into accessible and engaging content
• Familiarity with creating and editing videos and knowledge of multiple social media platforms
• Technical proficiency in Canva and Microsoft Office programs (you will be asked to provide an example of a previous graphic design or video project)

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.