Public Policy and Strategic Communications Intern (Graduate Student)

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.

The AARP Ohio team seeks a highly motivated Public Policy and Strategic Communications Intern to support advocacy, policy, and communications initiatives aligned with Age-Friendly Ohio and livable communities work. This role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of policy development, stakeholder engagement, and public-facing communications—translating complex policy issues into compelling narratives that drive awareness and action. The intern will gain hands-on experience supporting legislative priorities, community-based initiatives, and integrated communications strategies that advance AARP’s mission across Ohio. This paid internship is set to start in Summer 2026, with a possibility of continuing until the end of the year. 

• Support development of policy briefs, backgrounders, testimony, and messaging documents tied to priority issues (family caregiving, fraud prevention, livable communities)
• Translate policy and research into accessible communications content (op-eds, talking points, fact sheets, digital content)
• Conduct policy and landscape research related to Age-Friendly Ohio and local livability initiatives
• Assist in stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies across key communities (e.g., Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Delaware)
• Support advocacy campaign execution, including coordination of communications tactics across PESO channels
• Participate in strategy discussions with advocacy, communications, and community engagement teams
• Track legislative activity and summarize key developments for internal use
• Provide on-site or virtual support for advocacy events, community meetings, or public forums

• Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university as a graduate student or postdoctoral student and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Strong preference for candidates pursuing a J.D., Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Urban Planning, Advocacy, or related graduate degree
• Exceptional research, analytical, and writing skills
• Ability to synthesize complex policy topics into clear, audience-friendly messaging
• Interest in public policy, advocacy, livable communities, urban planning, or community-based initiatives
• Ability to manage multiple projects, anticipate needs, and prioritize effectively
• Ability to work well with diverse populations, including age, gender, race, and sexual orientation
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs; familiarity with communications tools 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 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.