AARP Community Outreach and Advocacy Intern

AARP; Washington; On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

AARP Washington is offering a paid internship focused on advocacy, public policy, and community engagement for Fall 2026 through year-end with potential extensions. You will gain exposure to policy issues in caregiving, healthcare, financial security, consumer protection, and fraud, and participate in outreach activities with diverse communities.

The role includes event planning support, research tasks, basic visuals, volunteering coordination, and partner communications, while developing

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a degree program and remain enrolled throughout the internship.
• Must be a self-starter and adaptable, with the ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, anticipate needs, and set priorities
• Ability to work with diverse populations including gender, race, and sexual orientation
• Strong research and analytical skills with project management knowledge
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and Zoom

Responsibilities

• Apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to promote AARP WA policy issues, including caregiving, healthcare, financial security, consumer protection, and fraud
• Assist in all aspects of community engagement activities, both virtual and in-person, including event planning, coordinating with community partners, and prepping event materials
• Conduct research on policy issues and best practices to draft documents to support outreach and advocacy implementation efforts, participate in team meetings and strategy discussions, and collaborate in communications tactics, including direct communications to partner organizations
• Design basic visuals to support events and promotional efforts (event fliers, online images, etc.)
• Develop in-depth knowledge and compile information on AARP priority issues
• Support with the coordination of volunteer outreach programming, attend volunteer meetings, and assist with volunteer correspondence
• Provide outstanding customer service, be an enthusiastic professional, and build relationships with internal and external partners

Skills

Research skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Education

Enrolled in degree program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoom

Job description

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 Magazineand theAARP Bulletin.

Are you a creative, passionate, and results-driven student interested in advocacy, public policy, and community engagement? TheAARP WashingtonTeamis looking for you! Our team advocates for meaningful policy solutions at the state and national levels to ensure people age with dignity, security, and opportunity today and for the future. AARP Washington offers innovation, creativity, and professional growth opportunities while working with a diverse team and audiences. We’ll challenge you to think and work innovatively 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 ofFall 2026 and will run through the end of the year, with the possibility of extending additional semesters.

Responsibilities

• Apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to promote AARP WA policy issues, including caregiving, healthcare, financial security, consumer protection, and fraud
• Assist in all aspects of community engagement activities, both virtual and in-person, including event planning, coordinating with community partners, and prepping event materials
• Conduct research on policy issues and best practices to draft documents to support our outreach and advocacy implementation efforts, participate in team meetings and strategy discussions, and collaborate in communications tactics, including direct communications to partner organizations
• Design basic visuals to support events and promotional efforts (event fliers, online images, etc.)
• Develop in-depth knowledge and compile information on AARP priority issues
• Support with the coordination of volunteer outreach programming, attend volunteer meetings, and assist with volunteer correspondence
• Provide outstanding customer service, be an enthusiastic professional, and build relationships with internal and external partners

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
• 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 gender, race, and sexual orientation
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and Zoom
• Strong research and analytical skills with project management knowledge

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
• 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 $21.30 for undergraduates and 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.

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