Communications and Outreach Intern

AARP; West Virginia; Hybrid; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Part time

Job summary

AARP is seeking an intern for a paid position starting in Summer 2026, ideal for students pursuing degrees in communications or related fields. The internship provides strategic experience in promoting policy issues relevant to family caregiving and financial security.

Candidates should demonstrate strong project management skills, adaptability, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. The role will involve both remote and in-person responsibilities, with a hybrid work environment designed to fit within the framework of the Kanawha Valley.

Qualifications

• Currently considered a rising undergraduate junior or senior, graduate student, or post-doctoral student.
• Adaptable to work with tight deadlines.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Apply strategic and analytical thinking to promote policy issues.
• Engage in communication strategies to advance policy issues.
• Research policy issues and engage in team meetings.
• Support execution of events and communications.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Creative thinking

Communication strategies

Project management

Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office

Creating and editing videos

Social media knowledge

Education

Currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited institution

Job description

Overview

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older.

Internship Details

Paid internship starting Summer 2026, with an option to continue throughout the year.

Responsibilities

• Apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to help promote policy issues on family caregiving, broadband, fraud prevention, and financial security.
• Engage in communications strategies and tactics to advance these issues and organize events as part of these efforts.
• Research policy issues, participate in team meetings and strategy discussions, collaborate in communications tactics, and engage in a support role for various remote and in‑person events.
• Support state staff and volunteers with the execution of events, virtual meetings, written and oral communications, social media, and other skills necessary to engage West Virginia residents and stakeholders effectively.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university; considered a rising undergraduate junior or senior, graduate student, or post‑doctoral student; remain academically enrolled throughout the internship.
• Pursuing a degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related fields.
• Self‑starter and adaptable 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.
• Familiarity with creating and editing videos and knowledge of multiple social media platforms is a plus.
• Preference for students located in the Kanawha Valley.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance.
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships.
• Independent judgement in evaluating options to make sound decisions.
• Work effectively in an office/open‑office environment with moderate noise.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

Hourly pay: $18 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, $28 for Ph.D. candidates. Internships are non‑exempt and not eligible for employee benefits.

Work Environment

Hybrid: remote work on Mondays and Fridays (within the United States).

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 any other basis prohibited by applicable law.