Graphic Design and Creative Operations Intern

OATS; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Paid internship

Job summary

AARP is seeking a Graphic Design & Creative Operations Intern to support design, production, and digital asset management across print and digital communications. You’ll adapt templates, maintain brand standards, and prepare production-ready files in a fast-paced environment.

This paid internship starts Fall 2026 and may extend for an additional semester, with Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays within the United States. Remote work is within US territories.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university as a rising undergraduate junior or senior, graduate student, or postdoctoral student, and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Pursuing a degree in graphic design, visual communications, communications, or a related field
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, is preferred
• Basic understanding of graphic design, layout, typography, and visual communication principles
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with others
• Interest in digital asset management, creative production, and brand communications, with a willingness to learn new tools and processes

Responsibilities

• Support the adaptation and editing of existing print and digital templates, including updating copy, layouts, photography, and other visual assets
• Assist with the production of advertisements, brochures, reports, digital banners, promotional materials, signage, templates, and other branded communications
• Prepare, organize, and quality-check files for digital and print production
• Apply AARP brand and editorial standards to assigned projects and help ensure accuracy and consistency
• Support the organization and maintenance of digital assets, including Getty and locally produced photography
• Assist with adding and maintaining metadata, keywords, and asset collections to improve the searchability and accessibility of digital assets
• Help organize, upload, and maintain creative assets within digital asset management and other Creative Services platforms
• Support the team with asset searches, image downloads, file organization, and other creative production needs

Skills

Graphic design

Layout

Typography

Brand communications

Communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Collaboration

Digital asset management

Adobe Creative Cloud

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Education

Graphic design-related degree

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

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, detail-oriented student interested in graphic design, creative production, and digital asset management? The AARP Brand Creative Services team is looking for a Graphic Design & Creative Operations Intern to support the development and production of print and digital communications across AARP. This internship provides hands-on experience adapting creative materials, working with established templates and brand standards, preparing production-ready files, and supporting the organization and management of digital assets. You’ll work alongside Creative Services professionals and internal partners on real-world projects while gaining experience in design, production, brand standards, and digital asset management in a fast-paced creative environment. This paid internship is expected to start in Fall 2026 and may extend for an additional semester.

Responsibilities

• Support the adaptation and editing of existing print and digital templates, including updating copy, layouts, photography, and other visual assets
• Assist with the production of advertisements, brochures, reports, digital banners, promotional materials, signage, templates, and other branded communications
• Prepare, organize, and quality-check files for digital and print production
• Apply AARP brand and editorial standards to assigned projects and help ensure accuracy and consistency
• Support the organization and maintenance of digital assets, including Getty and locally produced photography
• Assist with adding and maintaining metadata, keywords, and asset collections to improve the searchability and accessibility of digital assets
• Help organize, upload, and maintain creative assets within digital asset management and other Creative Services platforms
• Support the team with asset searches, image downloads, file organization, and other creative production needs

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university as a rising undergraduate junior or senior, graduate student, or postdoctoral student, and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Pursuing a degree in graphic design, visual communications, communications, or a related field
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, is preferred
• Basic understanding of graphic design, layout, typography, and visual communication principles
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with others
• Interest in digital asset management, creative production, and brand communications, with a willingness to learn new tools and processes

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
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

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 $18.40 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.