Communications and Outreach Intern

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 Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.

Are you a creative, passionate, and results-driven student interested in community outreach and event planning? The AARP West Virginia Team is looking for you! Our team creates and executes various events and projects to improve people's lives as they age and help build a better tomorrow for future generations. 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 of Fall 2026, with an option to continue for additional semesters. 

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 the 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

• The ideal candidate will be currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university, be considered a rising undergraduate junior or senior, graduate student, or post-doctoral student, and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Pursuing a degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related fields
• Must be a 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 will be given to students located in the Kanawha Valley

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 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.