Advocacy and Communications Intern
OATS, Saint Paul, MN, United States
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 advocacy and public policy? The AARP Minnesota Team is looking for you! Our develops, advocates for, and implements policies 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 Summer 2026 and will go through the end of the year, with the possibility of extending additional semesters.
Responsibilities
Apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to help promote policy issues on family caregiving, health and welfare, and retirement security
Engage in the communications strategies to advance these issues and the events organized as part of these efforts
Research policy issues, draft documents to support our advocacy efforts, participate in team meetings and strategy discussions, collaborate in communications tactics, and engage in a support role for various remote and in‑person events
Work with advocacy staff and volunteers to plan and implement state and federal legislative grassroots advocacy tactics and non‑partisan voter engagement activities
Monitor legislative activities and research policy issues.
Enhance AARP’s social media presence by creating and posting relevant and timely content
Produce and distribute materials for legislators, the media, members, and the public
Design visuals to support advocacy promotional efforts (e.g., event fliers, online images, etc.)
Write and edit press releases and articles for the state website, blog entries, email communications, action alerts, letters to the editor, and other articles, focusing on AARP’s policy issues and voter engagement efforts
Research background information for talking points and other communications needs, as needed by staff
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 public policy, political science, nonprofit management, communications, marketing, journalism, or related fields
Prior experience in issue and/or legislative advocacy, although not required, would be helpful
Strong time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects to achieve deadlines
Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and familiarity with social media tools
Research and analytical skills
Interest in aging, nonprofits, communications/public relations, and political issues
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills to work well with team members while being flexible and adaptable to work on independent projects
Must be available to work a minimum of 15 hours a week
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.
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Are you a creative, passionate, and results-driven student interested in advocacy and public policy? The AARP Minnesota Team is looking for you! Our develops, advocates for, and implements policies 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 Summer 2026 and will go through the end of the year, with the possibility of extending additional semesters.
Responsibilities
Apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to help promote policy issues on family caregiving, health and welfare, and retirement security
Engage in the communications strategies to advance these issues and the events organized as part of these efforts
Research policy issues, draft documents to support our advocacy efforts, participate in team meetings and strategy discussions, collaborate in communications tactics, and engage in a support role for various remote and in‑person events
Work with advocacy staff and volunteers to plan and implement state and federal legislative grassroots advocacy tactics and non‑partisan voter engagement activities
Monitor legislative activities and research policy issues.
Enhance AARP’s social media presence by creating and posting relevant and timely content
Produce and distribute materials for legislators, the media, members, and the public
Design visuals to support advocacy promotional efforts (e.g., event fliers, online images, etc.)
Write and edit press releases and articles for the state website, blog entries, email communications, action alerts, letters to the editor, and other articles, focusing on AARP’s policy issues and voter engagement efforts
Research background information for talking points and other communications needs, as needed by staff
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 public policy, political science, nonprofit management, communications, marketing, journalism, or related fields
Prior experience in issue and/or legislative advocacy, although not required, would be helpful
Strong time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects to achieve deadlines
Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and familiarity with social media tools
Research and analytical skills
Interest in aging, nonprofits, communications/public relations, and political issues
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills to work well with team members while being flexible and adaptable to work on independent projects
Must be available to work a minimum of 15 hours a week
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.
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