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

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 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 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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