Advocacy Mobilization Intern (Fall)

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 security, financial stability, 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.

AARP’s Community, State and National Affairs (CSN) Group delivers on AARP’s social mission by educating and engaging people 50-plus and their families, strengthening communities, and championing issues that help give people financial and health security. The Mobilization Campaign team focuses on advocacy campaigns that drive meaningful change on critical policy issues, including voter engagement, Social Security, and family caregiving.

About the role

This paid internship is expected to start in Fall 2026 and offers the option to be remote. AARP is seeking innovative thinkers to help modernize advocacy response processes, support reporting efforts, and draft compelling communications for priority issue campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develop creative and innovative ways to modernize the response process and improve the speed of replies to activist emails.
• Support reporting efforts to communicate impact internally and externally.
• Draft presentations and processes within AARP brand guidelines.
• Draft and review advocacy communications, including national advocacy text messages for campaigns on voter engagement, Social Security, caregiving, prescription drugs, and more.
• Work on special projects under national and state advocacy portfolios, including email, text messaging, direct mail, and advocacy fundraising.
• Assist with AARP’s online event management and organizing tool, Mobilize America.

Requirements

• Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college/university (rising undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or post-doctoral students) and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship.
• Self-starter with the ability to adapt and work under tight deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, anticipate needs, and discern work priorities.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations, including gender, race, and sexual orientation.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Regular and reliable job attendance.
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships.
• Independent judgment in evaluating options to make sound decisions.
• Home office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise.

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position.

Pay

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.