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Community Engagement and Communications Intern

Columbia, 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 impactful community engagement and communications marketing? The AARP South Carolina Team is looking for you! Our team creates and executes various outreach events and projects throughout the year 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 2025 and will run through the end of the year, with the possibility of extending additional semesters.

Responsibilities:

Engage directly and with a team of volunteers in a combination of in-person and virtual outreach efforts to include utilities hearings, virtual healthy living cooking events, pickleball, local festivals, and more
Preparation for the 2026 legislative cycle to include volunteer outreach and non-partisan voter engagement issue education requiring analytical and strategic insight ahead of the federal midterm cycle
Engage in the communications and campaign strategies, including well-executed event planning and promotions via internal systems that keep AARP membership and a statewide team of volunteers informed and mobilized
Assist with strategic planning and development, volunteer engagement, policy research, and power mapping, including the document creation to support our outreach and communication efforts
Participate in team meetings, strategy discussions, event logistics, and management
Engage heavily with volunteers, the chapter, and community members through candidate events

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 political science, public administration, education, communications, marketing, journalism, or related fields
Exceptional technical presentation and public speaking skills that connect audiences of all ages with relevant information
Non-traditional students and students with military backgrounds are also encouraged to apply
Must be energetic, motivated, and a self-starter who excels in both written and spoken communications
Ability to work from the downtown Columbia office or remotely from Greenville – sometimes on weekends and evenings when events are scheduled – while managing multiple projects, anticipating project needs, and discerning work priorities is essential
Ability to work collaboratively with the public, elected officials, and AARP members in a non-partisan manner is essential
Advance technical proficiency with digital marketing (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Sprinklr), Canva, Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint and Excel, and other systems
Experience with graphic design, ARCGis mapping, social media platforms, photography, and/or video creation is a plus

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 judgment 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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