Advocacy Intern

Overview

AARP Wisconsin is looking for an undergraduate or graduate student for a paid internship to support efforts to improve the lives of Wisconsinites age 50 and older. Our advocacy efforts include legislation at the state and federal levels to improve retirement security, support family caregivers, reduce the price of prescription drugs, and protect voting rights in Wisconsin. In addition, we are engaged in local advocacy around access to housing and transportation. This internship involves supporting and managing advocacy and communications efforts directed toward AARP volunteers, AARP members, state legislators, members of Congress, and the general public.

The intern will work as an integral part of an eight-person staff. They with collaborate with multiple staff members and receive first-hand knowledge of how one of America's largest non-profit organizations, dedicated to enriching the lives of older Americans, builds and organizes at the local, state, and federal level, and develops and conveys its message to almost 38 million members across the nation. The internship has an anticipated start date of June 2023 and will last through December 2023.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Work with AARP advocacy volunteers to coordinate turn-out at hearings, campaign events, fairs/exhibits, and other local events
• 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 event and advocacy promotional efforts (e.g., event fliers, online images, etc.)
• Write and edit 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

• 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 or must have previously graduated from college and enrolled in a continuing education program
• Prior experience in issue and/or legislative advocacy, although not required, would be helpful
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, partnered with 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 in our Madison office

Physical/Mental Demands

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement and discretion requiring the employee to compare and evaluate various courses of conduct and make a decision (or recommend a decision to be made) after various possibilities have been considered.
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds

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.

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting can only be done within the United States and its territories.

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.