Communications 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 security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

Are you a creative, passionate, and results-driven student interested in gaining experience in social marketing and media management? The AARP Kentucky Team is looking for you! Our team creates and executes various communications and marketing promotions supporting events, recruiting volunteers, 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 June 2023 and extends through December 2023.

Responsibilities

• Apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to promote AARP communications on local events, family caregiving, health and welfare, safe voting, and retirement security
• Engage in communications strategies to advance AARP priority issues and the events organized as part of this outreach
• Collaborate with the state director, communications manager, outreach and advocacy managers, and volunteers to plan and implement the state communications plan
• Collaborate in content development, research policy issues, draft documents supporting advocacy efforts and grassroots outreach, participate in team meetings and strategy discussions, and engage in a support role for various remote and in-person events
• Enhance AARP Kentucky's social media presence by creating and posting relevant and timely content.
• Write and edit articles for the AARP Kentucky website, media releases and advisories, email communications, action alerts, and letters to the editor focusing on AARP policy issues and voter engagement efforts
• Design and build creative collateral supporting volunteers, event, and advocacy promotional efforts (e.g., event fliers, online images, videos, etc.)

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
• Must be available to work a minimum of 15 hours a week
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs required, graphic design familiarity with Adobe Suite (e.g., InDesign and Photoshop), HTML, website content management, and highly desired
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills to work well with team members while being flexible and adaptable to work on independent projects
• Ability to manage multiple projects, anticipate project needs, and discern work priorities
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, partnered with strong time management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects to achieve deadlines
• Interest in communications/public relations, aging, nonprofits, and related public policy issues
• Ability to work well with diverse populations, including gender, race, and sexual orientation
• Familiarity with creating and editing videos and motion graphics and knowledge of social media tools and platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
• Previous internship or related experience in marketing or communications a plus
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite (e.g., InDesign and Photoshop) is highly desired
• Knowledge of HTML, website content management, and graphic design is a plus

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• 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

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.

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.