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 advocacy, campaign planning, and implementation? The AARP South Carolina 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 Fall 2023, with the possibility of extending additional semesters. Graduate students are preferred for this position.

Responsibilities

• Engage in a combination of in-person and on-the-ground non-partisan voter engagement issue advocacy requiring analytical and strategic insight as part of the 2024 presidential primary cycle
• Engage in the communications and campaign strategies to advance these issues and the events organized as part of these efforts
• Assist with campaign planning and development, volunteer engagement, policy research, and power mapping, including the document creation to support our outreach and advocacy efforts
• Participate in team meetings, strategy discussions, event logistics, and management
• Engage heavily with volunteers, chapter, and community members through candidate events

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will be currently enrolled in a master's degree program at an accredited college or university, graduate student, or post-doctoral student, and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Pursuing a degree in public policy, government, political science, communications, marketing, journalism, or related field
• Preference to students enrolled in a Communications/Public Relations, Pre-Law, Political Science, History, Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Policy, or Public Health program
• Non-traditional students and students with military backgrounds are also encouraged to apply
• Must be energetic, motivated, and a self-starter who excels in written and spoken communications
• The ability to work from the Columbia office - 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 well with diverse populations in a non-partisan manner is essential
• Advanced technical proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint and Excel
• Experience with 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 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.