Advocacy, Outreach, and Volunteer Engagement 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 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 interested in public policy, grassroots advocacy, and community engagement? As an AARP Maryland Intern, you will gain hands-on experience supporting state and local advocacy efforts while collaborating with staff and volunteers on outreach and engagement initiatives. This paid internship offers opportunities to research policy issues, support legislative activities, engage with community partners, and contribute to projects that improve the lives of Marylanders as they age. This paid internship starts in Spring 2027 and can continue through the end of the year, with the potential for an extension.

Responsibilities

• Support state and local advocacy through policy research, legislative tracking, testimony preparation, and advocacy materials
• Assist with legislative activities, meetings with elected officials, Advocacy Day, and volunteer updates
• Support local advocacy by monitoring county and municipal government activities, researching relevant policies and ordinances, and assisting with Age-Friendly and Livable Communities initiatives
• Collaborate with staff to support grassroots advocacy, volunteer engagement, and communications, including advocacy updates, educational materials, and volunteer resources
• Assist with outreach events, existing community partnerships, and cross-functional initiatives

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college/university; rising undergraduate juniors or seniors; graduate students; or postdoctoral students, and remain enrolled throughout the internship
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse ages and backgrounds
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Interest in public policy, grassroots advocacy, community outreach, and volunteer engagement

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position.

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

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.