Communications Intern

AARP • Chicago, IL

234d • $18 - $28 • Remote

About The Position

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 communication, journalism, or marketing/PR student passionate about telling stories, finding innovative ways to reach target audiences, and bringing a voice to advocate for people in need? Then, the AARP Illinois' Communications team is looking for you! Our team handles all the internal and external messaging for AARP Illinois, which caters to 1.7 million members and all older adults across the state. Don't let the (incorrect) 'older adult' stereotype fool you - in fact, help us combat that stereotype with cutting-edge resources, you-dream-it-let's-do-it attitudes, and a team of intelligent people, fun-loving, hard-working colleagues. This paid internship starts in the Summer of 2025 and ends at the end of the year, with the possibility of extending for additional semesters.

Requirements

• 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.
• The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, highly organized, able to multitask multiple projects simultaneously, and able to manage time to keep up with concurrent deadlines.
• Familiarity with graphic design (primarily through Canva) and social media influencer campaigns is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Write and schedule e-blasts to promote state events to tens of thousands of members.
• Coordinate targeting and marketing for the best possible results.
• Design graphics and social media posts telling the story of AARP Illinois' important work.
• Write media advisories, press releases, blog entries, and more for a variety of statewide and local audiences, focusing on the Association's policy and social change issues.
• Research background information for talking points and other communications needs, as needed by staff.
• Interview volunteers and other outstanding Illinoisans age 50+ and compose profiles.
• Assist with press efforts, including pitching media, submitting events to community calendars.
• Fulfill other duties, as needed, including assisting with ad buys, among other tasks.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Industry: Social Assistance
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree