Public Policy and Strategic Communications Intern (Graduate Student)

AARP • Columbus, OH

1d • $18 - $28 • Hybrid

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.
The AARP Ohio team seeks a highly motivated Public Policy and Strategic Communications Intern to support advocacy, policy, and communications initiatives aligned with Age-Friendly Ohio and livable communities work. This role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of policy development, stakeholder engagement, and public-facing communications—translating complex policy issues into compelling narratives that drive awareness and action. The intern will gain hands-on experience supporting legislative priorities, community-based initiatives, and integrated communications strategies that advance AARP’s mission across Ohio. This paid internship is set to start in Summer 2026, with a possibility of continuing until the end of the year.

Requirements

• Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university as a graduate student or postdoctoral student and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Exceptional research, analytical, and writing skills
• Ability to synthesize complex policy topics into clear, audience-friendly messaging
• Interest in public policy, advocacy, livable communities, urban planning, or community-based initiatives
• Ability to manage multiple projects, anticipate needs, and prioritize effectively
• Ability to work well with diverse populations, including age, gender, race, and sexual orientation
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs; familiarity with communications tools is a plus
• AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Strong preference for candidates pursuing a J.D., Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Urban Planning, Advocacy, or related graduate degree
• Familiarity with communications tools is a plus

Responsibilities

• Support development of policy briefs, backgrounders, testimony, and messaging documents tied to priority issues (family caregiving, fraud prevention, livable communities)
• Translate policy and research into accessible communications content (op-eds, talking points, fact sheets, digital content)
• Conduct policy and landscape research related to Age-Friendly Ohio and local livability initiatives
• Assist in stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies across key communities (e.g., Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Delaware)
• Support advocacy campaign execution, including coordination of communications tactics across PESO channels
• Participate in strategy discussions with advocacy, communications, and community engagement teams
• Track legislative activity and summarize key developments for internal use
• Provide on-site or virtual support for advocacy events, community meetings, or public forums

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees