Advocacy and Outreach Intern (Summer Start)

Job Description:

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 a creative, passionate, and results-driven student interested in legislative advocacy and outreach? The AARP New Mexico Team is looking for you! Our team advocates for public policies that improve people's lives as they age and help build a better tomorrow for future generations. We'll challenge you to think critically as you help pass policies that benefit older New Mexicans and communicate our work statewide. AARP is committed to your growth and cultivating your continued learning and development. This paid internship has an anticipated start date of Summer 2026 and will run through the end of the year, with the possibility of extending additional semesters.

Responsibilities

• Work with staff and volunteers to manage special projects, events, and special tasks
• Engage directly with volunteers and staff to represent AARP at local events, including meetings, public hearings, news conferences, and community events spotlighting AARP issues
• Work directly with volunteers and staff to build volunteer teams and identify local projects that align with AARP NM priorities to improve the lives of New Mexico’s 50+ and their families
• Support staff and volunteers to build strong volunteer teams and identify local projects that will advance AARP’s presence in targeted communities
• Apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to help promote policy issues and social mission programming
• Research policy issues, draft documents to support our advocacy efforts, participate in team meetings and strategy discussions, collaborate in communications tactics, and engage in support for various remote and in-person events
• Work with staff to write and create communications for members, the media, and the public
• Collaboratively work with state office staff and internal AARP partners to inform an approach to community work and volunteer initiatives

Qualifications

• The candidate should reside in the Albuquerque area
• 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 a self-starter and adaptable, with the ability to work under tight deadlines 
• Ability to manage multiple projects, anticipate project needs, and discern work priorities
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and Zoom technology
• Ability to work well with diverse populations, including gender, race, and sexual orientation
• Exceptional verbal/written communication skills
• Familiarity with creating and editing videos and knowledge of multiple social media platforms 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

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.