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 communication, journalism, marketing/PR, or political science 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 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, fun-loving, hard-working colleagues. This paid internship starts in the Summer of 2026 and ends at the end of the year, with the possibility of extending for additional semesters.

Responsibilities

Past interns have designed graphics for our website, directed a Jumbotron video for a minor league baseball game, and conducted research to light up a building in Chicago’s skyline for our cause!

• Write and schedule e-blasts to promote state events to tens of thousands of members. Coordinate targeting and marketing for the best possible results
• Lead advertising campaigns 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

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college/university, rising undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or post-doctoral students, and must remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• 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

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.