Government Affairs Intern

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.

AARP’s Community, State and National Affairs (CSN) Group includes Government Relations, Programs, Volunteer Engagement, Community Outreach and Advocacy at the federal, state and local levels. It delivers on AARP’s social mission by educating and engaging people 50-plus and their families, strengthening communities, and championing issues that help give people financial and health security.

Are you an enthusiastic, analytical, and results-driven student interested in helping family caregivers, supporting people to stay in their homes and communities as they age, fighting elder abuse, making prescription drugs and health insurance affordable, and protecting access to vital health programs like Medicare and Medicaid? Then our position in government relations is for you. Our team leads AARP's federal, state, and local public policy advocacy in public and private health insurance, caregiving, prescription drugs, and long-term care. We'll challenge you to think and work innovatively on real-world projects. AARP is committed to your growth and to cultivating your continued learning and development. This paid internship has an anticipated start date of Summer 2026, with the possibility of extending for additional semesters.

• Apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to help promote policy issues related to housing, transportation, utilities, and high-speed internet
• Assist with regulatory, legislative, and other public policy-related analysis and writing as directed by subject matter experts
• Support the development and implementation of advocacy strategies to advance AARP‘s Health and Family public policy agenda
• Assist with tracking and reporting on rulemakings, legislative decisions, hearings, meetings, and other policy-making activities  
• Research policy issues, draft documents to support AARP’s advocacy efforts, participate in team meetings and strategy discussions, collaborate on advocacy tactics, and engage in a support role for various remote and in-person events, when possible

• 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
• 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
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
• Familiarity with creating presentation decks and knowledge of multiple social media platforms is a plus
• Ability to work well with diverse populations, including gender, race, and sexual orientation

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 judgment in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• Home office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate home environment noise

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly range is $18.40 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, and $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.