AARP Maine Advocacy Internship Opportunity
AARP Maine is hiring an Advocacy Intern. Apply Here!
Business Unit Description
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.
Summary
With the 2020 elections already ramping up, AARP Maine seeks an energized individual to join our team of staff, volunteers and active AARP members working on issues of importance to older Mainers and their families.
AARP is a non-partisan, nonprofit community organization. This internship involves supporting and managing communications and advocacy campaigns directed toward AARP volunteers, AARP members, state legislators, members of Congress and the general public. Tasks include public relations, volunteer and event management, message design, social media management, drafting press releases, Op-Eds, weekly columns, online features, legislative updates and letters to the editor.
Under the direct supervision of the AARP Maine Communications Director, the successful applicant will gain valuable experience and work in a team environment. This individual will also receive first-hand knowledge of how one of America’s largest non-profit organizations, dedicated to enriching the lives of older Americans, builds and organizes at the local level, engages and influences elections at both the state and federal levels, and develops and conveys its message to almost 38 million members across the nation. Here in Maine, we have 230,000 AARP members and our work spans the entire state.
Responsibilities
Communications Focus:
Communications at AARP Maine involves supporting a diverse portfolio of issues. Communications work is fast paced, detail-oriented, and demands flexibility in a changing political and media environment. Intern job duties will include:
• composing articles for the state website at www.aarp.org/me
• creating appropriate messaging and coordinating social media posts
• drafting letters to the editor, legislative updates and other articles for print publications
• managing daily press clips
• tracking earned media hits using internal systems to support media impact results
• Designing basic visuals to support event and advocacy promotional efforts (event fliers, online images, etc.)
• Managing walk-ins, incoming office calls, and other questions from local members and volunteers
• Performing other related duties as assigned
Elections and Advocacy Focus:
The intern position will also assist with AARP Maine’s year-round state legislative advocacy agenda and 2020 electoral campaign. Please note, AARP is strictly non-partisan and neither endorses nor contributes to political candidates or their campaigns.
As part of our 2020 electoral engagement campaign, our office will engage Mainers, especially those 50+ and their families, on core election issues such as prescription drug costs, healthcare access, and financial security. The intern job duties include:
• supporting local community events • supporting and working with AARP Maine volunteers at local trainings, events etc.
• creating general election-based communications and promotions
• supporting events and outreach to Maine’s federally elected delegation (Senators Collins and King, Congresswoman Pingree, Congressman Golden)
Requirements
Prospective intern must be currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university; and be considered rising undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or post doctorate students.
AARP also considers non-traditional interns who are looking to re-enter the workforce or change careers. This may include those who have previously graduated college and are now enrolled in a continuing education program.
Additional requirements:
• Must have excellent communication, organizational, writing, and computer skills
• Must be proficient with social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter
• Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team
• Experience with Canva or other basic graphic design, and video editing software, would be a plus
Benefits Offered
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.