Community Outreach and Advocacy Intern (Wichita, KS)

Topeka, KS, USA|Remote

Job Overview

Employment Type

Internship

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $28.00

Benefits

Paid internship

remote work

flexible schedule

Professional Development

mentorship

Exposure to advocacy work

Community impact

Job Description

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people aged 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a broad nationwide presence, AARP plays an important role in strengthening communities and advocating for issues that matter most to the more than 100 million Americans aged 50-plus and their families. These issues include health and financial security as well as personal fulfillment. The organization is also active in the marketplace, offering high-quality products and services under the trusted AARP name. In addition to these efforts, AARP produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, serving as a trusted source for news and information relating to older adults.

The AARP Kansas Team is currently seeking a creative, passionate, and results-driven student to join as a paid intern beginning Summer 2026 through the end of the year, with potential for an extension. This role is remote but requires candidates to reside in Wichita, KS. The internship will provide hands-on experience in community outreach, event planning, and advocacy efforts specific to priority areas such as family caregiving, health and welfare, and retirement security. Interns will work alongside staff and volunteers to engage in designing and executing strategic initiatives, while also participating in research, drafting advocacy documents, and supporting virtual and in-person events. This position offers an excellent opportunity for students interested in public policy, public administration, and public health fields to gain practical experience and contribute to meaningful social impact projects. AARP emphasizes continued learning and professional growth, ensuring that interns receive guidance and mentorship throughout their time with the organization.

Job Requirements

regular and reliable job attendance
effective verbal and written communication skills
exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
home office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate home environment noise

Job Qualifications

must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college/university, considered a rising undergraduate junior or senior, graduate student, or post-doctoral student, and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
preference for students enrolled in a Public Administration, Public Policy, or Public Health 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
ability to work well with diverse populations, including gender, race, and sexual orientation
technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
exceptional verbal/written communication skills
familiarity with creating and editing videos and knowledge of multiple social media platforms is a plus
maintain a local presence in Wichita, KS

Job Duties

engage in the work of the Kansas State Office priorities with staff and volunteers
apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to help promote policy issues and community engagement on family caregiving, health and welfare, and retirement security
engage in the strategies to advance these issues and the events organized as part of these efforts
research policy issues, draft documents to support our advocacy efforts, participate in team meetings and strategy discussions, collaborate in communications tactics, and engage in a support role for various virtual and in-person events
perform other duties and responsibilities as identified