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External Relations Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The AARP External Relations team is looking for you! Our team works to improve people's lives as they age and help build a better tomorrow for future generations by amplifying AARP's impactful ...

Public Relations Intern

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

The Public Relations intern will assist the Public Relations staff with day-to-day duties, special ... Takes photos at internal and external events as needed * Maintains and supports creation of media ...

Public Relations Intern

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

The Public Relations intern will assist the Public Relations staff with day-to-day duties, special ... Takes photos at internal and external events as needed * Maintains and supports creation of media ...

Public Relations Intern

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

The Public Relations intern will assist the Public Relations staff with day-to-day duties, special ... Takes photos at internal and external events as needed * Maintains and supports creation of media ...

Spring 2027-Public Relations Internship

Orlando, FL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOINGAs a Public Relations intern, you will be an extension of the PR team and an ... Support internal and external event planning and management* Assist in conducting secondary ...

About the Role The development intern will work closely with our development and external relations team to support donor research, event preparation, gift processing, stewardship, and strategic ...

Spring 2027-Public Relations Internship

Orlando, FL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING As a Public Relations intern, you will be an extension of the PR team and an ... external communications Support internal and external event planning and management Assist in ...

Strategic Relations Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Group Overview Strategic Relations deepens relationships with key strategic communities, including ... Attend and provide summaries of external events such as U.S. Congressional hearings and think tank ...

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External Relations Intern information

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How much do external relations intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for external relations intern in the United States is $17.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an external relations intern?

External Relations Interns are entry-level professionals who support an organization's efforts to manage relationships with external stakeholders, such as media, partners, government agencies, and the public. Their duties often include assisting with communications, event planning, outreach activities, and preparing reports or presentations. This role provides valuable experience in public relations, stakeholder engagement, and communication strategy, making it ideal for students or recent graduates interested in careers in communications, public affairs, or nonprofit sectors. Interns typically work under the supervision of experienced external relations staff and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

What types of projects and collaborations can I expect as an external relations intern?

As an External Relations Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects that involve building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders such as partners, sponsors, and the media. You'll often support event planning, assist with drafting communications materials, and help coordinate outreach campaigns. Collaboration is a key part of the role, as you'll regularly work with marketing, communications, and program teams to ensure consistent messaging and effective partnership strategies. This position offers valuable exposure to networking, stakeholder management, and cross-departmental teamwork, providing a strong foundation for future roles in communications or public relations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an external relations intern, and why are they important?

To excel as an External Relations Intern, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, organizational abilities, and a background in public relations, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with social media platforms, content management systems, and basic design tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite is often required. Interpersonal skills, professionalism, and adaptability help you build relationships and represent the organization effectively. These skills are critical for supporting outreach efforts, maintaining a positive public image, and facilitating smooth collaboration with external partners.

What is the difference between External Relations Intern vs Public Relations Intern?

AspectExternal Relations InternPublic Relations Intern
ResponsibilitiesSupports external communication, stakeholder engagement, and partnership developmentAssists with media outreach, press releases, and brand image management
Required SkillsCommunication, relationship-building, researchMedia relations, writing, media monitoring
Work EnvironmentNonprofit, corporate, or government sectors focusing on external outreachPR agencies, corporate communications departments
Common UsageUsed in organizations emphasizing stakeholder engagementUsed in organizations focusing on media and brand reputation

While both roles involve communication and outreach, External Relations Interns focus on building relationships with external stakeholders and partners, whereas Public Relations Interns primarily handle media relations and brand image. The roles often overlap but differ in their primary focus areas within the communication spectrum.

What cities are hiring for External Relations Intern jobs?

Cities with the most External Relations Intern job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of External Relations jobs?

The most popular types of External Relations jobs are:

What states have the most External Relations Intern jobs?

States with the most job openings for External Relations Intern jobs include:

Infographic showing various External Relations Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,603 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

External Relations Intern

AARP

Washington, DC • On-site

$21/hr

Internship

Re-posted 17 days ago


AARP rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

146th of 783 rated non-profit organizations


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.
AARP's Office of Chief of Staff keeps AARP operating and informed on a day-to-day basis. The staff works closely with the CEO and other E-Team members to provide leadership and direction to make strategic decisions.
Are you a creative, design-savvy, and results-driven student interested in media relations and advocacy work? The AARP External Relations team is looking for you! Our team works to improve people's lives as they age and help build a better tomorrow for future generations by amplifying AARP's impactful advocacy work through the media. We'll challenge you to think and work innovatively on high-impact media relations projects. Through this internship, we will foster your continued learning and development in media relations. This paid internship has an anticipated start date of Fall 2026, with the possibility of extending additional semesters.
Responsibilities
  • Apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to help promote policy issues on family caregiving, health and welfare, and prescription drugs
  • Engage in communications strategies to advance these issues and organize the events 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 support for various remote and in-person media events
  • Design visually appealing post-campaign reports to highlight the reach and impact of our advocacy media campaigns

Qualifications
  • Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university; be considered a rising undergraduate junior or senior, graduate student, or postdoctoral student; and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
  • Pursuing a degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related fields
  • Must be a self-starter and adaptable to work under tight deadlines
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, anticipate project needs, and discern work priorities
  • Ability to work well with others and communicate effectively
  • Must have strong proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
  • Familiarity with creating visually appealing PowerPoint presentations is a plus

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position.
Additional Requirements
  • Regular and reliable job attendance
  • Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
  • In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

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 $18.40 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.

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