Director, Research and Analysis, Refugee Protection

Human Rights First; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization focused on human rights seeks a Director for Research and Analysis in Refugee Protection. The role involves leading research efforts, policy analysis, and advocacy to enhance refugee protection and reform U.S. asylum laws. Candidates should have extensive experience in legal/human rights, strong research skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Minimum 9 years of relevant legal/human rights experience; law degree preferred.
• Strong knowledge of refugee protection standards and U.S. asylum policies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research, interviews, and fact-finding trips to support advocacy objectives.
• Analyze laws and draft recommendations for improvement.
• Supervise research staff and coordinate contributions from other teams.

Skills

Research

Policy Analysis

Advocacy

Fluency in Spanish

Education

Degree in international human rights or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Director, Research and Analysis, Refugee Protection

Join to apply for the Director, Research and Analysis, Refugee Protection role at Human Rights First.

This range is provided by Human Rights First. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$115,000.00/yr - $130,000.00/yr

Job Description

Job Title: Director, Research and Analysis, Refugee Protection

Reporting Office: New York; Washington, DC or Remote

Department: Programs & Policy

Job Classification: Fulltime; Exempt

Supervisor: Senior Director, Refugee Advocacy

Union Classification: Non-Union

Accountable To: Vice President, Advocacy

Last Updated: 5/7/2025

Purpose of the Job

The Director, Research and Analysis, Refugee Protection will lead legal, factual, and policy research, conduct policy analysis, and advance advocacy efforts to promote refugee protection, reform U.S. asylum laws, address deficiencies in the U.S. resettlement system, and align U.S. policies with international refugee law standards. The role reports to the Senior Director, Refugee Advocacy, and involves coordination with legal, advocacy, communications, technology, and development teams.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Conduct research, interviews, FOIA requests, and fact-finding trips to support advocacy objectives.
• Analyze laws, policies, and regulations affecting human rights and draft recommendations for improvement.
• Oversee regulatory comments and policy proposals.
• Produce reports, campaign content, press materials, and legal memos.
• Build relationships with journalists, legal practitioners, refugees, NGOs, and government officials.
• Coordinate with advocacy teams to engage with government officials and develop advocacy strategies.
• Leverage social media and technology to support research and advocacy.
• Supervise research staff and coordinate contributions from other teams.
• Represent Human Rights First with various stakeholders and build a public profile.
• Organize panels, briefings, and develop U.S. policy recommendations.
• Identify litigation opportunities and support legal efforts.
• Develop organizational strategies, monitor trends, and evaluate progress.
• Contribute to fundraising and organizational events.
• Travel as needed for research, presentations, and meetings.

DEIA Competencies

Support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by promoting best practices, increasing inclusivity, and fostering a respectful work environment.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Manage team performance, set goals, provide feedback, support professional development, and ensure adherence to policies.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Degree in international human rights or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 9 years of relevant legal/human rights experience; law degree preferred.
• Strong knowledge of refugee protection standards, U.S. asylum and immigration policies, and advocacy experience.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.
• Excellent research, writing, and policy analysis skills.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Experience with refugee issues in the Americas or related to climate issues is a plus.

Additional Details

Position is at senior director level, full-time, with potential locations in NY, DC, or remote, requiring travel. Salary range: $115,000 - $130,000/year.