Global Development Leader: Fundraising & Strategy

Social Impact Guide; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 350,000 - 400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total Rewards package

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Human Rights Watch is seeking a Chief Development Officer to lead its development and outreach efforts from its New York-anchored leadership team. The role drives strategy, equity, and donor engagement across a globally distributed organization.

The CDO will build and oversee major gifts, foundations, and campaigns while mentoring a high-performing team. Flexible, travel-heavy, and focused on inclusivity, strategy, and impact.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12–15 years in fundraising, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong ability to communicate mission with passion and conviction.
• Proven leadership of fundraising teams in a complex, global org.
• Expertise in major gifts, foundations, campaigns, and planned giving.

Responsibilities

• Shape overall strategy and multi-year financial planning with the Exec Committee and Finance team.
• Translate priorities into a multi-year development and fundraising plan and campaigns.
• Provide strategic direction across all fundraising and outreach activities.
• Represent the organization to donors, prospects, and the Council; cultivate support.
• Set fundraising objectives, monitor progress, and pivot strategy as needed.
• Develop compelling funding proposals to engage top-tier donors.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Strategic planning

Donor relations

Communication

Team leadership

Job description

Human Rights Watch is seeking a Chief Development Officer to lead its development and outreach efforts from its New York-anchored leadership team. The role drives strategy, equity, and donor engagement across a globally distributed organization.

The CDO will build and oversee major gifts, foundations, and campaigns while mentoring a high-performing team. Flexible, travel-heavy, and focused on inclusivity, strategy, and impact.