Senior Director, Executive Communications

Human Rights Watch; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Human Rights Watch in New York seeks a Deputy Director, Executive Communications to guide executive visibility and narrative across global priorities. Reporting to the Global Communications Director, this role shapes media strategy, speaking engagements and social media support to build trust and authority on human rights and accountability.

You will oversee proactive visibility plans, prepare leaders for interviews, and align with editorial and advocacy priorities while mentoring a team across

Qualifications

• Exceptional writing and editorial leadership across formats.
• Strategic judgement with political sensitivity and editorial discipline.
• Executive counsel to senior leaders with trusted relationships.
• Media and network fluency for global visibility and influence.
• Collaborative leadership across teams to achieve high-quality outcomes.
• Adaptability to evolving platforms and audience behavior.
• French knowledge is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Set and lead an executive communications strategy with senior leaders.
• Shape executive voice across media, op-eds, social content and events.
• Identify platforms and spaces to reach priority audiences.
• Coordinate with HRW communications, editorial and advocacy teams.
• Advise executives on tone, positioning and influence in global debates.
• Prepare leaders for interviews, speeches and advocacy moments.
• Uphold high editorial standards across content.
• Maintain understanding of the evolving influence landscape for engagement.
• Enhance media readiness through training and analysis.

Skills

Editorial leadership

Strategic judgement

Executive counsel

Media networking

Leadership & collaboration

Adaptability & innovation

French language (desirable)

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in journalism/marketing/communications/media/human rights

Job description

Human Rights Watch in New York seeks a Deputy Director, Executive Communications to guide executive visibility and narrative across global priorities. Reporting to the Global Communications Director, this role shapes media strategy, speaking engagements and social media support to build trust and authority on human rights and accountability.

You will oversee proactive visibility plans, prepare leaders for interviews, and align with editorial and advocacy priorities while mentoring a team across