Senior Director, Executive Communications

humanrightswatch; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Human Rights Watch is seeking a Deputy Director, Executive Communications in New York to lead strategic executive visibility and narrative across global priorities. The role reports to the Global Communications Director and collaborates with leadership across Communications, Program, Advocacy, and Development.

The Deputy Director will drive message development, media opportunities, speaking engagements, and social media support to build trust and authority on human rights and accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in journalism, marketing, communications, media, human rights, or related field is required.
• An advanced degree is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Set and lead an executive communications strategy positioning HRW's leadership as authoritative voices in global debates on human rights and governance.
• Shape executive voice across media, op-eds, social media and public engagements for priority audiences.
• Identify and secure platforms important to influential audiences, including top-tier media and global forums.
• Coordinate with HRW's communications team to align executive communications with priorities and amplification opportunities.
• Advise senior leadership on tone, positioning, and where influence is shifting.
• Prepare leaders for interviews, panels, speeches, and advocacy moments to advance objectives and credibility.
• Uphold high editorial standards across content balancing authenticity and political sensitivity.
• Maintain understanding of the evolving influence landscape to guide engagement strategies.

Skills

Executive communications

Editorial leadership

Strategic thinking

Media relations

Executive counsel

Leadership & collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree desirable

Job description

Human Rights Watch is seeking a Deputy Director, Executive Communications in New York to lead strategic executive visibility and narrative across global priorities. The role reports to the Global Communications Director and collaborates with leadership across Communications, Program, Advocacy, and Development.

The Deputy Director will drive message development, media opportunities, speaking engagements, and social media support to build trust and authority on human rights and accountability.