US Advocacy & Policy Director

Human Rights Watch, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 133,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Human Rights Watch is seeking a Washington, DC-based Director in the Advocacy Department to lead the organization’s US policy and national security advocacy. This full-time role requires strong leadership, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement with high-level policymakers and civil society partners.

The Director will coordinate with HRW colleagues worldwide, guide media strategy, and support fundraising efforts.

Qualifications

• A graduate degree in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences or equivalent work experience is required.
• A minimum of ten years of policy advocacy work experience, including at least four years of management experience, is required.
• Experience in international environments with culturally diverse teams and across multiple time zones is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead HRW’s advocacy in the US on foreign policy and national security issues.
• Coordinate with HRW advocates globally and with UN, EU, and other regions.
• Strategize with US Senior Media Officer to promote HRW’s work in traditional and social media.
• Provide US political analysis and guidance on policy responses and events.
• Develop donor relationships and fundraising efforts with US development colleagues.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Public speaking

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Strategic planning

Fundraising

Education

Graduate degree (IR/Journ/Law)

Job description

Human Rights Watch is seeking a Washington, DC-based Director in the Advocacy Department to lead the organization’s US policy and national security advocacy. This full-time role requires strong leadership, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement with high-level policymakers and civil society partners.

The Director will coordinate with HRW colleagues worldwide, guide media strategy, and support fundraising efforts.