Associate Director, Executive Communications

Human Rights Watch•Multiple Locations Considered, NC

1d•$102,000 - $112,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking applicants for the position of Associate Director, Executive Communications. Reporting to the Global Communications Director, the Associate Director, Executive Communications will play a central role in elevating Human Rights Watch’s global voice and shaping the public profile of its leadership. The Associate Director will build the global profile of Human Rights Watch’s leadership through high‑impact media opportunities, speeches, op‑eds, talking points, and strategic narratives that build trust and authority on human rights, international justice, and accountability. Working closely with teams across Communications, Program, Advocacy and Development departments, the Associate Director will research and execute thought leadership opportunities across top‑tier global media, emerging platforms, and global policy forums, while also overseeing the management and growth of key social media accounts to build influence with priority audiences. This includes preparing leaders for media interviews and public appearances, developing proactive visibility plans, creating and scheduling social content, and identifying avenues to expand Human Rights Watch’s reach among decisionmakers, donors and partners, and the general public. This is a fixed term (three year), full-time position that will work closely with the Executive Director in New York and report to Global Communications Director based in London. The successful candidate will be expected to work from the New York or Washington DC office at least three days per week.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in communications, media, journalism, marketing, human rights, or similar related field is required.
A minimum of seven years of relevant work experience driving thought leadership, public relations for senior executives, or as a political communications advisor, preferably within a global, large-scale, diverse, and dynamic mission-driven organization operating internationally.
Executive support and influence: works closely with senior leaders to shape messaging, anticipate needs, and provide trusted, strategic advice.
Exceptional writing and clarity: The Ideal candidate produces high-quality content across formats and translates complex, sensitive issues into clear, compelling language.
Experience leading social media strategies to build and maintain engaged audiences.
Strong editorial discipline, intellectual integrity, and an ability to deliver quickly and accurately in high-stakes contexts.
Strong understanding of the news and digital information landscapes, with established relationships and the instinct to place and position timely content for impact.
Ability to keep pace with evolving platforms, formats, and audience behaviors, and can make informed decisions about where to invest time and resources.
Ability to foster and steward an inclusive and positive work environment.
Applicants for this role should possess valid work authorization for the US, HRW cannot guarantee the ability to sponsor work authorization for this role.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in French is desirable, but not required.

Responsibilities

Develop and drive an executive communications plan that positions Human Rights Watch’s Executive Director and senior leaders as authoritative voices in global human rights, international justice and governance debates.
Shape and amplify the executive voice through speeches, op‑eds, social media plans, and high‑impact public interventions that reach key audiences such as policymakers, media, donors, and the broader human rights movement.
Identify and secure platforms that matter most to influential audiences, from top‑tier media and global forums to emerging spaces such as podcasts, newsletters, and digital convenings.
Partner closely with HRW’s media team to synchronize executive communications with editorial priorities and maximize opportunities for strategic amplification.
Provide counsel on tone, narrative positioning, and public engagement, bringing insight into where influence is shifting and how to remain relevant.
Prepare and brief leadership for interviews, panels and advocacy moments, ensuring every engagement reinforces HRW’s credibility and mission.
Maintain high editorial standards across all executive content, balancing authenticity, intellectual authority, and strategic clarity.
Monitor the evolving influence landscape to advise on where and how HRW leaders should show up to shape critical conversations.
Strengthen organizational media readiness and learning, including executive media training and continuous improvement based on monitoring, analysis, and feedback; and
Perform other tasks as may be required.