Executive Director

Human Rights Watch • NC

162d • $475,000 - $535,000

About The Position

Human Rights Watch (HRW) defends the rights of people worldwide by scrupulously investigating abuses, exposing the facts, and pressuring those with power to respect rights and secure justice. It is an independent, international organization that plays a key role in a vibrant movement to uphold human dignity and advance the cause of human rights for all. This work is guided by international human rights and humanitarian law. When it comes to ending abuse and bringing perpetrators to justice, some victories are big and others are merely steps on a much longer journey to change, whether that change is immediate or incremental. HRW works on issues for years and knows from experience how to transform deep-rooted problems. The work has always been significant and critical, and now it is also urgent. The next Executive Director will lead and influence HRW at a time of multiple, extraordinary, and in some cases unprecedented challenges for human rights, humanitarian laws, and the global rights-based system. The Executive Director of HRW will champion the power and relevance of human rights globally in everyday life—not just as legal protections, but as values that connect us all. Therefore, the role and the external visibility it brings stands to influence institutions of justice and civil society on the world stage. In doing so, the Executive Director will be responsible for the executive leadership of HRW, including all strategic, programmatic, financial, and operational aspects, and for serving as the public face of the organization. Reporting to and working closely with the HRW Board of Directors, the Executive Director, together with a high-functioning leadership team and talented and passionate staff, will focus on the following priorities: Shape and guide the organization's strategy and adapt it to meet the evolving challenges facing the organization and the human rights movement. Continue to uphold HRW's reputation and focus on research excellence through its methodological tenets of Investigate, Expose, Change; to maintain the organization’s leadership role within the human rights movement; and to be the organization's preeminent advocate on the world stage. Support and steer the programmatic work being undertaken by HRW's talented staff, many of whom are well-known figures in the human rights movement. Work closely with the development team on broadening and enhancing donor relationships and refining HRW’s fundraising approaches and strategies to expand its base of philanthropic support. Focus on organizational leadership to enable efficiency and effective decision-making and ensure the long‑term health of the organization as it relates to financial, legal, compliance, and reputational risks. Foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and mutual respect to enable diverse, geographically dispersed teams to pursue a collective vision.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment within the human rights field or an adjacent sector.
• Experience in developing and implementing long-term strategies.
• Experience leading large and/or complex organizations.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to serve as the spokesperson for the organization.
• Clear ability to drive effective fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, support, and retain top talent.
• Experience working collaboratively with an engaged board of directors.

Nice To Haves

• Prior employment within a human rights non-governmental organization (NGO).
• Experience navigating organizational change initiatives.
• Savvy in the strategic use of social media.
• Experience interfacing closely with external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Shape and guide the organization's strategy and adapt it to meet the evolving challenges facing the organization and the human rights movement.
• Uphold HRW's reputation and focus on research excellence through its methodological tenets of Investigate, Expose, Change.
• Support and steer the programmatic work being undertaken by HRW's talented staff.
• Work closely with the development team on broadening and enhancing donor relationships.
• Refine HRW’s fundraising approaches and strategies to expand its base of philanthropic support.
• Focus on organizational leadership to enable efficiency and effective decision-making.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and mutual respect.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits.
• Relocation assistance package.
• Assistance in obtaining necessary work authorization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees