Associate Director, Development and Outreach

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR 
Development and Outreach Department
New York Office 
Application Deadline: June 28, 2026

The Development and Outreach Department of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking applicants for the position of Associate Director to manage fundraising and outreach efforts in New York. The position is based in New York City, is expected to work from the NYC office at least 2 days per week and reports to the New York Development Director.

The Associate Director helps to implement fundraising strategy, manages donor relationships, collaborates on expanding support, oversees the engagement strategy of the committee, project manages teamwork flow, leads on events including annual Voices for Justice celebration and associated fundraising, and manages other members of the team.

Responsibilities:

1. Work in partnership with the New York Development Director on the fundraising strategy and its implementation;   

2. Represent the work of Human Rights Watch to existing and prospective supporters; 

3. Maintain and develop financial support by managing their own portfolio of donors and soliciting major and leadership gifts and general support funds;   

4. Collaborate with the team to expand support for the organization by researching, identifying, cultivating, servicing and soliciting new prospects, existing donors, and New York Committee members;   

5. Work closely with the New York Associate to oversee and lead fundraising, outreach and cultivation events in New York City, including the annual Voices for Justice celebration, briefings, and private dinners and receptions;   

6. Oversee Committee and donor communications and initiatives, including advocacy, outreach and fundraising projects, in close partnership with the Associate;   

7. Oversee and manage the development and implementation of a strategic plan for the Committee in conjunction with committee leadership;   

8. Supervise the New York Associate and liaise with event consultants;   

9. Oversee gift processing and donor support services in Salesforce, including but not limited to: mailings, gift tracking and acknowledgments;   

10. Manage donor lists, fundraising reports, and budgets, office, and event expenses;   

11. Oversee fundraising-specific team processes, including regular team meetings and prospect research; and 

12. Perform other responsibilities as may be required.   

Managerial Responsibilities: 
1. Lead, motivate, and mentor direct-reports, including communicating clear expectations, setting performance objectives, providing regular and timely constructive feedback, ensuring balanced workload, providing guidance on professional growth, and monitoring staff well-being as it pertains to stress and resilience issues and self-care;   

2. Promote inclusive and positive work environment including by soliciting diverse points of views, encouraging staff to participate in DE&I efforts, and proactively addressing bias, discrimination, microaggressions, etc;   

3. Model inclusive behaviour and consistently adhere to HRW’s internal values;   

4. Incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion values and initiatives into the division’s work; and 

5. Work with staff to develop initiatives aimed at movement-building and expanding our partnership with diverse clients/donors/stakeholders and partners. 

Qualifications:

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required.

Experience: A minimum of seven years of fundraising/event planning and management experience.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Ability to effectively build relationships and engage with a variety of donors, committee members, and board members is required.

2. Excellent oral and written communications skills in English are required.

3. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with external partners are required.

4. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work well under pressure are required.

5. Demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues and the capacity to master and represent the mission and programs of HRW are highly desirable.

6. Strong computer skills are required. Experience with donor databases, specifically Salesforce, and knowledge of social media are highly desirable.

7. An entrepreneurial spirit and the discipline to work independently, but also the ability to function as a member of a development team is highly desirable.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. The salary range for this position is US $102,000 – 112,000.

How to Apply:  Please apply immediately or by June 28, 2026 by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a letter of interest and a CV or resume, preferably in PDF format. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio- economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high- profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.