F/T Position Available: Advocacy Director ( Washington, D.C.)

U.S. Program

Apply Immediately

Human Rights Watch ("HRW") is seeking highly-qualified applicants for

the position of Advocacy Director for its U.S. Program.

Description: The Advocacy Director is the chief advocacy strategist for

the work of HRW's U.S. Program. Working with the U.S. Program staff, the

Advocacy Director helps to identify advocacy priorities and

conceptualize and implement strategies for transforming HRW's research

and reports into improvements in policy and practice. He or she also

helps to shape HRW's research agenda by identifying opportunities for

impact. The Advocacy Director meets regularly with executive branch

officials, legislators and their staffs; prepares a range of written

materials, including policy analyses for officials and the public, press

releases, op- eds and other advocacy materials; works with other

non-governmental organizations including through coalitions; and seeks

press coverage by developing contacts with journalists in a variety of

media. S/he is responsible for keeping abreast of pertinent developments

in Washington, D.C.and selected state capitals. In addition, the

Advocacy Director is a key organizational spokesperson, among those who

represent the U.S. Program before the press, government officials, and

the public.

The U.S. Advocacy Director reports directly to the Director of the U.S.

Program. The position is based in Washington, D.C.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with

significant advocacy and policy experience working on domestic issues in

the United States. Experience in the areas of criminal justice, civil

rights, civil liberties, or immigration -- whether from the perspective

of international human rights or domestic law -- is highly desirable.

Direct experience in government agencies, legislative staff or private

organizations working to influence government policy is also preferred.

He or she must possess excellent oral and written communications skills

in English, keen political judgment, proven initiative and

follow-through, the ability to work quickly and well under pressure in a

demanding, fast-paced and diverse professional environment, and a

commitment to human rights. An advanced degree in law, public policy, or

a related field is desirable, as is familiarity with international human

rights and/or humanitarian law. Fluency in oral and written English is

required.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional candidates and offers

competitive compensation, along with generous employer-paid benefits.

Human Rights Watch will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will

assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, it required;

citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

PLEASE APPLY BY AUGUST 27, 2007 (no calls or e-mail inquiries, please)

by emailing in a single submission: a letter of interest describing your

experience, CV or resume, names or letters of references, and two

writing samples - one non-legal (excerpts are fine, but please in any

case send no more than 20 pages) to program@hrw.org. Please use "U.S.

Advocacy Director" as the subject of your email. Only complete

applications will be reviewed. It is preferred that all materials be

submitted via email. If emailing is not possible, send materials (please

do not split a submission between email and regular post) to:

Human Rights Watch

Attn: Search Committee (U.S. Advocacy Director)

350 Fifth Avenue, 34th floor

New York, NY10118-3299

Fax: (212) 736-1300

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not

discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the

strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.