Director, Media

Job Posting Organization:
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization that was established in 197

• The organization is dedicated to protecting human rights worldwide and is known for its in-depth investigations, incisive reporting, and high-profile advocacy campaigns. HRW operates in multiple countries across the globe, with a diverse workforce that reflects a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. The organization aims to ensure that its research and advocacy inform global debates, reach key decision-makers, and drive accountability for human rights abuses wherever they occur. HRW employs a significant number of staff across various regions, including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment.

Job Overview:
The Director, Media position at Human Rights Watch is a critical leadership role within the Communications Department, responsible for shaping the organization's public voice and influence. The Media Director will report directly to the Global Communications Director and will manage a team that is dispersed across various regions, including the US, Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The primary function of this role is to maximize strategic media coverage of HRW's research on both traditional and emerging media platforms. The Media Director will be expected to set and lead the editorial vision for HRW's media engagement, ensuring that the organization's advocacy priorities are advanced and that its institutional voice remains prominent and relevant. This position requires a strategic approach to media engagement, aligning divisional priorities with the broader goals of the organization while ensuring effective support and coordination across different time zones. The Media Director will also oversee the development and deployment of media products, manage budget planning, and build relationships with influential external audiences, including senior journalists and commentators. Additionally, the role involves acting as a strategic advisor to senior leadership and leading HRW's crisis communications efforts, ensuring rapid and authoritative responses during high-risk moments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Director, Media include:

• Setting and leading the editorial vision for HRW's media engagement to advance advocacy priorities and maintain relevance across platforms;
• Providing strategic leadership to the media division, ensuring alignment with organizational goals;
• Translating HRW's global strategy into clear media priorities;
• Overseeing the development of media products to meet the changing landscape;
• Directing budget planning and resource allocation;
• Building relationships with influential external audiences;
• Collaborating with senior leadership to shape visibility and thought leadership;
• Acting as a strategic advisor on public positioning;
• Leading crisis communications efforts; 1
• Maintaining high editorial standards across media outputs; 1
• Managing the editorial calendar and media planning; 1
• Driving a data-informed approach to media outreach; 1
• Strengthening organizational media readiness and learning; 1
• Performing other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Director, Media position include: A minimum of ten years of relevant work experience, with at least five years in team management, preferably within a large-scale, diverse, and dynamic mission-driven organization. Candidates should demonstrate strong strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills, with a proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. The role requires a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the ability to create a positive work environment. Candidates should also possess a strong understanding of media engagement and crisis communications, along with the ability to drive change and improvement at the organizational level.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Director, Media position must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in communications, media, journalism, marketing, human rights, or a related field. A strong educational background in these areas is essential for understanding the complexities of media engagement and advocacy work.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant work experience, with at least five years in a management role. Experience within a global, mission-driven organization is preferred, as it provides the necessary context for understanding the challenges and opportunities in human rights advocacy and media engagement.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is required for this position. Additionally, proficiency in other languages, particularly French or Arabic, is desirable, as it can enhance communication with diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position based in HRW's New York office, with candidates expected to work from the office 2-3 days per week. The salary range for this position is US$150,000-165,000, and HRW offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. Applicants must possess valid US work authorization, as HRW cannot guarantee sponsorship for work authorization. The application deadline is March 18, 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply immediately by submitting a cover letter and resume through HRW's online job portal.