Associate, Development and Outreach

Job Posting Organization:
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization that was established to conduct in-depth investigations and provide incisive and timely reporting on human rights issues around the globe. HRW is known for its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, which have successfully influenced the policies and practices of governments and international institutions regarding human rights. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce that reflects a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. HRW is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce, actively seeking candidates from various backgrounds to enhance its mission of advocating for human rights.

Job Overview:
The Associate position in the Development and Outreach Department at Human Rights Watch's Zurich office is a full-time role that requires the candidate to provide essential administrative support to the Zurich team. This office plays a crucial role in HRW's development, fundraising, and outreach activities specifically targeting the German-speaking regions of Switzerland. The successful candidate will be expected to work 35 hours per week, with some flexibility to accommodate occasional evening and weekend events. The role demands a proactive individual who can manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining a high level of organization and communication. The Associate will report directly to the Director of Development and Outreach and will be responsible for supporting various fundraising and outreach initiatives, ensuring that events are well-organized and that donor relations are effectively managed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the preparation and follow-up of major fundraising, cultivation, and outreach events, such as the Zurich Benefit Dinner, public lectures, film screenings, and private events.
• Providing comprehensive administrative support, which includes scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, taking minutes, responding to inquiries, managing divisional finances, and arranging travel logistics.
• Organizing the logistical aspects of events by maintaining and updating spreadsheets and database records, documenting gifts received, preparing solicitation and acknowledgment materials, and collating follow-up fundraising reports.
• Maintaining the Salesforce database by updating donor and financial information and overseeing data entry for special events and cultivation initiatives.
• Supporting daily activities for HRW’s Zurich Committee, donors, and prospects, which involves conducting research on individual and foundation prospects, maintaining extensive files and contact lists, scheduling meetings, and drafting donor communications.
• Coordinating the development of content for printed materials and presentations, as well as managing the logistics for mailings.
• Performing other responsibilities as required by the Director of Development and Outreach.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. An apprenticeship in a relevant field, such as a commercial apprenticeship, along with two years of post-apprenticeship professional experience, is also acceptable. Candidates must possess prior office or administrative experience and demonstrate strong organizational skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and German are mandatory, as well as strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with a diverse range of audiences, including donors. The ability to work under pressure while managing multiple tasks is essential, along with self-motivation, initiative, and the capacity to work independently as well as part of a team. Strong analytical skills and creativity for conducting online research are also required, along with proficiency in MS Office applications. Experience with Salesforce or other donor databases is highly desirable, and familiarity with event planning, community engagement, and philanthropy is preferred. A strong interest in human rights is also considered a valuable asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Alternatively, an apprenticeship in a relevant field, such as a commercial apprenticeship, combined with two years of post-apprenticeship professional experience, is acceptable. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary foundational knowledge and skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is required for this position. This experience should ideally be in an administrative or office support role, where the candidate has developed the necessary skills to manage tasks efficiently and support organizational functions effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and German is mandatory for this position, as the role involves communication with a diverse range of stakeholders. While English is essential for written and verbal communication, German is equally important for engaging with local donors and stakeholders in the Zurich area. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role, requiring the candidate to work 35 hours per week. The successful applicant must be based within commuting distance of the Zurich office and will be expected to work from the office at least 2-3 days per week. The gross annualized salary range for this position is CHF 70,000-73,000, and HRW offers comprehensive compensation and employer-paid benefits. Applicants must possess valid Swiss work authorization to be eligible for this position. The application deadline is set for 13 March 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.