Director, Development and Outreach

Job Posting Organization:
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization that has been operational for several decades. Established to investigate and report on human rights abuses, HRW is known for its rigorous research and advocacy efforts aimed at influencing policy changes in governments and international institutions. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries around the globe, focusing on various human rights issues. HRW is committed to promoting human rights and ensuring accountability for violations, and it actively seeks to engage a wide range of stakeholders in its mission.

Job Overview:
The Director of Development and Outreach at Human Rights Watch in Zurich will play a pivotal role in leading fundraising and outreach efforts in Zurich and German-speaking Switzerland. This position is crucial as it aims to mobilize support from high-level donors and prospects during a critical period for the organization. The Director will manage a small, dynamic team and will be responsible for developing and executing a strategic fundraising plan that aligns with HRW's mission. The successful candidate will work closely with the Zurich Committee, a group of dedicated supporters, to enhance HRW's visibility and fundraising outcomes. The role requires a strong commitment to human rights and the ability to effectively communicate HRW's mission to potential supporters. The Director will also be expected to work from the Zurich office at least two or three days a week, ensuring a strong presence in the local community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Developing and overseeing a strategic plan, budget, and income forecast for fundraising initiatives focused on Zurich and German-speaking Switzerland.
• Seeking and securing philanthropic commitments from individual, trust, and foundation donors, with an emphasis on those capable of multi-year and high-value contributions.
• Identifying and implementing strategic fundraising and outreach initiatives to engage potential leadership donors, including organizing cultivation events to enhance program visibility.
• Collaborating with Zurich Committee leadership to maximize fundraising results and assisting with the execution of annual fundraising events.
• Representing HRW's work to current and prospective supporters.
• Exploring opportunities to expand HRW's donor base into Ticino and Liechtenstein.
• Partnering with the Institutional Giving Team to cultivate and solicit prospective foundations for significant contributions.
• Educating donors about planned giving options.
• Ensuring sustainable growth in line with financial targets and overseeing income tracking and budget management. 1
• Providing leadership and mentorship to the Zurich Development team, fostering an inclusive work environment, and collaborating on initiatives to expand partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in relevant fields such as international relations or social sciences. An advanced degree in philanthropy, business, finance, communications, or law is preferred. A minimum of ten years of fundraising experience with high-level donors is required, including at least five years in a management role. Candidates should demonstrate success in managing major gift programs and building high-level donor relationships, as well as experience in budgeting and revenue tracking. Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to human rights are essential, along with the ability to represent HRW's mission effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with a preference for candidates holding an advanced degree in areas such as philanthropy, business, finance, communications, or law. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of fundraising and outreach in the context of human rights advocacy.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of ten years of experience in fundraising, particularly with high-level donors, and at least five years of management experience. This extensive experience is crucial for successfully leading the Development and Outreach Department in Zurich and for effectively engaging with donors and stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in both German and English is mandatory, with strong oral and written communication skills required in both languages. Proficiency in Italian is considered an asset but is not mandatory. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for building relationships with donors and representing HRW's mission.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Zurich, with the expectation that the Director will work from the office at least two or three days per week. HRW offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to attract exceptional candidates. Applicants must possess valid Swiss work authorization, as HRW cannot guarantee sponsorship for this role. The organization values diversity and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply, emphasizing its commitment to equal opportunity and inclusion.