Associate Director, Development and Outreach

Associate Director, Development and Outreach

Human Rights Watch (HRW)

March 18, 2026April 12, 2026LosangelesUnited States
Job Description
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. HRW is known for its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns that aim to change the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions. The organization operates globally, with a diverse workforce that reflects a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives. HRW actively seeks to promote diversity within its staff and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization is committed to ensuring equal opportunity and does not discriminate based on disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. HRW's mission is to protect and promote human rights for all individuals, and it employs a variety of strategies to achieve this goal, including research, advocacy, and public education.

Job Overview:
The Associate Director, Development and Outreach position at Human Rights Watch is a full-time role focused on fundraising and outreach initiatives within the Los Angeles area. The successful candidate will be based in the Santa Monica office and will report directly to the Los Angeles Director in the Development and Outreach Department. This role is crucial for the organization as it aims to enhance financial support through effective donor management and outreach strategies. The Associate Director will work closely with the Los Angeles Director to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, which includes managing a portfolio of donors, soliciting major gifts, and organizing various fundraising events. The position requires a proactive approach to building relationships with existing and prospective supporters, as well as collaborating with team members to diversify and expand the organization's support base. The role also involves supervising an Associate and leading fundraising events, ensuring that all initiatives align with HRW's mission and goals. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate a strong commitment to human rights issues and possess the skills necessary to effectively represent HRW's work to a broad audience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Director will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:
  • Collaborating with the Los Angeles Director to develop and implement a fundraising strategy.
  • Representing HRW to current and prospective supporters, managing a personal portfolio of donors, and soliciting major gifts and general support funds.
  • Researching, identifying, cultivating, servicing, and soliciting new prospects and existing donors.
  • Supervising the Associate and leading fundraising, outreach, and cultivation events, including the annual Voices for Justice celebration and private receptions.
  • Overseeing Committee communications and initiatives related to advocacy, outreach, and fundraising projects.
  • Managing the development and implementation of a strategic plan for the Committee in conjunction with the Executive Committee.
  • Liaising with event consultants and overseeing gift processing and donor support services in Salesforce.
  • Maintaining donor lists, fundraising reports, and managing office and event expenses.
  • Leading team processes, including regular meetings and prospect research. 1
  • Mentoring direct reports, setting performance objectives, and providing constructive feedback. 1
  • Performing other responsibilities as required to support the Development and Outreach Department.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in international relations, social sciences, communications/marketing, or equivalent work experience. A minimum of 7 years of donor management, philanthropy, or fundraising experience is required, along with a proven track record of managing large-scale events. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to human rights issues and possess the ability to master and represent HRW's mission and programs. Creativity, initiative, excellent organizational skills, and strong written and oral communication skills in English are essential. The ability to build effective relationships with donors and volunteers, as well as strong interpersonal skills for collaboration within HRW and with external partners, are also required. Candidates should have the ability to multi-task effectively, work well under pressure, and possess strong computer skills. Experience with Salesforce, Marketing Cloud, Canva, and knowledge of social media platforms are highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as international relations, social sciences, communications, or marketing. Equivalent work experience may also be considered in lieu of a formal degree. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the skills necessary for effective communication and outreach.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in donor management, philanthropy, or fundraising. Candidates should have demonstrated success in managing large-scale events and a proven ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with donors. Experience in a similar role within a nonprofit organization, particularly in the human rights sector, is highly advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills required for effective donor engagement and outreach. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they enhance the candidate's ability to connect with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position based in the Los Angeles office, specifically in Santa Monica. The successful candidate will be expected to work from the office 4-5 days a week during peak fundraising seasons, which typically spans around 8 months of the year. During slower periods, there may be flexibility to work remotely for 1-3 days a week. The role may require evening and weekend work to accommodate events. HRW offers competitive compensation, with a salary range of US $102,000 – 112,000, along with employer-paid benefits. Candidates must possess valid US work authorization and should not require future sponsorship, as HRW cannot guarantee the ability to sponsor work authorization for this role.
Apply now
Similar Jobs