Human Rights Watch (HRW)

Associate Communications Director

Human Rights Watch (HRW)

Job Description

FULL-TIME VACANCY
ASSOCIATE COMMUNICATIONS Director, AMERICAS
Communications Division
Multiple Locations Considered
Application Deadline: 25 June 2023

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking applicants for the position of Associate Communications Director for the Americas region. We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about getting human rights issues on to news agendas around the world and excited about working with journalists to tell stories that bring about positive change. You will be part of a global team planning the most effective way to earn coverage of human rights issues in more than 90 countries.

The Media Department, which includes the Communications, Digital, and Multimedia divisions, creates and implements communications strategies to expand support for human rights, increase media coverage and influence in key markets, and reach new audiences. The global Communications team, including the 24-hour global press desk, is responsible for setting strategy to earn media coverage of human rights stories around the world. This remote position will preferably be based in Latin America. This position reports to the Communications Director based in New York, but works closely with staff in the Americas.

Responsibilities:

1. Develop overall strategy in getting media coverage for HRW’s global work in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as getting coverage of HRW’s Americas work globally;

2. Identify opportunities for advocacy and media outreach in the Americas based on local programmatic interest and increase HRW’s advocacy;

3. Draft and edit press releases, op-eds and other materials in English and Spanish;

4. Pitch HRW’s reports, op-eds, and other materials to key outlets in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Americas media as well as to foreign correspondents covering the region, in order to maximize coverage of HRW research of the region and in foreign media covering the continent;

5. Maintain a calendar of key advocacy and news pegs in Latin America and the Caribbean and follow news developments in the Americas to identify opportunities for advocacy and media outreach in the Americas;

6. Expand and strengthen HRW’s media networks in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Americas, through regular meetings with journalists, outreach trips, and regular phone and email contact;

7. Organize news conferences, media interviews, and briefings for HRW staff;

8. Serve as thought partner and work with researchers to cultivate relationships with journalists and develop media strategy;

9. Work with HRW’s Spanish Web Editor to plan and host IG Live, Twitter Spaces, podcasts and other social media discussions in Spanish and English;

10. Arrange media training opportunities for HRW staff;

11. Respond to media queries and liaise with media in Latin America and the Caribbean and assist with general media response during crises;

12. Work with Digital and Multimedia teams as needed to assist with social media posts, graphics, and videos;

13. Ensure the outputs are delivered in a timely manner and are consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of HRW;

14. Operate in compliance with organizational regulations and rules, including the policies of applicable employee agreements; and

15. Carry out any other tasks as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: A degree in Journalism, Spanish, English, communications, marketing, or a related field or equivalent training is required. An advanced degree is highly desirable.

Experience: A minimum of five to seven years of relevant experience working as a journalist or in close relation to the media is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of media landscape in the Americas is required.

2. Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish are required. Proficiency in Portuguese is desirable.

3. Ability to identify and advise the Communications Director/Communications Department in developing and implementing advocacy strategies in order to seize advocacy opportunities is required.

4. Ability to effectively communicate important human rights developments and the work of HRW is required.

5. Strong initiative and follow through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent writing and editing skills, and a dynamic public speaking ability are required.

6. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.

7. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work pressure are required.

8. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.

9. Knowledge of and experience working in International Human Rights and familiarity with international human rights Law is highly desirable.

**Salary and Benefits:**HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW is only able to offer immigration support in locations that we have registered offices (in Latin America, our only registered office is currently in Brazil). Candidates from or seeking to be based in other countries in the region are encouraged to apply, but are required to have work authorization in the country that they would like to be based.

**How to Apply:**Please apply immediately or by 25 June 2023 by visiting our online job portal at https://careers.hrw.org and attach a cover letter and resume/CV. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you have difficulty completing your application submission, or if you require a disability-related accommodation to submit your application, please reach out to recruitment@hrw.org. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institution.

How to apply

**How to Apply:**Please apply immediately or by 25 June 2023 by visiting our online job portal at https://careers.hrw.org and attach a cover letter and resume/CV. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you have difficulty completing your application submission, or if you require a disability-related accommodation to submit your application, please reach out to recruitment@hrw.org. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

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