Human Rights Watch is seeking a superb communicator, manager and strategist to lead media operations in the role of Deputy Executive Director for Media.
The position will report to HRW’s Executive Director and may be based in New York, London, or other locations where HRW maintains a substantial presence.
The ideal candidate will have senior level experience running a major media operation, deep knowledge about the rapidly changing media environment, vision for maintaining a leadership position within that environment, and the drive to press the organization to maximize its potential for visibility and impact.
The Deputy Executive Director for Media will direct HRW’s Communications, Multimedia, and Digital Departments to generate maximum attention and impact for the organization’s research and advocacy.
He or she will oversee a large group of dedicated communications experts, all engaged in promoting and disseminating HRW’s work to traditional and social media worldwide or producing material for direct dissemination to the public.
Given the need to manage an enormous array of information for different platforms, in different formats, and in multiple languages, individuals with experience in leading complex media operations are preferred.
The position will also be expected to fundraise, both for the specific needs of HRW’s media operations and for the organization as a whole.
Responsibilities:
Candidates must excel in their abilities to:
Formulate and lead strategies for maximizing the impact of HRW’s research and advocacy priorities, as well as for navigating the rapidly evolving global marketplace for information;
Ensure that HRW’s international voice and perspective are heard in public conversations of rights-related issues, and that opportunities are seized for injecting a human rights perspective in conversations about global affairs;
Prioritize among the growing numbers of platforms for reaching key audiences, keeping the widely varying media consumption habits of different countries and regions in mind, and stay abreast of new media developments and technologies;
Speak to diverse audiences, both inside and outside the organization, about necessary investments for HRW to keep pace with changes in the media environment;
Hire, train, manage, and develop a team of high-powered professionals in the execution of global media strategies; 6. Build relationships with board members and donors and keep them informed of the latest developments and successes, and help identify prospective donors;
Collaborate with other members of the Executive Management Team, the slightly larger Leadership Management Team, and other organizational leaders to ensure the steady and strategic publication of content;
Play a lead role in internal communications; and
Defend the organization against threats to its reputation.
Qualifications:
Education: An advanced (graduate) degree in journalism, international relations, law, social science, or a related field is required.
Experience: Candidates should have at least ten years’ experience in journalism and/or communications, a proven ability to manage, and an unshakeable commitment to human rights.
Experience in running a for-profit or non-profit media organization is preferred, as well as diversity of geographic experience and knowledge of languages other than English.
Experience in the NGO sector is a distinct advantage.
Willingness to undertake extensive international travel is required.
Salary and Benefits:
HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits.
HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
Contact:
Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to MediaJobs@hrw.org.
Please use “Media Deputy Executive Director Ref COMMS-16-1003” as the subject of your email.
Only complete applications will be reviewed and only qualified candidates will be contacted.
For more information on this job, please visit: https://www.hrw.org/about/careers/deputy-executive-director-media
Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.