Deputy Director, Executive Communications

Reporting to the Global Communications Director, the Deputy Director, Executive Communications will serve as a senior strategic partner to Human Rights Watch’s leadership, shaping executive visibility, organizational narrative, and high-stakes public engagement across global priorities.

The Deputy Director will lead the strategy to build the global profile of Human Rights Watch’s leadership through high-impact message development, media opportunities, speaking engagements and social media support to build trust and authority on human rights, international justice, and accountability.

Working closely with senior leaders across Communications, Program, Advocacy, and Development departments, the Deputy Director will set priorities for executive thought leadership across top-tier global media, emerging platforms, and global policy forums, while overseeing the management and growth of key social media accounts to build influence with priority audiences.

This includes developing proactive visibility plans, preparing leaders for media interviews and public appearances, creating and scheduling social content, and identifying avenues to expand Human Rights Watch’s reach among decision makers, donors and partners, and the general public.

This is a fixed-term (three year), full-time position that will work closely with the Executive Director in New York and report to Global Communications Director based in London. The successful candidate will be expected to work from the New York office at least three days per week.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Director, Global Communications to set and lead an executive communications strategy that positions Human Rights Watch’s Executive Director and senior leaders as authoritative voices in global debates on human rights, international justice and governance.
Shape and steward a distinctive executive voice across media, op-eds, social media and high-impact public engagements, reaching priority audiences including policymakers, media, donors and the broader human rights movement.
Identify, cultivate, and secure the platforms that matter most to influential audiences, from top-tier media and global forums to emerging spaces such as podcasts, newsletters, and digital convenings.
Lead close coordination with HRW’s communications team and other colleagues across the organization, aligning executive communications with editorial and advocacy priorities and maximizing opportunities for strategic amplification.
Serve as a trusted senior adviser to executive leadership on tone and positioning, bringing informed judgement about where influence is shifting and how HRW can remain relevant and authoritative.
Direct the preparation and briefing of senior leaders for interviews, panels, speeches, and critical advocacy moments, ensuring each engagement advances strategic objectives and reinforces HRW’s credibility and mission.
Set and uphold high editorial standards across all content, balancing authenticity, intellectual authority, political sensitivity, and strategic clarity.
Maintain a sophisticated understanding of the evolving influence landscape and advise senior leaders on where, when and how they should engage to shape critical conversations.
Strengthen organizational media readiness and learning, including through executive media training, performance analysis, and the systematic application of insights and feedback.
Qualifications
Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in journalism, marketing, communications, media, human rights, or similar related field is required. An advanced degree is desirable.

Experience: A minimum of ten years' relevant work experience is required, preferably within a global, large-scale, diverse, and dynamic mission-driven organization operating internationally.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Exceptional writing and editorial leadership: Produces outstanding content across formats and provides authoritative editorial direction, translating complex and sensitive issues into clear, compelling language.
Strategic judgement and rigor: Brings intellectual integrity, political sensitivity, and strong editorial discipline, with the ability to make sound decisions and deliver quickly and accurately in high-stakes contexts.
Executive counsel and influence: Builds trusted relationships with senior leaders, anticipates opportunities and risks, and provides confident, constructive, and strategically grounded advice.
Media and network fluency: Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the global news and influence landscape, with strong relationships and the instinct to place and position content for maximum impact.
Organizational leadership and collaboration: Works effectively across teams at all levels, regions and disciplines; building alignment around priorities and leading colleagues and partners towards high-quality outcomes.
Adaptability and innovation: Anticipates changes in platforms, formats, and audience behavior, and makes informed strategic decisions about where to invest time, attention, and resources.
Proficiency in French is desirable but not required.