Director, Chicago & Midwest Region
Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) seeks a Chicago-based representative to head its development and outreach efforts in Chicago and the Midwest. Reporting to the NY-based Director of Development and Outreach, the Chicago Director will cultivate and directly solicit major gift contributions, support the organization's expanding Midwest constituency, and promote HRW’s domestic and international advocacy initiatives to local audiences.
The Chicago Director will manage the 55-member Chicago Committee; cultivate relationships and solicit funds from Committee members and their contacts, new prospective supporters, private and family foundations, and corporate contributors to support the organization's work; oversee the production of special fundraising, cultivation, local press, and advocacy events in Chicago, including the annual film festival benefit and the Annual Voices for Justice Dinner; manage the Chicago office; and work closely with other HRW staff members to keep existing and prospective supporters informed of HRW's work, organize frequent presentations by members of HRW's staff, and suggest initiatives that supporters might undertake to further the work of HRW.
The Chicago Director will also work with the Advocacy, Communications, and Program staff to design and implement Midwest press and advocacy strategies to promote Human Rights Watch’s goals. The Chicago Director will meet with community leaders, policymakers, and journalists; coordinate the presentation of HRW research and recommendations in public fora; and work with other human rights and international organizations in Chicago.
Additional Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, creative, self-motivated, strategic, and original thinker with a demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues and the ability to effectively master and represent the mission and program of HRW. The candidate must have at least seven years of fundraising experience, with emphasis on the creation and management of major gift programs; experience overseeing large events; and familiarity with volunteer management. The applicant must possess strong oral and written communication skills and must be must be a disciplined self-starter who can work independently but also function as a member of a team. An advanced degree in non-profit management, fundraising, human rights, international relations, law, or a related field is desirable.
How to Apply:
PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY (no calls or email inquiries, please) by emailing a letter of interest, resume, two references, and a brief writing sample (unedited by others) immediately to chicago@hrw.org. Please use “Application for Chicago Director” as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed. It is preferred that all materials be submitted via email. If emailing is not possible, send materials (please do not split a submission between email and regular post) to:
Human Rights Watch
Attn: Search Committee (Chicago Director)
350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, NY 10118-3299