Job Description
ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE
Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.
POSITION SUMMARY
Freedom House seeks a Deputy Director for the Fred Hiatt Program to Free Political Prisoners. This is a senior advocacy and strategy role that will help shape and advance the program’s policy, advocacy, and partnership efforts in support of political prisoner cases and related thematic priorities.
The Deputy Director will exercise substantial independent judgment in developing advocacy strategies, managing high-level external relationships, shaping public-facing and internal policy products, and advancing cross-functional work across the organization. Working closely with the Director of the Fred Hiatt Program, this role will help drive program execution, represent the program in key external settings, and contribute to broader institutional advocacy goals. The Deputy Director will also collaborate regularly with colleagues across research, communications, development, executive leadership, and other Freedom House teams on matters involving political prisoners, human rights, democracy, and related policy priorities. The Deputy Director may also serve as a proxy for the Director in selected internal and external settings.
This role is well suited for a seasoned advocacy professional with deep policy instincts, strong congressional or executive branch engagement experience, and the ability to translate complex human rights issues into compelling strategies, persuasive written products, and effective external engagement.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Help lead the development and execution of advocacy strategies for existing and newly adopted political prisoner cases, including identifying strategic opportunities, assessing risks, and advancing case objectives through coordinated internal and external engagement.
- Exercise independent judgment in shaping policy and advocacy approaches related to political prisoner cases, congressional engagement, executive branch outreach, and coalition strategy.
- Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Director on program priorities, advocacy planning, external positioning, and issue response.
- Help strengthen internal systems, workflows, and planning processes that support the effective execution of program goals.
- Develop and maintain high-level relationships with congressional offices, executive branch stakeholders, civil society partners, legal advocates, and other relevant external actors in support of program priorities.
- Lead and participate in meetings on Capitol Hill and other external advocacy engagements.
- Represent the Fred Hiatt Program and Freedom House in coalitions, convenings, and policy discussions, as appropriate.
- Build and sustain productive partnerships that advance Freedom House’s advocacy objectives on political prisoners and related human rights issues.
- Monitor and analyze legislative, foreign policy, and human rights developments relevant to the program and advise on their implications for advocacy strategy and program priorities.
- Draft, review, and refine high-level advocacy materials, including policy briefs, congressional testimony, advocacy letters, briefing memos, talking points, newsletters, and other written products for internal and external audiences.
- Contribute substantively to Freedom House publications, public-facing analysis, and communications related to political prisoners, democracy, and human rights.
- Translate complex legal, policy, and political developments into clear and persuasive recommendations and written materials for varied audiences.
- Provide strategic input on cross-organizational advocacy priorities and collaborate with colleagues across Freedom House to ensure alignment on messaging, external outreach, and institutional objectives.
- Work closely with research, communications, development, and leadership colleagues on cross-cutting initiatives related to policy, advocacy, and organizational strategy.
- Support fundraising and donor engagement efforts for the Fred Hiatt Program, including contributing to donor-facing materials, concept development, and strategic positioning.
- Perform other related duties as assigned in support of program and organizational priorities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, International Affairs, Political Science, Law, Human Rights or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- At least 8–10 years of directly relevant experience in advocacy, policy, government relations, legislative affairs, foreign policy, human rights, democracy, or a closely related field.
- Significant experience working in or with Congress, the executive branch, policy institutions, advocacy organizations, or comparable environments with responsibility for advancing policy or advocacy objectives.
- Demonstrated success navigating legislative, policy, or appropriations processes and advancing strategic advocacy goals.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
- Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
- Strong knowledge of foreign policy, democracy support, political prisoner issues, and/or international human rights law and practice.
- Excellent analytical, research, writing, and editing skills, including demonstrated experience drafting policy memoranda, testimony, advocacy materials, and other high-level written products.
- Strong judgment and the ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion, diplomacy, and strategic awareness.
- Proven ability to communicate persuasively with a range of audiences, including senior policymakers, partners, donors, and colleagues.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, respond effectively to changing demands, and perform well under tight deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and build credibility internally and externally.
- Experience working on political prisoner cases or closely related human rights advocacy issues preferred.
- Demonstrated commitment to Freedom House’s mission, values, and nonpartisan approach.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Freedom House established core values are belonging, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. Through these values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while appreciating their unique contributions.- Applicants are required to complete our online application form and to submit a resume and a cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.
- Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization.
- Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.
COMPENSATION & REWARDS:
- Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this role is $117,000 to $130,000 annualized, dependent upon experience.
- We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:
- Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available on the first date of hire
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match
- Generous Leave Programs
- Annual paid time off that grows with your employment: 17 days for 0-2 years, 21 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years. Director level and above start at 25 days.
- Sick Leave: 10 days per year, unlimited roll over year to year
- 14 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within the same calendar year
- Caregiver Leave: 40 days paid
- Bereavement Leave: 5 days paid
- Jury duty: 30 days paid
- Flexible, hybrid work culture with slow down weeks and “no meeting Fridays”
- Mental health and well-being services through our Employee Assistance Programs
- Flexible spending accounts
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance
WORKING CONDITIONS:
General Working Conditions:
- General working office environment or telework.
- May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
- The role may require attendance at in-person meetings, events, and advocacy engagements in Washington, DC.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.
Requisition Number: 1482