Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center · 1 month ago
Sr. Staff Attorney
Washington, DC
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$95K/yr - $100K/yr
7+ years expKennedy Human Rights Center is seeking a Senior Staff Attorney in the International Advocacy & Litigation program to coordinate and support the organization’s work in partnership with human rights defenders to protect civic space, especially freedom of expression. The Senior Attorney will work closely with the VP of International Advocacy and Litigation to coordinate the global portfolio on the protection of civic space.
Non-profit Organization Management
Responsibilities
Organize and coordinate global civic space advocacy and litigation work, including coalitions, interregional litigation, and amicus efforts; work with local experts and NGOs to assist in implementing these strategies; and plan capacity-building and training events to enhance their legal and advocacy capacity
Lead and develop special civic space-related initiatives, including the Civic Space Case-Tracker and mobilization efforts
Develop original analysis, writing, and publicizing reports, legal and policy guidance, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to regional and international bodies, as well as presenting human rights concerns and other advocacy before government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and in the media
Support coordination and management of Staff Attorneys and legal fellows on projects, including organizing and prioritizing workload and workflow, and providing general coordination and supervision of assignments
Serve on various committees, ad hoc working groups, and task forces, as required, as well as promote the work of Kennedy HRC and represent the organization at meetings, conferences, seminars, etc
Support with the organization’s fundraising efforts alongside our Development team, including proposal writing, donor identification and cultivation, and grant reporting
Travel domestically and internationally up to one or two weeks at a time, several times a year
Identify and execute ways to achieve shared impact across other Kennedy HRC programs, to mobilize Kennedy HRC stakeholders in support of the work, and to increase the visibility of Kennedy HRC and our work before the general public
Working flexible hours as needed to accommodate developing and urgent events
Do your part in keeping our operations running smoothly - tracking your hours and submitting timecards in a timely manner; and
Carrying out any additional duties as required
Participate in the recruitment, hiring, and training of department staff
Advocate for and support direct reports' decision-making and innovation within the program and collaboration across the organization
Provide feedback and guidance to help team members successfully understand and align their individual goals with program and organizational goals and strategies
Provide constructive and timely performance evaluations for team members
Successfully align programmatic goals across the organization with RFK Human Rights’ strategic priorities
Advocate for additional resources, staff capacity, or training needed for team success in discussion with the VP of Int’l Advocacy & Litigation
Qualification
Required
Completed J.D. or foreign equivalent required
At least 7 years of experience working in the human rights space, specifically on issues related to civic space and especially on freedom of expression (through advocacy and/or litigation)
Authorization to work in the United States required
Fluency in English and Spanish is required
Demonstrated Advocacy experience (e.g. US foreign policy, intergovernmental bodies, and/or public-facing campaigns)
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to one or two weeks at a time, several times a year
Experience supporting team fundraising efforts, including proposal writing, donor identification and cultivation, and grant reporting
Strong field research and documentation skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to develop and implement realistic and effective local & international advocacy strategies
Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively to identify advocacy opportunities for increased impact beyond assigned tasks
Excellent writing and editing skills
Comfort and demonstrated experience with public speaking, speaking with the press, and holding presentations
Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively across cultural dynamics within Kennedy Human Rights Center as well as with clients, local partners, government officials, and media partners
Attention to detail, you're able to scope out errors and proactively fix mistakes
Time management, you have the ability to produce high-quality written material under tight deadlines
High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information
Innovative thinking, a willingness to voice opinions, and a strong work ethic are essential
Teamwork, you are able to build positive relationships with your colleagues and are willing to help others
Inclusive, you are excited to work with colleagues with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives from your own
Preferred
Human rights litigation experience before domestic courts and/or regional or universal human rights bodies
Demonstrated experience strategizing global and local media environments and using standard media and electronic media to further advocacy goals
Additional language skills other than English and Spanish
Benefits
We cover 100% of individual-only costs of our platinum medical, dental, vision benefits and subsidizes the cost for dependent coverage and alternative medical plan options
An automatic contribution of 7% of your salary after your first year of employment
A College Saveup/Loan PayDown program with an automatic $200/monthly contribution for any current loans or future loans
An automatic monthly cell phone & internet speed stipend of $125/monthly to offset any phone & internet expenses
$1,000 annual professional development stipend to all full-time staff to use towards courses, conferences, or training that will further your professional learning and development
Seven professional development days to complete these courses
$1,000 benefits card each calendar year to use at your discretion towards food and home & life purchases
$500 remote supplies fund that staffers can use at their discretion to have work-from-home space that is comfortable & workable when you need it
Weekly Summer Fridays between Memorial Day to Labor Day where our offices close half day each Friday
Award ceremonies, galas, summer outings, holiday parties, potlucks, staff retreats, and spur-of-the-moment social outings
Company
Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center
Exposing injustice and championing human rights, inspired by the legacy of Senator Robert and Ethel Kennedy. Led by Kerry Kennedy.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Michael Schreiber
Chief Operating Officer
Nisa Patel
Chief Governance Officer
Recent News
2025-11-03
2025-05-17
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