Director, Development and Outreach 2025

Job Opportunity: Director, Development and Outreach at Human Rights Watch – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Job Overview

Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
💼 Job Type: Full-Time
📍 Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (Hybrid: 3 days in-office, 2 days remote)
🔗 Apply Now: careers.hrw.org

Lead Change, Fund Impact

Are you a seasoned fundraiser with a passion for human rights? Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Director, Development and Outreach to spearhead fundraising and engagement efforts in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands. This is your chance to drive meaningful impact by mobilizing support for one of the world’s leading human rights organizations.

🌐 About Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch is a global nonprofit dedicated to investigating and exposing human rights abuses, advocating for justice, and holding governments and institutions accountable. With a presence in over 30 countries and a team of 500+ professionals, HRW’s work shapes international law, drives reform, and amplifies the voices of the most vulnerable.

What You’ll Do: The Role at a Glance

As the Director, you’ll lead a dynamic Amsterdam-based team to grow HRW’s donor base and strengthen its presence in the Netherlands. You’ll work closely with high-level donors, the Netherlands Committee, and colleagues across Europe to secure major gifts and build lasting partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan for Amsterdam and the Netherlands, including budgets and income forecasts.
Secure multi-year, six-figure gifts from individual donors, trusts, and foundations.
Cultivate leadership-level donors and prospects, including organizing high-impact cultivation events.
Collaborate with the Netherlands Committee to maximize fundraising, including supporting a bi-annual fundraising event.
Partner with the Europe Institutional Giving Team to solicit major foundation gifts.
Promote planned giving options in collaboration with the Senior Director of Planned Giving.
Represent HRW’s mission to donors and stakeholders with passion and clarity.
Oversee income tracking, projections, and budgets to ensure sustainable growth.
Lead and mentor the Amsterdam Development team, fostering an inclusive and creative work environment.

👥 Who HRW Is Looking For

HRW seeks a strategic leader with deep fundraising experience and a commitment to human rights. You’re a relationship-builder, a compelling communicator, and a team leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Required:

10+ years of fundraising experience with major and leadership-level donors, including 5+ years of management experience.
Proven success in securing six-figure gifts and managing high-level donor relationships.
Experience leading teams and developing fundraising strategies.
Excellent Dutch and English communication skills (written and oral), with strong presentation abilities.
Proficiency in budgeting, revenue tracking, and projections.
Passion for human rights and the ability to advocate for HRW’s mission.
Outstanding interpersonal skills for collaboration within HRW and with external partners.
Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Willingness to travel locally and internationally and work occasional evenings/weekends for events.

Preferred:

Experience overseeing fundraising events.
Familiarity with Salesforce or similar relational databases.

📍 Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days per week in HRW’s Amsterdam office, with the option to work remotely 2 days per week.

💸 Salary and Benefits

HRW offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance (varies by location).
Paid leave (vacation, sick, parental).
Retirement savings plans.
Mental health and wellness resources.
Relocation assistance and immigration support, if needed.

Note: Specific salary details will be shared during the recruitment process.

💡 Why You Qualify (Even If You Think You Don’t)

If you’re hesitant because you don’t meet every requirement, consider this:

Have you led fundraising efforts or built strong donor relationships?
Can you inspire others with your communication and leadership skills?
Are you passionate about human rights and ready to make a difference?

HRW values diverse experiences and encourages applicants from varied backgrounds. If you’re a strategic fundraiser with a heart for justice, you’re likely a great fit.

📝 Tips for a Winning Application

Deadline: May 15, 2025
What You’ll Need:

A resume/CV.
A cover letter showcasing your fundraising achievements and passion for human rights.
No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications via careers.hrw.org will be reviewed.

Tips:

Highlight specific fundraising wins, like securing major gifts or growing donor bases.
Show your leadership style—how have you motivated teams or driven results?
Be concise and compelling in your cover letter; treat it as a test of your communication skills.
Mention any connection to human rights, such as volunteer work or advocacy.

Accommodations: If you need support during the application process, email recruitment@hrw.org.

📌 Why HRW Is a Great Place to Work

Impactful Mission: Your work directly supports global human rights advocacy.
Inclusive Culture: HRW champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants of all backgrounds.
Supportive Environment: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team.
Global Reach: Join a network of passionate professionals driving change worldwide.

💬 Stay Connected

Want more opportunities like this?

📧 Share this posting with someone who’d be a great fit.
🔗 Visit careers.hrw.org for other HRW roles.

🔖 Disclaimer

This posting is shared to connect passionate professionals with impactful opportunities. Always apply directly via careers.hrw.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

APPLY NOW: careers.hrw.org