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Human Rights Advocate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Internship - Outreach

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Advocate on client's behalf and empower clients to advocate on behalf of themselves when ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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Human Rights Advocate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do human rights advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for human rights advocate in Chicago, IL is $21.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a human rights advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Human Rights Advocate, you need a solid understanding of human rights law, research skills, and often a background in law, social sciences, or international relations. Familiarity with legal research databases, advocacy tools, and data management systems is typically required, and certifications in human rights or related fields are advantageous. Outstanding communication, cultural sensitivity, and resilience help you effectively engage with diverse communities and stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial for influencing policy, raising awareness, and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations.

What is a human rights advocate?

Human rights advocates are professionals or activists who work to promote and protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and groups. They may operate locally, nationally, or internationally, raising awareness about human rights issues, lobbying for legislative change, and supporting victims of abuses. Their work often involves research, public education, policy analysis, and direct advocacy with governments, organizations, or communities. Human rights advocates can work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international bodies, or as independent activists.

What are some common challenges human rights advocates face when working with at-risk communities?

Human Rights Advocates often encounter challenges such as building trust with at-risk communities who may be wary of outsiders or fear repercussions for speaking out. Navigating complex legal and cultural landscapes, managing emotional stress from exposure to difficult situations, and balancing advocacy with the need for objectivity can also be demanding. Successful advocates focus on active listening, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration with local organizations to overcome these obstacles and create meaningful change.

How do you become a human rights advocate?

To become a human rights advocate, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in fields like human rights, law, or social sciences, and gain experience through internships or volunteer work with related organizations. Developing strong communication, research, and advocacy skills is essential, and some roles may require advanced degrees or specialized certifications. Building a network within human rights communities and staying informed about global issues also support career advancement.

What is the difference between Human Rights Advocate vs Social Worker?

AspectHuman Rights AdvocateSocial Worker
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in human rights, law, or related fieldsRequires a bachelor's or master's in social work or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, international agencies, legal settingsHospitals, schools, community agencies, government offices
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, NGOs, government agencies focused on human rightsPublic and private social service agencies
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for advocacy roles, policy work, legal advocacyCompared for direct client support, case management, community services

While both roles aim to improve well-being and justice, Human Rights Advocates focus on policy, legal advocacy, and systemic change at a broader level, whereas Social Workers provide direct support and services to individuals and communities. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the social justice field.

What are popular job titles related to Human Rights Advocate jobs in Chicago, IL? For Human Rights Advocate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Human Rights Advocate jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Human Rights Advocate jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Human Rights Advocate job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,032 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Fundraising Field Manager - Chicago

Grassroots Team

Chicago, IL • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Position: Fundraising Field Manager

Reports to: Canvass Director, Field Director, or Program Manager

About Grassroots Team

Grassroots Team is a leading progressive canvassing company dedicated to mobilizing millions of people and dollars for major organizations, including Greenpeace USA, and Save The Children. Our work supports critical campaigns for children's, human, and animal rights, democracy, social, racial, and environmental justice. We specialize in community mobilization, public consciousness-raising, and fundraising in the fight for social justice.

Grassroots Team is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team, reflecting the incredible variety of grassroots canvassing nationwide. We are an equal-opportunity employer, actively seeking individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

Job Summary

Are you passionate about advancing important causes through non-profit and community organizations? Do you have prior experience in canvassing and leadership? We are seeking a dedicated individual to join us as a Fundraising Field Manager. This role begins with an intensive, accelerated training program, starting on the ground, and offers a clear career trajectory for growth within the non-profit and grassroots canvassing sector.

Key Responsibilities

Field Managers work on behalf of the nation's largest advocacy organizations by:

  • Managing Staff: Work closely with the Canvass & Field Director to manage and motivate a team of 5 or more canvassers. Develop weekly strategies to achieve team goals. Provide both individual and group coaching in training and in the field, with a focus on developing new leaders. Cultivate a positive, inclusive, and motivating team atmosphere. Field Managers are eligible for promotion upon consistently demonstrating the ability to manage a team of 5+ canvassers. Hiring and firing of staff is done at the direction of office/regional/program directors.
  • Fundraising Leadership: Lead by example as one of the top fundraisers in the office. Consistently exceed personal weekly and monthly quotas and hold team members accountable for meeting their own goals. Both personal and team standards must be met.
  • Information Security: Ensure strict adherence to all policies regarding information security, safeguarding members' data at all times.
  • Social Impact: Be on the front lines of critical social change movements. Contribute new ideas, test innovative fundraising and mobilization methods, and help shape the future of social change in the country.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate possesses:

Required Qualifications:

  • Strong communication skills, a robust work ethic, and a passion for human rights, social, and climate justice.
  • A consistently positive and proactive approach to motivating teams.
  • The ability to work effectively within a team, receive feedback from upper management, and work independently.
  • A proven track-record as a successful fundraising canvasser and emerging leader.
  • Willingness and ability to approach members of the public at their place of residence in a fast-paced environment and cover a large territory daily.
  • Ability to meet weekly and monthly fundraising quotas and standards.
  • Comfort with walking and standing for 6-7 hours a day.

Bonus Qualification:

  • Bilingual is a plus.

Pay and Benefits

This position is classified as Hourly, Non-Exempt, with a maximum of 40 hours per week.

Compensation:

  • Starting at the canvassing base hourly wage: $20.05
  • Accelerated path to the Trainer role with an hourly wage: $21.05
  • Upon promotion to Field Manager, base pay will be: $23.05
  • Generous, uncapped performance-based bonuses are available.
  • Performance-Based Bonuses: Exceptional performance is recognized and rewarded through bonuses based on individual and team performance, enhancing your total compensation.
  • Employment Status: All positions are classified as at-will employment.
  • Benefits: Medical coverage (after 90 days), paid time off (sick, vacation, and personal leave) after 30 days.

Growth Opportunities

Grassroots Team is rapidly expanding, with plans to open additional offices. We offer various leadership positions with clear opportunities to advance to Field Director and Canvass Director roles after demonstrating consistent success as a Field Manager.

Grassroots Team isn't just an equal opportunity employer. We are actively seeking to build a diverse and inclusive team with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to support the incredible diversity of grassroots organizing across the country. GT does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a veteran, or any other characteristics.