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Human Rights Advocate Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

U.S Comm for Refuge

Communications Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Monitor news coverage and social media trends related to refugees, immigrants, and human rights ... advocacy strategies. Other job-related duties may be assigned as agreed upon by the intern and ...

Alliance for Justice

Chief of Staff

Washington, DC · On-site

$175K/yr

... preserve human rights, and provide access to justice for all. We research federal judicial nominees, educate the public and elected leaders about them, and advocate for demographically and ...

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How much do human rights advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for human rights advocate in Washington, DC is $24.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $29.13 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 Washington, DC?

For Human Rights Advocate jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Human Rights Advocate jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Human Rights Advocate jobs in Washington, DC are:

Human Rights Advocate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Advocate job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,014 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Litigation Paralegal (2-year term) Asian Americans Advancing Justice

ASIAN AMERICANS ADVANCING JUSTICE-AAJC, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Organizational Profile: Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC ("AAJC") is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991. Our mission is to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. For more than 30 years, we have served as the leading Asian American voice on civil rights issues in our nation’s capital – fighting for the rights of our communities through policy advocacy, litigation, research, public education, and community engagement.
 
Based in Washington, DC, Advancing Justice | AAJC is a member of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) affiliation. With our affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, and Southern California, we work together as equal and independent partners, operate under one name, and strive to speak with one unified and powerful voice to promote justice, empower our communities, bring local and national constituents together, and strengthen our multiracial democracy.
 
Title:              Litigation Paralegal (“Paralegal”)
Reports to:   Senior Director and Assistant Director of Litigation
Term:             Immediately; Two-year Term
Status:           Full-time, Exempt Employee, 40 hours/week
Salary:           $70,000-$80,000
Location:       Washington, D.C.
 
This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific terms and conditions of employment are subject to collective bargaining.
 
Position Summary: The Paralegal, a member of the Litigation team, will be responsible for providing research, administrative, and logistical support to the team as it identifies, develops and litigates impact cases advancing the civil and human rights of Asian Americans. AAJC’s docket includes, but is not limited to, civil rights cases focusing on immigration/immigrant rights (including family reunification), voting rights, and educational equity (Higher Education and K-12). As part of the litigation team, the Paralegal will collaborate with members of programmatic and operational teams at AAJC to advance the organization’s mission through litigation.
 
 
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities
  • Assist attorneys with conducting legal and factual research in support of active or potential cases, including but not limited to tracking legislation, monitoring activity in the Federal Register and the Congressional Record.
  • Provide general logistical and administrative support to attorneys, including, but not limited to, facilitating production of court filings, processing invoices, tracking time and expenses/case costs, drafting correspondence, and handling travel arrangements.
  • Maintain and create case files, department databases, and other organizational systems.
  • Cite-check, bluebook, proofread, format litigation documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable court rules. 
  • Prepare for production legal advocacy materials, including administrative comments, substantive advocacy letters, and white papers. 
  • Coordinate logistics and assist with filings, depositions, service of process, courtesy copy delivery, and other litigation support. 
  • Collaborate with attorneys to maintain accurate litigation calendars that reflect up-to-date deadlines and appearance dates.
  • Communicate, and coordinate scheduling, with potential clients, community partners, pro bono counsel, coalitional partners, and AAJC’s affiliate partners, and others.  
  • Attend coalition, client interviews, and case meetings and assist with note-taking as requested. 
  • Assist with case discovery which may include document collection and review.
  • Assist in handling attorney appearances, admissions, and PACER/ECF accounts.
  • Contact court personnel, other attorneys and advocates, and others as appropriate. 
  • Provide logistical administrative and document management support for hearings and trials.   
  • Collaborate with staff across the organization, including the Communications, Community Engagement, Development, and Finance and Operations Teams.
  • Assist with the development of community education tools, including but not limited to, webinars, trainings, and Know Your Rights (KYR) materials.
  • Engage in the development and implementation of Community Partners’ Network strategies, tactics and activities on litigation issues as necessary and appropriate.
  • Other duties as assigned.
 Fundraising
  • Support fundraising activities and events, grants development and management, and relationships with funders and supporters.
  • Work with the Senior Director and Assistant Director of Litigation, and the finance and development teams to craft project budgets and help develop grant proposals related to litigation.
  • Assist in providing content/information for donor communications and materials (newsletters, action alerts, special reports from the executive director, social media postings, etc.).
 General AAJC Roles
  • Live and exhibit the Values of AAJC, by contributing to an environment that promotes trust, teamwork, and transparency among staff, board, National Advisory Council, affiliates and community partners.
  • Contribute to, establish, and follow policies and procedures, including maintenance of confidentiality, to ensure that the principles of AAJC are implemented.
  • Participate in and lead decision-making processes, understand outcomes, and be accountable for decisions made in or affecting their program area.
  • Understand the values and principles of AAJC and apply them fully in work responsibilities.
  • Participate in other activities and serve on ad hoc committees as requested.
  • Attend and contribute to AAJC and Board of Directors’ meetings as requested.
  • Be available to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.
 EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • At least four years of paralegal or litigation support experience (e.g., legal assistant).
  • Experience with and working knowledge of civil litigation and federal court system.
  • Experience working with diverse groups from various sectors, including individuals with limited English proficiency, community-based organizations, national policy organizations, and government.
  • Experience navigating the litigation process with limited resources and capacity.
 Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
  • Ability to meet internal and external deadlines in a fast-paced, rapidly-changing environment.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and balance competing assignments.
  • Ability to develop systems/processes for a growing litigation team.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Excellent writing, research, and communication skills.
  • Dependable and detail-oriented, with excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Familiarity with BlueBook citation format.
  • Expertise with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, PACER/ECF, litigation software (e.g., Litera), and legal research tools (e.g., LexisNexis).
  • Ability to work effectively in case teams, including with co-counsel from other civil rights organizations and pro bono counsel.
  • Experience and knowledge of Asian American and/or civil and human rights issues preferred.
  • Asian language fluency is a plus.
Application Process
Send separate attachments for cover letter, resume, and a short writing sample to Hiring Manager at hiring@advancingjustice-aajc.org or 1620 L Street NW, Suite 1050, Washington, DC 20036. Applications with all three items attached will be considered. Offers will be extended based upon satisfactory reference checks.  
 
Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is an equal opportunity employer.