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

Human Rights Campaign

Paralegal

Washington, DC · On-site

$78K - $104K/yr

The Office of the General Counsel at the Human Rights Campaign is responsible for managing all of ... and officer changes, and serve as an administrator on board portal application to do the same.

Recovery Centers of America

Field CEO

Waldorf, MD · On-site

The CEO is accountable for advancing the organization's mission, delivering high-quality patient ... Adhere to Virginia Human Rights regulations (12VAC35-115) and implementing policies that safeguard ...

Recovery Centers of America

Field CEO

Waldorf, MD

The CEO is accountable for advancing the organization's mission, delivering high-quality patient ... Adhere to Virginia Human Rights regulations (12VAC35-115) and implementing policies that safeguard ...

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All JobsHuman Rights Officer JobsHuman Rights Officer Jobs in Washington, DC

Human Rights Officer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$26.6K

$86K

$206.7K

How much do human rights officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights officer in Washington, DC is $85,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $111,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do you do as a human rights officer?

A human rights officer investigates and addresses violations of human rights, such as discrimination, abuse, or inequality. They often conduct research, prepare reports, and collaborate with organizations to promote and protect fundamental rights, requiring strong communication and analytical skills. The role may involve fieldwork, policy development, and adherence to international standards.

What is the difference between Human Rights Officer vs Human Rights Advocate?

AspectHuman Rights OfficerHuman Rights Advocate
CredentialsBachelor's degree in law, social sciences, or related field; often requires experience in human rights workSimilar educational background; often involves advocacy training or certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, NGOs, international organizations; involved in monitoring, reporting, and complianceNGOs, community groups, public campaigns; focused on raising awareness and lobbying
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations implementing human rights policies and complianceCommonly used by activists, NGOs, and advocacy groups

While both roles focus on promoting human rights, Human Rights Officers typically work within organizations to ensure compliance and monitor violations, whereas Human Rights Advocates actively campaign and raise awareness to influence policy and public opinion.

What degree do you need to be a human rights officer?

A human rights officer typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as human rights, international relations, law, political science, or social sciences. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or relevant experience, and strong skills in research, communication, and advocacy are also important.

What does a Human Rights Officer do?

A Human Rights Officer is responsible for monitoring, reporting, and advocating for the protection of human rights in a specific region or context. Their work often involves investigating allegations of human rights violations, engaging with governments and civil society, and advising on best practices for promoting human rights standards. They may also conduct training, draft reports, and support the implementation of international human rights treaties. Their role is crucial in ensuring accountability and fostering respect for human rights globally.

What are some common challenges faced by Human Rights Officers in the field?

Human Rights Officers often work in complex environments where they may encounter resistance from local authorities, cultural barriers, or security concerns. Balancing the need to document human rights violations objectively while ensuring the safety of victims and witnesses can be particularly challenging. Additionally, resource constraints and high caseloads may require strong organizational and prioritization skills. Collaboration with local organizations and international bodies is crucial to ensure effective advocacy and impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Human Rights Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Human Rights Officer, you typically need a background in law, international relations, or social sciences, along with expertise in human rights frameworks. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and monitoring/reporting tools like OHCHR's UPR Info is common. Excellent analytical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills are vital for engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate documentation, effective advocacy, and the ability to promote and protect human rights in complex environments.

How much money does a human rights officer make?

A human rights officer's salary varies depending on experience, location, and organization, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced officers or those in senior roles can earn over $100,000. Skills in advocacy, research, and report writing are often required for higher-paying positions.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Human Rights Officers typically do not earn $4,000 a week without a degree, as the role generally requires specialized education and experience. However, high-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree include certain sales positions, real estate brokers, commercial pilots, and skilled trades like electricians or plumbers with experience, often supplemented by certifications. These roles often involve commission, bonuses, or overtime to achieve higher weekly earnings.
What are popular job titles related to Human Rights Officer jobs in Washington, DC? For Human Rights Officer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Human Rights Officer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Human Rights Officer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Human Rights Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Officer job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,997 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Deputy Director, Civil, Human, and Women's Rights

AFL-CIO

Washington, DC • On-site

$148K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about economic fairness and social justice? Do you want to improve the lives of working people and strengthen the labor movement? If you answered, “Yes!” then the AFL-CIO may be the right place for you. We are the largest federation of labor unions in the United States, and our team of dynamic professionals is dedicated to growing worker power and ensuring every working person has a voice on the job. When you work at the AFL-CIO, you’re more than just an individual employee—you’re helping to lead a movement with a proud history and a bright future ahead.

The AFL-CIO works to ensure that all workers experience fairness and equality in the workplace. It seeks to uplift the lives of workers of color, women, the LGBTQ community, and other underrepresented communities in partnership with the AFL-CIO’s affiliate unions, State Federations, Central and Area Labor Councils, constituency groups, and community partners. 

The Deputy Director for Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights serves as a key partner to the Director in developing and implementing AFL-CIO programs and activities to secure civil and human rights for all. This position supports campaigns and programs to promote workers’ rights, voting rights, racial equality, immigration rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and more. The Deputy Director helps coordinate civil rights meetings and programs, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Conference, and serves as a senior liaison to affiliate unions, constituency groups, and community partners, including staffing executive committees.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Serve as a strategic partner to the Director in managing the Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights Department staff team and executing its priorities related to civil and human rights, racial justice, women’s rights, voting rights, LGBTQ rights, and young workers.
  • Supervise staff, providing guidance, performance feedback and ensuring alignment with departmental goals, timelines and organizational priorities. 
  • Support the Director in working with AFL-CIO executive officers to establish and maintain the Federation’s internal and external presence in the civil rights arena.
  • Assist in convening meetings of the federation’s affiliate civil rights directors and constituency groups, and represent the federation at external tables and convenings as assigned.
  • Help manage and cultivate relationships with AFL-CIO affiliates, labor constituencies, and progressive community groups to identify areas of collaboration and strengthen partnerships.
  • Support the development and implementation of community labor outreach plans around civil, human, and women’s rights and justice issues, ensuring clear strategies, realistic metrics, operational plans, and adherence to budgets and timelines.
  • Help conceptualize and project-manage the creation of workshops, tools, reports, written materials, and other related materials for members and partners.
  • Serve as lead staff coordinator for AFL-CIO Executive Committees as assigned, such as the Committee on Working Women. 
  • Provide project management support for the AFL-CIO’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Conference and other convenings, including coordination, logistics, programming, outreach, and engagement.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights Department and other AFL-CIO departments, including the Political & Field Mobilization, Advocacy, Communications & Digital Strategies, and Governance, Education, and Training, to ensure alignment, coordination, and effective execution of shared priorities.
  • Coordinate with the Political & Field Mobilization Hub and field team to execute community outreach, civil rights, and voter rights programs through state federations, central labor bodies, labor constituency groups, and progressive community partners. Oversee day-to-day implementation and performance tracking progress toward field program goals; support the direct management of staff assigned to civil rights initiatives, and work with the Political & Field Mobilization Hub to disseminate information on civil, human, and women’s rights issues to affiliates and partners.
  • Coordinate with the Advocacy Department to track relevant civil rights legislative and policy matters and develop strategies for issue-area coverage and advocacy.
  • Collaborate with the Communications and Digital Strategies teams and relevant resource teams to maintain and expand the division’s narrative development, web presence, digital and media engagement.
  • Coordinate with the Governance, Education, and Training team to develop and conduct workshops and trainings for AFL-CIO staff, union affiliates, and constituency groups on civil, human, and women’s rights issues.
  • Facilitate meetings, conference calls, and webinars as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in labor relations, political science, ethnic studies, or a related field, or equivalent experience with specific demonstrated experience with civil, human, and women’s rights campaigns.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience managing staff, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in issue campaign and program work, with specific demonstrated experience in civil, human, or women’s rights campaigns. 
  • Previous labor movement experience is preferred, but the candidate must possess a working knowledge of the labor and social justice movements.
  • Existing or developing relationships with civil, human, and women’s rights organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience working with various constituent communities, including but not limited to communities of color, women, and the LGBTQ community.
  • Knowledge of policy issues, including voting rights, employee non-discrimination, pay equity, working families, and other issues relevant to current civil, human, and women’s rights movements.
  • Strong writing, researching, and messaging skills – writing sample required.
  • Demonstrated experience in project management, or managing and prioritizing multiple tasks, creating written work plans, implementing accountability and progress measurement systems. 
  • Experience working with project management tools, such as Asana, preferred.
  • Commitment to the principles and goals of unionism and social justice.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently within the context of a plan as part of a larger team in both a lead and a support role.
  • Effective organizational and time management skills and the ability to handle multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
  • Computer proficiency required for Google Suite, Google Drive, PowerPoint, web conferencing, email, and internet applications.
  • Ability to travel and work long hours or weekends as needed.
Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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