Human Rights Researcher Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Location: Remote in United States (must sit in Eastern or Central Time Zone)
Status: Full-time
Reports to: Executive Director
Salary: $84,872 - $106,090

About Inclusive Development International

Inclusive Development International is a U.S.-based advocacy organization that works to advance social, economic, and environmental justice by supporting communities around the world to defend their human rights and environment in the face of harmful corporate activities. Learn more at: https://www.inclusivedevelopment.net

The Opportunity 

We are seeking a Communications Director to help shape and lead the execution of Inclusive Development International's public communications strategy, elevating the organization's brand, deepening engagement with key stakeholders, and advancing key programmatic goals. In collaboration with the Executive Director and program staff, and with the support of a Communications Associate, the Communications Director manages all of the organization's public-facing communications. This includes our website, social and other digital content, news media engagement, occasional webinars and other events, and publications. The Communications Director also works closely with our development team to refine our brand storytelling and to ensure narrative consistency across donor engagement, fundraising and other public communications materials.

Public communication is critical to nearly every aspect of Inclusive Development International's work, from policy advocacy to fundraising. For this role, we are looking for an experienced communications professional who is passionate about human rights and environmental justice and who is excited to strategically and creatively leverage public communications in service of these goals.

What You'll Do

Strategy and Thought Leadership

• Develop and oversee implementation of Inclusive Development International's organizational communications strategy and workplan.
• Spend time with program teams to understand IDI's cases, campaigns, partners, and advocacy goals deeply enough to identify timely communications opportunities and translate complex work into clear, compelling public messaging.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to program staff to help advance specific advocacy goals.
• Identify and support team members to secure and prepare for key speaking engagements, panels, webinars, and other thought leadership opportunities, including support with talking points, slide decks, visuals, practice, and follow-up amplification.

News Media Engagement 

• Foster relationships with key reporters and leverage news media engagement to build Inclusive Development International's brand and further advocacy goals.
• Oversee drafting and distribution of media releases.
• Organize press conferences and other events.
• Work with the leadership team and program staff to draft and edit opinion pieces and get them placed.
• Assist staff to prepare for media interviews.

Digital Media 

• Ensure routine updates are made to our main website, to keep content up to date and maintain optimal user experience.
• Oversee implementation of our social media strategy, providing the Communications Associate with guidance and reviewing all related public-facing content.
• Work with the Development Director and Communications Associate to support donor and supporter communications, ensuring alignment across fundraising, organizational storytelling, and public communications.

Publications 

• Produce annual impact reports, in collaboration with the Development Director.
• Assist teams to produce and distribute research and advocacy reports, guides, and other publications, liaising with printers and design consultants where needed.
• Review all major publications for adherence to brand and style guidelines and provide other editing support, as needed.

What You'll Bring

Strategic communications leadership experience

• A track record of working with individuals or organizations to leverage public communications to build their profile and achieve greater impact.
• Ability to inspire trust, facilitate complex discussions, and move efficiently from ideas to action.
• Experience mentoring and coaching others.

Tactical expertise and technical skills

• Outstanding written communication and editing skills in English.
• Experience developing earned media strategies and liaising with journalists in a public relations or advocacy context.
• Experience writing, editing and placing op-eds.
• Experience employing social media and email marketing campaigns to advance strategic advocacy, brand building and fundraising goals.
• Familiarity with WordPress or other website content management system.
• Prior experience or interest in developing basic skills in graphic design, desktop publishing, photography and video editing.

Collaboration and project management abilities 

• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Project management expertise and confidence leading small cross-functional meetings.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Understanding and alignment with our organization's mission and values 

• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and economic justice.
• Familiarity with corporate accountability, international finance, and the global human rights, environmental and climate justice movements.
• Ability and commitment to promote equity and inclusion through leadership at a team and organizational level.

What You Can Expect 

• A commitment to your health and wellness and to your growth and professional development.
• Opportunities to make a tangible impact on the future of international development, human rights and corporate accountability.
• To be part of a collaborative and supportive team.
• To join an organization that strives to live its values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion—and to create an environment where everyone belongs and contributes fully.

Compensation and Benefits: 

Inclusive Development International is committed to providing competitive, equitable and transparent compensation. The salary range for this position is $84,872 - $106,090 and is determined based on experience and location in accordance with our compensation framework.

Inclusive Development International offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, paid sick leave, paid parental leave, employer-paid medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, retirement contributions, sabbatical opportunities, and annual stipends for wellness and professional development. We believe that investing in our team's growth, learning, and well-being is essential to sustaining long-term impact.

Working Arrangement: 

The Inclusive Development International team is globally dispersed, with most employees working on a fully remote basis. Our main office is located in Asheville, North Carolina. This position is open to applicants based in the United States within the U.S. Eastern or Central time zones, with a preference for candidates based in Asheville. Asheville candidates will have the option of working on a hybrid basis (mix of work from home and onsite).

You must have obtained legal authorization to work and live in the United States. Inclusive Development International is unable to sponsor work visas.

Application Timeline: Applications received by July 20 will receive full consideration. We anticipate beginning interviews shortly thereafter. The position will remain open until filled with a target start date in September 2026.

Direct Reports: This position supervises a Communications Associate and consultants, as necessary.

Travel: Occasional domestic and international travel is expected for this position (1 to 3 times annually).

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following:

1. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. A brief writing sample (2-5 pages) that demonstrates your ability to think strategically and write with purpose (e.g., a strategy memo, op-ed, or other content developed with a clear audience and objective in mind).
3. A cover letter that explains why you are drawn to Inclusive Development International's mission and values and why this position is a good fit for you.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a practical writing exercise as part of our selection process, and finalists will be asked to provide three professional references.

We are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive, and accessible work environment. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the application process or interview.

Inclusive Development International is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, or class.

We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team because we know that varied perspectives—shaped by different lived experiences—make us more effective advocates for justice, human rights, and inclusive development worldwide. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and global justice, including people of color, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and people of all ages.