ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

Covista

Senior Corporate Counsel

Chicago, IL · On-site

$141K - $192K/yr

... research, writing (including policy writing) and guidance on higher education-related matters, such ... S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, state human rights departments and higher ...

New

Covista

Senior Corporate Counsel

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$142K - $194K/yr

... research, writing (including policy writing) and guidance on higher education-related matters, such ... S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, state human rights departments and higher ...

New

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsHuman Rights Researcher JobsHuman Rights Researcher Jobs in Chicago, IL

Human Rights Researcher information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$116.5K

$169.5K

How much do human rights researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights researcher in Chicago, IL is $116,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $158,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a human rights researcher?

A Human Rights Researcher investigates, analyzes, and reports on human rights issues, violations, and policies. They gather data from various sources, conduct interviews, and compile findings into reports or policy recommendations. Their work supports advocacy efforts, informs legal and governmental actions, and raises awareness about human rights concerns. Researchers may work for NGOs, international organizations, think tanks, or governmental agencies. Their role is essential in promoting justice, accountability, and policy reform.

What does a human rights researcher do?

Human Rights Researchers often work on projects such as drafting country or situation-specific reports, conducting field and desk research, analyzing government policies or legal documents, and collecting first-hand accounts from affected populations. Daily tasks may involve collaborating with advocacy teams, contributing to grant proposals, and synthesizing large volumes of data into accessible findings for policymakers and public audiences. Researchers frequently coordinate with international organizations or local partners to ensure the accuracy and impact of their work. This role offers variety and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to social justice, often within a team-oriented and mission-driven environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a human rights researcher?

To thrive as a Human Rights Researcher, you need a solid background in international law, social sciences, and research methodologies, often supported by at least a bachelor's or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software, qualitative and quantitative research tools, and databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw is highly advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication skills set standout candidates apart. These skills are crucial for producing credible research, influencing policy, and advocating effectively for human rights issues.

What are the most commonly searched types of Human Rights Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Human Rights Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Human Rights Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Human Rights Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Human Rights Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Human Rights Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Human Rights Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Researcher job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $116,511 per year, or $56 per hour.

Legal Supervisor (DOJ Accredited Rep)-Immigrant Legal Defense

National Immigrant Justice Center

Chicago, IL • On-site

$87K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

About NIJC
The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.
Job Summary:
The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) seeks an energetic, visionary, and committed legal supervisor to join our Immigrant Legal Defense Project in our Chicago office. The team provides legal representation and counseling to immigrants appearing before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of State (DOS), and if appropriate, before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
In this role, the supervisor will supervise a team of attorneys, paralegals, and interns to ensure high-quality legal services, as well as the ongoing training and professional development of team members. The supervisor will collaborate with other teams, including management, litigation, policy, and communications.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Supervises legal services and oversees paralegals, attorneys, interns and support staff providing legal services; including the development of case strategy, preparation, and representation before governmental agencies.
  • Ensure accurate data entry by paralegals, attorneys, and interns.
  • Oversees and reviews legal intakes; makes legal assessments and determinations regarding representation. Ensure timely case preparation, including case opening process, preparing filings, trial preparation, appeals, case closures, and other case management practices.
  • Works with a supervisory team to build a strong team and oversee the team's projects. Provides recommendations based on case trends to inform project-based strategic decisions. Maintains and develops strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.
  • Conducts factual and legal research.
  • Provides legal representation to immigrants in immigration proceedings, including before an immigration officer, an immigration judge, and before the Board of Immigration Appeals as appropriate.
  • Drafts correspondence and documents, including applications, briefs, and reports.
  • Improves delivery of legal services, including the use of technology to improve efficiency. Trains lawyers and non-lawyers in immigration law.
  • Conducts legal presentations regarding law and case(s) to NIJC staff and members of the immigrant community. Maintains accurate, thorough, and timely records.
  • Identifies trends and emerging issues and responses to issues.
  • Maintains current knowledge regarding immigration laws, policies, and procedures. Advances an anti-racist organization that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion Reacts to change productively and handles other essentials duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies:
  • Strong legal research, writing, and argumentation skills.
  • Stays up to date on current knowledge regarding immigration law, policies and procedures.
  • Effectively manages cases ensuring accuracy, efficiency and timely decision-making in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Exhibits sound, independent legal judgment and the ability to work autonomously while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with teammates, supervisors and cross-functional teams.
  • Experience analyzing the impact of laws on vulnerable populations and advocating for improved laws and policies.
  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and adapt quickly to change.
  • Adept at delivering trainings and presentations, conveying complex legal concepts to diverse audiences including legal practitioners, community partners, and impacted immigrant communities.
  • Demonstrates cultural awareness and actively contributes to an anti-racist, inclusive organizational culture.

Qualifications:
  • Education and/or Experience: Department of Justice fully accredited representative with 3 years of immigration legal experience. Previous supervisory experience preferred but not required.
  • Language Skills: This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish. Demonstrated competency in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills required. Additional non-English language skills are preferred.
  • Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Technology Knowledge/Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Physical Abilities Statement
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
  • The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
  • Constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
For any technical issues please contact

Apply