Director of International Advocacy

Key Responsibilities 

The Director of International Advocacy will spearhead multiple strategic initiatives designed to achieve systemic reform in the garment industry, working with partner organizations to press global brands and retailers to make binding labor rights commitments and then honor those commitments. Examples of such initiatives in recent years include creating and expanding the Accord on Building and Fire Safety in Bangladesh (now known as the International Safety Accord) and pressing brands and retailers to sign binding agreements with unions to address gender-based violence and harassment. The Director of International Advocacy will also lead efforts to help workers win remedies for labor rights violations at individual factories. The person in this position will also participate in the development of organizational strategy. 

This is a new director-level position; the exact job title may be adjusted. 

Areas of responsibility include: 

• Creating strategic plans for and leading the execution of organizational initiatives; 
• Coordinating with international partners and representing the WRC with partners and networks; 
• Coordinating field and desk research among WRC staff and with partner organizations as part of advancing these strategic initiatives; 
• Engaging with brands and retailers to secure remedies for labor rights abuses;  
• Writing and editing reports, memos, and other documents; 
• Communications work, including presenting information to the press and assisting reporters with facts and information; and  
• Generating public materials and social media content. 

The Director of International Advocacy would also be asked to participate in other aspects of organizational operations, such as preparing for meetings of our Board of Directors and University Caucus.  

There is a preference for applicants based in the Washington, DC, area. As part of our Covid-19 precautions, all WRC employees are currently working remotely and not engaging in travel. As the situation improves, the position may require some travel. 

Qualifications   

Candidates must have: 

• Seven or more years of experience working on workers’ rights or human rights issues, including experience engaging multinational corporations and experience in leadership roles within organizations or coalitions;  
• A demonstrated commitment to workers’ rights; 
• Experience working effectively in coalition and successfully navigating partnerships with a broad array of organizations;   
• Experience managing multiple projects and ability to coordinate with diverse partners;  
• Superior writing, communication, and organizational skills; and 
• Experience engaging journalists strongly preferred. 

Compensation 

The salary range for this position is $78,000–100,000, depending on relevant experience. The WRC provides an excellent benefits package, including 100% employer-paid family health insurance, including dental and vision care, with an additional flexible spending plan with employer contribution; 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution; and five weeks paid vacation. This position is covered by a union contract. 

Equal Opportunity 

The WRC is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including multilingual and multicultural individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, veteran status, or medical condition. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified applicants with disabilities may participate in the application process.  

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is currently finalizing a new organizational roadmap to improve our organizational policies and practices in this crucial area; we are happy to share additional information upon request.  

To Apply 

Please send the following to recruitment@workersrights.org with “Director of International Advocacy” in the subject line:

• A cover letter, explaining your interest in the position and your relevant experience; 
• A résumé or CV;  
• Two writing samples, preferably short pieces from a work setting such as a press releases, blog posts, advocacy-oriented letters, or opinion pieces. These samples should be written by the applicant with limited editing; and 
• Three references. (If you wish to be notified prior to any references being contacted, please so indicate.) 

Applications that do not include all of the required materials will not be reviewed. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply by November 1.