Freedom House is inviting applications for the position of Deputy Director, Policy & Advocacy, a senior-level opportunity for experienced professionals in democracy, human rights, international affairs and public policy. The successful candidate will help advance the organisation’s global advocacy priorities, strengthen engagement with policymakers and build bipartisan support for initiatives that defend democratic governance and fundamental freedoms. The position is based in Washington, DC, United States, under a hybrid working arrangement. The role offers an annual salary of $110,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package. Candidates should have at least nine years of relevant professional experience, substantial policy or advocacy expertise, and a demonstrated ability to influence legislation, policy priorities or advocacy agendas. Applicants must also be authorised to work in the United States without sponsorship from Freedom House. Opportunity Overview Job title: Deputy Director, Policy & Advocacy Organisation: Freedom House Location: Washington, DC, United States Work arrangement: Hybrid, with regular office attendance Employment type: Regular, full-time, exempt Salary: $110,000–$130,000 annually Experience required: At least nine years of directly relevant professional experience Education: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred Work authorisation: Must be eligible to work in the United States independently of employer sponsorship Requisition number: 1585 Application deadline: Not specified in the supplied announcement About Freedom House Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organisation established more than 80 years ago to defend and expand freedom worldwide. It works to identify threats to fundamental rights, inform decision-makers, promote democratic accountability and support activists and organisations working to protect human rights. Through research, authoritative data and international partnerships, Freedom House seeks to strengthen democratic governance and encourage governments to uphold individual freedoms. Its work includes responding to authoritarian repression, supporting human rights defenders and advancing policies that promote freedom internationally. The Deputy Director, Policy & Advocacy will contribute directly to these objectives by helping shape policy positions, build strategic relationships and translate research and expertise into practical advocacy. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of Policy and Advocacy and colleagues across the organisation to strengthen Freedom House’s policy influence and external engagement. Principal responsibilities include: Policy advocacy: Strengthen engagement with the US Congress and executive branch while identifying opportunities to build bipartisan support for democracy and human rights priorities. Campaign development: Design and advance advocacy campaigns addressing priority countries and thematic issues, particularly international religious freedom or belief. Policy writing: Prepare policy briefs, recommendations, congressional testimony, legislative analysis, op-eds, talking points, letters and public statements. Coalition building: Develop relationships with civil society organisations, human rights defenders, policymakers and other advocacy partners. Frontline representation: Help human rights defenders prepare for policymaker meetings, hearings, briefings and public events. International engagement: Expand Freedom House’s participation in major international conferences, policy forums and high-level convenings. Events coordination: Organise briefings, roundtables, meetings and public events connected to the organisation’s advocacy agenda. Policy monitoring: Track legislative, political and policy developments and recommend timely interventions. Advocacy systems: Improve internal processes for recording meetings, stakeholder relationships, outreach, follow-up and advocacy activities. Institutional initiatives: Support major events and programmes, including the annual Freedom Awards and the Mark Palmer Prize. The role requires strategic judgement, strong communication skills and the ability to work across multiple geographic and thematic portfolios. In addition to international religious freedom, relevant issues include political prisoners, democratic resilience, accountability for human rights abuses and transnational repression. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in international affairs, political science, human rights or a related discipline. A master’s degree is preferred. Candidates must also demonstrate: At least nine years of directly relevant professional experience. Substantial hands-on experience in policy or advocacy. A track record of advancing legislation, policy priorities or advocacy campaigns. Experience addressing human rights, democracy or related foreign policy issues. Strong research, analytical and policy-writing skills. Experience engaging with US or international policymakers. The ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and coalition partners. Sound political judgement and experience navigating sensitive policy environments. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Strong project management, organisational and prioritisation abilities. Professional discretion, integrity and the ability to handle confidential information. Previous experience working in the US Congress is strongly preferred. Experience in relevant executive branch agencies, foreign legislatures or ministries, think tanks and advocacy organisations will also be valued. Applicants should be familiar with Freedom House’s core issue areas and demonstrate an ability to develop pragmatic, principled advocacy strategies that can attract bipartisan support. Salary and Employee Benefits Freedom House offers an annual salary ranging from $110,000 to $130,000, depending on the candidate’s experience. The benefits package includes: Medical, dental and vision insurance available from the first day of employment. A 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match of up to 10%. Annual paid leave, ranging from 17 to 25 days according to service length, with director-level positions and above starting at 25 days. Ten days of annual sick leave, with unused leave eligible to roll over. Fourteen paid holidays. Eight weeks of paid caregiver leave. Five days of paid bereavement leave. Up to 30 days of paid jury-duty leave. Flexible spending accounts. Short-term and long-term disability insurance. Supplemental and voluntary life insurance. An employee assistance programme. A flexible hybrid working culture. Free access to the gym at the Washington, DC office. The organisation notes that the role may require extended working hours, including evenings and weekends, depending on programme and advocacy demands. Required Application Documents Applicants should complete the online application form and submit the following: An updated résumé detailing relevant professional experience, policy achievements, leadership responsibilities and advocacy outcomes. A cover letter explaining the applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications for the role. Candidates should use their cover letters to demonstrate how their experience aligns with Freedom House’s policy priorities. Relevant examples may include successful advocacy campaigns, legislative engagement, coalition leadership, policy publications or work supporting human rights defenders. How to Strengthen Your Application Given the seniority of the position, applicants should focus on demonstrable impact rather than simply listing responsibilities. Where possible, quantify achievements, such as policy recommendations adopted, coalitions established, decision-makers engaged or advocacy campaigns advanced. Candidates should also highlight experience working across political perspectives, handling sensitive issues and translating complex research into clear recommendations for policymakers. Expertise in international religious freedom or belief will be particularly relevant. Applicants with experience in the US Congress or other government institutions should clearly explain how that experience prepared them to navigate legislative and executive-branch processes. Strong writing samples are not explicitly listed as a required submission, but relevant policy publications may help applicants prepare for discussions about their expertise. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY Interested candidates should visit the official Freedom House careers website to locate the Deputy Director, Policy & Advocacy vacancy, identified by requisition number 1585. Complete the online application and submit the required résumé and cover letter. Application assistance: TalentAcquisition@freedomhouse.org Accessibility and accommodation requests: HR@freedomhouse.org Please note that the supplied vacancy announcement does not state an application closing date. Candidates should consult the official vacancy page to confirm whether applications are still being accepted. Applicants must have US work authorisation independent of Freedom House sponsorship. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.