Deputy Director, Policy & Advocacy

ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

All Freedom House employees possess a deep and unwavering commitment to nonpartisanship, with a sustained dedication to the mission of Freedom House. We have a strong work ethic and a keen desire for both personal and professional development. The team is also dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Deputy Director of Policy and Advocacy reports to the Director of Policy and Advocacy and will play a leading role in advancing Freedom House’s policy priorities and advocacy agenda in support of democracy and human rights around the world. This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC. At present, the Policy and Advocacy team works in a hybrid format, with regular in-office days required.

Working closely with colleagues across Freedom House and partners in the broader democracy and human rights community, the Deputy Director will help strengthen and expand Freedom House’s external policy and advocacy footprint through coalition engagement, thought leadership and policy publications, public events, and participation in prominent international convenings. The Deputy Director will also help formulate and refine Freedom House’s policy positions, drawing on the organization’s research, regional and thematic expertise, and the perspectives of frontline partners, and translate these positions into constructive engagement with Congress, the executive branch, and foreign government officials. The position requires a versatile professional capable of working across multiple geographic and thematic portfolios, with a particular focus on international religious freedom and broader engagement on issues including political prisoners, democratic resilience, accountability for human rights abuses, and transnational repression. Throughout this work, the Deputy Director will help advance Freedom House’s priorities through bipartisan policy advocacy.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

- Deepen Freedom House’s engagement with Congress and the executive branch, with a strong commitment to bipartisan advocacy; help identify and cultivate new congressional and policy champions across Freedom House’s priority issue areas.
- Develop advocacy campaigns around key thematic and country priorities, with a particular emphasis on international religious freedom or belief.
- Author and contribute to policy briefs, recommendations, congressional testimony, op-eds, talking points, letters, statements, and other advocacy and thought-leadership products.
- Strengthen internal systems for tracking and documenting Freedom House’s external policy engagement, including improving tools and processes that provide an accurate and accessible picture of relationships, meetings, outreach, follow-up, and advocacy activity across the organization.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with civil society organizations, human rights defenders, policymakers, and other partners, and identify opportunities for Freedom House to lead or contribute to coalition-based advocacy.
- Help elevate the voices and expertise of human rights defenders and other frontline partners by preparing them for meetings, hearings, briefings, public events, and other engagement with policymakers and influential audiences.
- Identify and support opportunities to strengthen Freedom House’s presence at major international conferences and policy convenings, including securing speaking and programming opportunities for Freedom House experts, developing side events, and coordinating substantive participation.
- Organize and support Freedom House–led meetings, roundtables, briefings, and public events tied to advocacy priorities, and represent Freedom House in external engagements as appropriate.
- Monitor relevant policy, legislative, and political developments and recommend advocacy opportunities, policy positions, and timely interventions; respond to incoming requests from policymakers and partners for information and expertise.
- Support major Freedom House events and initiatives, including the annual Freedom Awards and the Mark Palmer Prize, in coordination with senior leadership and colleagues across the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

- Bachelor's degree in international affairs, political science, human rights, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience :

- At least 9 years of directly relevant professional experience, including substantial hands-on policy or advocacy experience and a demonstrated ability to advance legislation, policy priorities, or advocacy agendas.
- An eagerness to grapple with complex policy questions, along with previous experience working on human rights, democracy, or related foreign policy issues and advocating with U.S. and international policymakers.
- Previous experience working in the U.S. Congress strongly preferred; experience in relevant executive branch agencies, foreign legislatures or ministries, think tanks, or advocacy organizations also valued.
- Familiarity with Freedom House’s core issue areas.
- Proven ability to research, analyze, and communicate about complex policy issues, including demonstrated experience producing policy memos, recommendations, testimony, legislative analysis, or other written products relevant to policy and advocacy work.
- Proven ability to build consensus and work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and coalition partners.
- Demonstrated experience exercising sound strategic and political judgment, navigating sensitive policy environments, and building broad, bipartisan support around shared democracy and human rights priorities. The ideal candidate will be pragmatic, solutions-oriented, and skilled at identifying opportunities for constructive engagement across differing perspectives.

Technical Skills and Abilities

- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise, and persuasive policy and advocacy materials and to represent Freedom House confidently and effectively in external meetings, briefings, and public settings.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to distill large amounts of complex information into concise summaries, recommendations, and talking points that preserve key substance.
- Ability to assess complex policy questions and recommend positions consistent with Freedom House’s commitment to bipartisan, pragmatic, and principled advocacy.
- Strong organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple workstreams simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while meeting tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated initiative and a strong sense of ownership, with the ability to anticipate needs, identify opportunities, exercise sound judgment, and proactively move projects from idea to execution.
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organization as well as external partners, policymakers, funders, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and work effectively in coalition settings.
- Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate a high degree of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.
- Familiarity with social media and other digital platforms as tools for policy advocacy and external engagement.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with Salesforce, KnowWho, Airtable, or similar advocacy, CRM, or project-management platforms is a plus.
- Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries courteously and professionally.
- Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

- Applicants should complete our online application form and submit a resume and a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications for this position.
- Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.

COMPENSATION & REWARDS

- Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this role is $110,000.00 to $130,000.00 annualized, dependent upon experience.
- We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:

o    Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available on the first date of hire
o    403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match
o    Generous Leave Programs
-Annual paid time off that grows with your employment: 17 days for 0-2 years, 21 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years. Director level and above start at 25 days. 
-Sick Leave: 10 days per year, unlimited roll over year to year
-14 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within the same calendar year
-Caregiver leave: 8 weeks paid
-Bereavement: 5 days paid 
-Jury duty: 30 days paid 
o    Flexible, hybrid work culture
o    Free gym at the DC office 
o    Flexible spending accounts 
o    Short-term and long-term disability 
o    Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance
o    Employee assistance program

WORKING CONDITIONS

- Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work.
- May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
- Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks.
- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.