Senior Researcher, Criminal Justice
Quick answer
Human Rights Watch is hiring a hybrid Senior Researcher (US-based) paying $88k-$104k to lead criminal justice research and advocacy efforts.
- Role
- Senior Researcher, Criminal Justice
- Organization
- Human Rights Watch
- Location
- New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, or San Francisco
- Work setup
- Hybrid
- Level
- Senior
- Compensation
- $88,000 – $104,000
- Category
- Policy & Advocacy
- Apply by
- 2026-07-13
The role
Human Rights Watch is seeking a Senior Researcher for its United States Program to lead research and advocacy initiatives focused on criminal justice, racial equity, and systemic reform. The role involves monitoring policy trends, documenting human rights abuses through trauma-informed research, and engaging with stakeholders to influence legislative and social change. The successful candidate will design complex research projects, produce comprehensive reports, and serve as an expert voice for the organization in public and media settings.
What you'll do
- Monitor legal and policy developments to identify human rights trends and abuses.
- Design and lead complex, innovative research projects from inception to publication.
- Produce high-quality reports, policy briefs, and advocacy materials using a human rights lens.
- Develop and implement advocacy strategies to influence government officials and policy leaders.
- Represent the organization in public debates, media interviews, and coalition settings.
What it takes
- J.D. or advanced degree in criminal law, public policy, or a related field.
- Minimum of seven years of relevant experience in advocacy, law, or investigative journalism.
- Proven expertise in systemic discrimination, policing, and criminal legal system processes.
- Demonstrated ability to lead community-based or policy advocacy research projects.
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with impacted communities.
What you'll bring
How we treat you
Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, a retirement savings plan, and 20 days of vacation per year.
Frequently asked questions
Where is this job located and what is the work schedule?
The role is based within commuting distance of HRW offices in New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. It is a hybrid position requiring up to three days per week in the office.
What is the compensation for this role?
The salary range for this position is $88,000 to $104,000 per year, supplemented by a comprehensive benefits package.
What are the core qualifications required?
Candidates must hold a J.D. or advanced degree in a relevant field and possess at least seven years of experience in criminal justice advocacy, research, or litigation.
How and by when should I apply?
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and a CV via the HRW online career portal by July 13, 2026.
How to apply
Apply directly on Human Rights Watch's site. We link straight through — no resume parsing, no profile to fill out.
This listing is aggregated from a third-party source and its summary may be auto-generated, so details can be inaccurate or out of date. ForGood is not the employer and is not liable for the content — please verify everything on Human Rights Watch's official posting before applying.