Sr. Staff Attorney

Senior Staff Attorney, Civic Space

International Advocacy & Litigation Department

Reporting to: VP of International Advocacy & Litigation

Full-Time, Exempt

Location:

Washington, D.C. (Hybrid, 2-3 days a week in-office)

Salary Range: $95,000-$100,000

The Kennedy Human Rights Center seeks a Senior Staff Attorney to coordinate and support the organization’s work with human rights defenders to protect civic space, especially freedom of expression. The Senior Attorney will work closely with the VP of International Advocacy & Litigation to coordinate the global portfolio on the protection of civic space.

• Organize and coordinate global civic space advocacy and litigation work, including coalitions, inter-regional litigation, amicus efforts, and capacity‑building events.
• Lead special civic space initiatives, including the Civic Space Case‑Tracker and mobilization efforts.
• Develop analysis, reports, legal and policy guidance, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op‑eds, and submissions to regional and international bodies; present human rights concerns before government officials, opinion leaders, and the media.
• Coordinate and manage Staff Attorneys and legal fellows on projects, organizing workload and supervising assignments.
• Serve on committees, working groups, and task forces; promote Kennedy HRC work and represent the organization at meetings, conferences, seminars, and other events.
• Support Fundraising: proposal writing, donor identification and cultivation, and grant reporting.
• Travel domestically and internationally up to one or two weeks at a time, several times a year.
• Identify and execute ways to achieve shared impact across other Kennedy HRC programs.
• Work flexible hours as needed; track hours and submit timecards in a timely manner.
• Participate in recruitment, hiring, and training of department staff.
• Advocate for direct reports' decision‑making and innovation; provide feedback, performance evaluations, and alignment of goals with strategic priorities.
• Advocate for additional resources and staff capacity in discussion with the VP of International Advocacy & Litigation.

• Completed J.D. or foreign equivalent required.
• At least 7 years of experience working in the human rights space, specifically on civic space and freedom of expression.
• Authorization to work in the United States required.
• Fluency in English and Spanish required.
• Demonstrated advocacy experience with US foreign policy, intergovernmental bodies, or public‑facing campaigns.
• Experience supporting team fundraising efforts.
• Strong field research, documentation, writing, and editing skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; public speaking experience.
• Strong initiative, follow‑through, and creative thinking.
• Attention to detail, time management, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Integrity, discretion, and high ethical standards.
• Teamwork and inclusive mindset; excitement to work with diverse colleagues and partners.

• Human rights litigation experience before domestic courts and/or regional or universal human rights bodies.
• Experience in global and local media strategy.
• Additional language skills beyond English and Spanish.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance (platinum coverage); 100% of individual costs covered; subsidies for dependent coverage.
• Automatic contribution of 7% of salary to a retirement plan after first year.
• College Save-Up/Loan Pay Down program: $200/month contribution.
• Automatic monthly cell‑phone & internet stipend of $125.
• $1,000 annual professional development stipend; seven professional development days.
• Hybrid office model with 2‑3 days in‑office per week.
• $1,000 benefits card per calendar year for food and home purchases.
• $500 remote supplies fund for workspace setup.
• Summer Fridays (half‑day closing) from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Social events, award ceremonies, galas, and staff retreats.

• Submit resume, cover letter, and three professional references to careers with subject line "Your Name + Civic Space Sr. Staff Attorney".
• Cover letter should include how you heard about the role, why you’re…