Deputy Director, Multimedia

Job Description

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCYDEPUTY DIRECTOR, MULTIMEDIAMultimedia DivisionLocation: New York, London, Berlin or JohannesburgApplication Deadline: August 2, 2021THE OPPORTUNITYAre you excited at the prospect of using multimedia to expose human rights abuses andchallenge those with power to respect rights The Multimedia Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Deputy Director who will help set strategy and lead a passionate global team to produce compelling stories that expose abuses, present solutionsto advance rights, showcase activist partners worldwide, and persuade key audiences to embrace and value human rights.The Multimedia Division is part of the Media Department at HRW, and where we craft our visual messaging and deliver it to our audiences toraise public awareness of the human rights violations HRW investigates and documents. We are looking for a strong manager and leader who is creative, solution focused, hardworking and able to help take one of the worlds most influential NGOs to the next levelby increasing media coverage and reaching new audiences.The Deputy Director will work closely with members in the wider Media department and staff across the organization to ensure our content is supporting the work of the organization. The Deputy Directorwill promote a culture of collaboration and innovation. This full-time position will be based in HRWs New York, London, Berlin or Johannesburg office, and will report to the Multimedia Director based in New York.Due to COVID-19, many of our global officesare currently closed or operating in reduced capacities. The successful candidate may be required to work remotely in the interim. We recognize that this moment, during the pandemic, is a uniquely difficult time for most people, particularly those with caregivingresponsibilities, and we aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment for and onboarding of this position.RESPONSIBILITIESWork with the Multimedia Director to develop a coherent multimedia strategy to enhance productivity, efficiencyand impact; Assist with setting priorities for the department and allocating resources accordingly; Supervise and empower a passionate, skilled, and ambitious team to produce powerful and persuasive multimedia content; Support and develop best practices tomeasure the effectiveness of HRWs multimedia products and use data to refine strategy and production decisions; Work with the Multimedia Director, the Media, research and Advocacy teams to decide which projects to undertake and prioritize; Review scriptsand storyboards to ensure they are compelling, journalistically sound, complement and enhance HRWs research and advocacy; Actively monitor global news and social media for breaking news and trending topics for multimedia opportunities; Help develop trainingmaterials and sessions for HRW staff and partners to improve visual story-telling and broadcast interview skills; Foster an environment of creativity and innovation in multimedia amongst the team, and encourage new ideas to drive audience growth and engagement;Interact regularly with key HRW staff across all departments to ensure effective coordination and delivery of multimedia outputs that are aligned with HRWs focus and core values; Simultaneously manage and prioritize multiple projects, while overseeing theworkload of a cross-functional team; and Perform other responsibilities, as required.Managerial Responsibilities:Ensure the Multimedia team delivers outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Media Department;Ensure that legal and standards guidance is reviewed and followed. Operate in compliance with organizational regulations, including the policies of applicable employee agreements; Regularly monitor the budget and ensure that resources are allocated appropriately;Establish clear work plans for staff and communicate priorities clearly and effectively; Provide oversight and take responsibility for delegated assignments; Ensure that the workload of staff is manageable and reporting lines are clear; Manage and guide staffby listening, having two-way communication, sharing pertinent information, responding appropriately and delegating appropriate responsibilities; Provide appropriate and timely feedback on staff performance and provide guidance, coaching and training, as necessary.Provide guidance and coaching to staff in the supervisory positions; Brainstorm ideas for HRW storytelling, as well as problem solving. Encourage team to engage in creative conversations and be solution focused; Assess HRWs multimedia needs and team challengesproactively to create and enable effective solutions; Ensure timely recruitment of vacant positions; and Perform other responsibilities as required.QUALIFICATIONSEducation: An advanced degree or equivalent experience in communications, journalism, marketing,human rights, or similar related field is required.Experience: Minimum seven years of experience in visual storytelling, broadcast journalism, documentary film-making, advertising, marketing or a related field, including at least three years in a supervisoryrole.Related Skills and Knowledge: Demonstrated expertise and experience in multimedia and video production. Experience working with news, social media and sophisticated understanding of evolving media landscape, knowledge in viral and multi-platform distributionof multimedia products. Demonstrated ability in creating effective content to suit all current and emerging platforms is critical. Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English are required. Proficiency in another language is highly desirable.Demonstrated ability to review scripts or storyboards. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a successful and diverse visual storytelling team. Capacity to appropriately plan, prioritize and manage multiple, sometimes competing demands efficiently in a challenging,fast-paced environment. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with external media partners. Flexibility in responding quickly to events as they occur, producing excellent written material under tight deadlines.A thoughtful, empathetic manager with great integrity and a strong listener. Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations. Experience promoting resilience and a life/workbalance.Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW offers a relocation assistance package and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizensof all nationalities are encouraged to apply.How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by August 2, 2021 by visiting our online job portal via the button below and attaching a cover letter and a resume or CV. No calls or email inquiries, please. O