Does Human Rights Watch pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Human Rights Watch employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.5 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Human Rights Watch. This rating has decreased by 5% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Human Rights Watch?

62% of Human Rights Watch employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Human Rights Watch 3.1 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.3 for culture and values and 2.7 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Human Rights Watch?

Intern (38) , Associate (23) , Researcher (15) , Coordinator (12) , Internship (7) , Senior Researcher (7) , Manager (5) , Associate Director (4) , Development and Outreach (4) , Managing Director (4) , Research Assistant (4) , Summer Intern (4) , Deputy Director (3) , Development Intern (3) , Director (3)

What are the pros of working at Human Rights Watch according to real employee reviews?

"Great colleagues" ((in 19 reviews)); "Great people to work with!" ((in 19 reviews)); "The benefits are good" ((in 16 reviews)); "Flexible hybrid environment, unionized support staff, amazing coworkers, learning every day" ((in 7 reviews)); "Gives opportunity to make a difference in peoples lives." ((in 7 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Human Rights Watch according to real employee reviews?

"It is an unpaid internship and living in New York City is very expensive so you have to find means to support yourself" ((in 16 reviews)); "bad management" ((in 8 reviews)); "The pay is low." ((in 5 reviews)); "Excessive workloads, poor managers and chaotic culture" ((in 5 reviews)); "Long hours and not particularly well compensated" ((in 4 reviews))

What are employees saying about Human Rights Watch layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Human Rights Watch layoffs and their outlook for job security at Human Rights Watch in 2026.

Human Rights Watch reviews

3.2

62% would recommend to a friend

(180 total reviews)

Kenneth Roth

57% approve of CEO

33% positive business outlook

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Human Rights Watch has an employee rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars, based on 180 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Human Rights Watch employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the ONG y Organizaciones sin fines de lucro industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

180 reviews

4.0

Aug 21, 2019

it is a good place to work

Associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

great mission and passionate people

Cons

no cons, its a great place and great mission

5.0

Jul 29, 2019

Like a second family

Business development

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

It may not be everyone's experience, but for me it has been like a warm, super-functional and competent family. I had the chance to grow immensely during my tenure, the benefits are very generous, and both management and my colleagues have been nothing but supportive and inspiring.

Cons

There are some growth pain as the organization grows in budget and personnel. However, HRW is not shying away from difficulties. It is devoting time, talent and other resources to deal with issues and to make everyone not only feel heard, but also respected.

2.0

Jun 7, 2019

Former Employee

Associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Fast paced and you learn a lot in a brief time.

Cons

Politics and dynamics is the killer. Negative competition. Growth is restricted.

Viewing 112 - 114 of 180 Reviews

Jobs at Human Rights Watch

Administrative Assistant - Human Resources Department

Senior Researcher, Criminal Justice