Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Global Advocacy
at Guttmacher Institute
🏢 About Guttmacher Institute
The Guttmacher Institute is a global leader in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), uniquely combining rigorous research, evidence-based advocacy, and strategic communications to drive policy change. Founded in 1968, it has a long-standing reputation for producing gold-standard data that informs debates and policies worldwide. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that is actively building a more inclusive, transparent, and equitable workplace while shaping the global SRHR agenda.
About This Role
As the Director of Global Advocacy, you will lead the Institute's global advocacy strategy, translating Guttmacher's research into compelling campaigns and policy narratives that influence decision-makers at global, regional, national, and sub-national levels. You will serve as a primary representative at key international forums, including the United Nations, and work closely with the Vice President for Global Research and Advocacy to ensure that evidence informs policy and program development. This role is pivotal in advancing SRHR worldwide and ensuring that Guttmacher's evidence base drives tangible change.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve leading a strategy session with the global advocacy team to refine a campaign targeting a UN resolution, followed by a meeting with research staff to discuss how to translate a new study into policy recommendations. You might also represent the Institute at a high-level virtual panel or coordinate with regional partners to adapt advocacy messages for local contexts. The role is dynamic and requires balancing strategic leadership with hands-on engagement in global policy spaces.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Guttmacher Institute Is Looking For
- Extensive experience (10+ years) in global advocacy, policy, or government relations, with a strong focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) or related social justice issues.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful advocacy strategies that influence policy at international, regional, and national levels, including direct engagement with UN bodies and other multilateral forums.
- Deep understanding of the global SRHR landscape, including key stakeholders, funding trends, and political dynamics, coupled with the ability to translate complex research into accessible and persuasive advocacy messages.
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with experience managing teams, building coalitions, and representing organizations at high-level external events; fluency in English required, additional languages (e.g., French, Spanish) preferred.
📝 Tips for Applying to Guttmacher Institute
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific examples of advocacy wins that resulted from translating research into policy change, especially in SRHR or global health.
Demonstrate familiarity with Guttmacher's research portfolio by referencing specific reports, data sets, or initiatives in your application, and explain how you would leverage them in advocacy.
Emphasize your experience working with UN mechanisms, such as the Commission on the Status of Women or the Human Rights Council, and name-drop relevant forums you have engaged with.
Show that you understand the remote nature of the role by mentioning your ability to work across time zones and your experience with virtual team collaboration and digital advocacy tools.
Address the Institute's commitment to equity and inclusion by discussing how your advocacy approach centers marginalized communities and ensures diverse voices are heard in policy spaces.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your vision for how Guttmacher's evidence can be more effectively translated into global advocacy impact, with concrete examples of past successes.", 'Your experience leading global advocacy strategies and managing teams, particularly in remote or decentralized settings.', 'Your ability to engage and influence high-level decision-makers at the UN and other international forums, including specific outcomes you achieved.', "Your commitment to SRHR and how your values align with Guttmacher's mission and its ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable organization."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Guttmacher's recent research publications, especially those related to global SRHR, to understand the evidence base you would be advocating for.
- → Study the Institute's current advocacy priorities and campaigns as outlined on their website and in their annual reports, to identify where you could add value.
- → Learn about the key global SRHR policy moments and processes (e.g., ICPD, SDGs, UN resolutions) and how Guttmacher has engaged with them historically.
- → Research the backgrounds of the Vice President for Global Research and Advocacy and other senior leaders to understand their vision and how the advocacy team fits into the organization.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't demonstrate a deep understanding of Guttmacher's unique role as a research-to-advocacy organization.
- Focusing solely on domestic (U.S.) advocacy experience without highlighting global or international work, as this role requires a global perspective.
- Neglecting to mention specific examples of how you have used data or research to influence policy, which is central to Guttmacher's approach.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Guttmacher Institute!