Director (Legal & Operations)

This is an exciting opportunity to join Reprieve in a senior leadership position that brings together legal, compliance, governance, finance and operational oversight. The Director (Legal and Operations) will play a central role in ensuring Reprieve runs effectively, is well-governed and has strong foundations for impact. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will be a trusted advisor across the organisation providing expert guidance on organisational legal matters including employment law, compliance, sanctions, data protection, contracts, privilege, and managing relationships with key partners.

You will also support the effective functioning of our Board, ensuring strong governance processes and compliance with our charitable and regulatory obligations. A key part of the role is skilled risk management - helping the organisation navigate complexity while enabling rather than constraining our work.

Reporting to the CEO, you will line manage the Head of Operations and Head of Finance, providing strategic direction and support to ensure these functions are operating as effectively as possible and that relevant information is able to be communicated appropriately and clearly to the Board. This is a role that spans the technical and the operational, requiring someone who is comfortable working across different domains - from legal and compliance questions to organisational functioning, budgets and Board management.

We’re looking for someone with a sharp legal mind who understands NGO governance, has good judgment and an ability to work collaboratively and effectively with teams across the organisation. As a small legal NGO, Reprieve punches above its weight, and this role is key to making that possible.

Reprieve is a leading international human rights organisation working to end the death penalty and abuses committed under the banner of national security. Founded in 1999, our mission remains critically relevant as governments worldwide increasingly adopt authoritarian tactics, expanding executive power at the expense of civil liberties.

Reprieve’s staff is made up of courageous and committed human rights defenders. We provide vital legal and investigative support to those facing execution and victims of rendition, torture, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killing, and citizenship stripping. Our work spans multiple jurisdictions, challenging states' most egregious human rights violations through strategic litigation, investigations, and advocacy.

Based in London with Fellows and partners globally, Reprieve operates at the intersection of law, policy, and human rights, working alongside governments, senior legal practitioners, and civil society to advance systemic change. We collaborate closely with our independent partner organisation Reprieve US.

The role is a full-time (five days per week) permanent position with an annual salary of £71,379 per annum less any required deductions for income tax and national insurance. This role is based in our London office. Reprieve operates a hybrid model, typically requiring staff to be in the office 40% of the week. For this role, we would be open to applications from remote candidates, provided they can travel to London as required. For remote staff, we look for exceptional communicators with a proven track record of managing projects and people effectively across distributed teams. Applicants must have the current right to work in the UK, which will be checked prior to interview.

To apply, please read the full job description and submit a cover letter and CV addressing your interest in the role, and how you meet the criteria (both no more than 2 pages) via the application form on our website by 23:59 GMT on 5 April 2026. Please note that no other documents will be considered for this role and should not be submitted. We are also not able to accept applications via email.