About Detention Watch Network
What is Detention Watch Network?
Detention Watch Network (DWN) is a US national coalition working to abolish immigration detention through collective advocacy, grassroots organising, and strategic communications. It was founded in 1997 by three organisations — Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service — in response to the explosive growth of the US immigration detention system. In 2005, DWN re-launched as a dues-based membership network bringing together individuals and organisations across the country.
DWN is a 501(c)(3) organisation that publishes audited financials annually (2020–2024) and is recognised as "the go-to resource on detention issues by media and policymakers." Current programmes include the Communities Not Cages campaign — challenging detention expansion at state, regional and national levels. The network is part of the International Detention Coalition.
Where will I work?
DWN staff work fully remotely from across the United States. For some roles, residence is preferred in AZ, CO, the DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area, IL, IN, MN, NM, PA or TX. Regular travel is part of organising and campaign roles — at least 30% for senior organisers — including outreach to member organisations and attending staff retreats.
What is the Detention Watch Network team like?
DWN is described in its own job postings as "a small and growing team" — DB records ~19 staff. Values include treating everyone with dignity and respect, prioritising collaboration and community decision-making, accountability to broader racial- and economic-justice movements, and continued collective learning. DWN explicitly encourages applications from people of colour, Indigenous people, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and other historically marginalised groups.
Work-Life Balance
DWN operates a 4-day work week — 32 hours, Monday–Thursday. Paid Time Off is tenure-based: 3 weeks in year one, 4 weeks in years two through seven, and 5 weeks after eight years of employment. The organisation also closes for 2 weeks at the end of the year. After three years of service, every staff member becomes eligible for an eight-week sabbatical.
Perks and Benefits
- 32-hour, Monday–Thursday 4-day work week
- Tenure-based PTO: 3 weeks (year 1), 4 weeks (years 2–7), 5 weeks (year 8+); 2-week organisational closure at year-end
- 8-week sabbatical eligibility after 3 years on staff
- Wellness Fund: $500 per year per staff for personal health and self-care (yoga classes, therapy co-pays, massages, workout gear)
- Monthly cell phone stipend for all staff
- Geographic salary adjustment: +$2,000 for residence in a location 25% above the federal cost-of-living index; +$4,000 for 50% above
- Staff growth and professional development investment with regular feedback and advancement opportunities
- Fully remote across the United States with flexible scheduling