Director of Advocacy, Emerging Campuses at Hillel Ontario

Director of Advocacy, Emerging Campuses

About Hillel Ontario

Hillel Ontario is the largest Hillel in the world, operating at nine universities with a combined Jewish student population of 14,000.  Hillel embraces religious and political diversity in an inclusive environment, and supports a broad spectrum of identities while students grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually, opening up new ways for them to make a meaningful impact on the future of the Jewish people and the world. Through innovative campus programming, student leadership training, life-changing immersive experiences, and educational and religious initiatives, Hillel engages, empowers, and inspires the next generation of Jewish leaders to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, Jewish learning and Israel.

About the Role

In consultation with the Hillel Ontario Advocacy Task Force, the Director of Advocacy, Emerging Campuses’ will advance the organization’s Israel and Jewish advocacy agenda on campuses beyond our current reach. Working alongside Hillel’s campus directors across the province, the Director 

will play an integral role in managing, both proactively and reactively, advocacy issues at non-Hillel staffed universities across Ontario. The Director will build and recruit, convene and mobilize a cohort of Jewish students and provide them with the support and resources they need to be effective advocates on their campuses. 

Key Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Hillel Ontario Advocacy Task Force and the senior leadership team, guide and implement Hillel Ontario’s advocacy strategy on campus
• Support advocacy initiatives on Ontario’s emerging campuses without a Hillel presence
• Support student leaders in their advocacy efforts 
• Identify specific goals and implement strategies, and measurable objectives in partnership with the advocacy team.
• Effectively collaborate and coordinate with other Jewish and/or Israel advocacy organizations operating on campus to further Hillel’s strategic advocacy objectives and strengthen intra-organizational relationships. 
• Engage students to participate in joint learning, campaigns and events.
• Elevate and amplify student perspectives and voices 
• Create, drive and report on provincial campus advocacy campaigns aimed at countering antisemitism and promoting Israel. 
• Visit campuses on a regular basis to train and empower students in their advocacy efforts and work with them to become more politically engaged on campus. 
• Mentor students to improve their advocacy skills and become more effective
• Provide monthly reports on antisemitic and anti-Zionist activities across the campuses in their portfolio.
• Proactively monitor social media 
• Develop strategic relationships with university staff, including Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Security, and Division of Students.
• Engage Jewish and non-Jewish students interested in advocacy and build strategic relationships with various stakeholders and clubs on campus.

What You Bring

The Director of Advocacy, Emerging Campuses is a strategic thinker who has formal and informal Jewish and Israel advocacy experience. The director must have a solid understanding of the challenges facing Jewish students on campus in Ontario, and be familiar with – and able to teach – the elements of advocacy and activism. The director has a high level of emotional intelligence, is masterful at building, cultivating and maintaining relationships, and is able to work collaboratively in a complex, geographically dispersed environment. The director will model a high level of professionalism in all aspects of his/her work and interactions, both internally and externally, as well as continue to hold each campus to a standard of educational and engagement excellence as outlined in the Strategic Plan.

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field of study (Master’s would be preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in a Jewish Advocacy role.
• 3+ years of experience with demonstrable leadership and mentorship.
• High level of involvement working with University administration, political organizing, or campus life, all with a clear understanding and appreciation for the campus dynamics.
• The ability to take initiative, drive the advocacy agenda, and collaborate with multiple team members across different geographical locations.
• Sophisticated written and verbal communication skills.

Abilities and Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and a desire to work in a collaborative, team environment.
• An ability to multi-task and troubleshoot effectively, under tight timelines with significant pressure.
• Knowledge and experience with network management, social networking, and social media. 
• The interest and ability to build effective and meaningful relationships with staff, university students, and community members.
• Skills in community organizing, campaigning and programming.
• Able to maintain clear thinking and a sense of calm during times of crisis.
• Energy, versatility, flexibility and maturity.

Provisos

• Work requires on-going attention to detail with a focus on deadlines and overall engagement and advocacy results.
• Work is sometimes performed in environments where activity, noise, and lighting may have noticeable variances.
• Meetings are often held via conference call.
• Ability to manage and thrive in a multi priority environment and commitment to work hours in excess of regular shifts, as needed, is a critical element of the job.

What We Offer

• A base salary ranges between $80,000 - $85,000 annually.
• Benefits package that includes health insurance, vision and dental, life insurance, and Long-Term Disability (LTD).
• 15 paid vacation days per year, 2 Mental Health/Wellness days and 10 paid sick days in addition to paid Jewish and Statutory Holidays.
• A flexible and hybrid work environment.
• Sounds cliche, but this is an opportunity to have a direct, and long-lasting impact on the lives of Jewish and non-Jewish students with a community of people-focused professionals.
• A network of terrific colleagues from across the Hillel movement.

Application

If you are excited about the opportunity to work with our team at Hillel Ontario, please take the time to apply through the provided platform.  In the event you are experiencing difficulties, please email jess.seidman@hillelontario.org. Please provide the Job Title in the subject line of the email to help streamline our process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Hillel Ontario is an equal opportunity employer and employs personnel without regard to age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, religion, disability, family status, marital status (including single status), gender identity, gender expression, record of offences, sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.