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Advocacy Engagement Coordinator

Campus: University Waterloo-Laurier 

Reports to: Campus Lead, Hillel Waterloo-Laurier 

Start Date: August 2, 2026

The Opportunity

Hillel Ontario is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Advocacy Engagement Coordinator to join the local campus team at Hillel Waterloo-Laurier. This role focuses on advancing Hillel Ontario's advocacy strategy by coordinating and implementing campus-level initiatives, cultivating relationships with students, and managing advocacy-related issues proactively and reactively. The role will also build on the current student leadership model by identifying, engaging, and developing new student leaders to strengthen and expand campus impact.

Advocacy Strategic Objectives

• Empower Jewish students to confidently express their Jewish/Zionist identities.
• Advocate for university policies and practices that protect the rights, safety, and well-being of Jewish student rights and proactively address antisemitism.
• Promote the integration of antisemitism education into campus EDI frameworks, contributing to a more inclusive and informed campus environment.
• Support and mentor Jewish students and allies in pursuing and attaining campus leadership roles, strengthening representation across student governance and organizations.
• Build and sustain relationships with university administrators, student leaders, and campus groups to increase awareness of Jewish community concerns, and foster collaboration grounded in shared values.

What You'll Do

Advocacy

• Champion Jewish student advocacy programming and campaigns, amplifying student voices on campus.
• Proactively and reactively manage advocacy-related issues on campus.
• Successfully implement at least 2 advocacy campaigns on campus per year.
• Support students in navigating situations around antisemitism, referring to leadership when needed.
• Monitor, track, and document incidents of antisemitism and bias.
• Manage advocacy student leadership groups (e.g., Advocacy Committee, Israel Committee).
• Cultivate relationships with campus clubs, faith groups, and relevant organizations to support student advocacy initiatives.
• Engage with students to identify their advocacy interests and guide them in action.
• Seek ongoing training in advocacy, Israel education, and related topics.
• Plan, execute, and support programs that amplify Jewish and Israel engagement.

Engagement

• Ensure a visible Jewish presence on campus.
• Identify and engage uninvolved student populations, working independently and alongside student leaders.
• Develop one-on-one relationships with students by connecting where they live, work, and study.
• Support student-led initiatives in Israel education, Jewish life, and leadership development.
• Manage social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, etc.) to boost engagement and campus visibility.

Student Leadership Development

• Mentor and develop student leaders in advocacy, engagement, and program execution.
• Advise student executive boards and committees, strengthening leadership effectiveness and governance.
• Identify and cultivate emerging leaders, identify leadership opportunities to empower students, and build a strong and sustainable leadership pipeline.
• Oversee and support student interns, ensuring meaningful roles and skill development.
• Promote and support recruitment for immersive experiences (e.g., Israel trips) as part of leadership growth.

Program Development & Execution

• Support and attend student-initiated programs, including evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays.
• Demonstrate strong logistical and operational skills, coordinating resources, streamlining workflows, and supporting staff and students for effective program delivery.
• Identify and develop innovative programs to reach new student populations.
• Co-lead the execution of campus Israel engagement strategies, including Hebrew groups.
• Provide logistical and administrative support to ensure effective program delivery.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Liaise with the marketing and communications team to coordinate materials (print and digital).
• Maintain accurate CRM records and track advocacy interactions.
• Support Hillel Ontario regional initiatives, campaigns, and fundraising efforts.
• Monitor social media and other channels for emerging risks, reporting relevant concerns to leadership
• Track all advocacy and antisemitism-related incidents accurately in reports.

What You'll Bring to the Job

• A Bachelor's degree and 0-2 years of relevant experience (professional or volunteer)
• A strong desire to support students as they navigate their university experience
• A natural connector who builds authentic, supportive relationships with students while contributing to a collaborative team culture
• An understanding of Jewish identity and a connection to Israel
• The ability to guide, support, and advocate for students with empathy and attentiveness
• Comfort balancing multiple priorities while staying responsive to student needs and problem-solving thoughtfully
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Energy, warmth, a sense of humour, flexibility, and maturity
• A valid driver's license and access to a vehicle is an asset

About You

Our ideal candidate is outgoing, creative, and highly engaging, with a strong Jewish and Israel background, who has demonstrated a commitment to community or advocacy work-whether through campus leadership, interfaith initiatives, or volunteer engagement.

You are a self-starter, capable multitasker, and skilled at building relationships with students, partners, and colleagues. You excel at translating strategic goals into tangible programs, organizing impactful campus events, supporting students, and inspiring their commitment to Jewish life.

What You'll Get Out of It

• Competitive salary in the nonprofit marketplace. The salary range for this role is $50,000 - $52,000
• A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, Life and Long Term Disability (LTD) insurances, generous vacation/sick time, transit and cell phone stipends
• Great professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities 
• Amazing colleagues and a flexible work environment
• Relocation to Canada is supported, with visa sponsorship available for qualified candidates.

About Hillel Ontario

Hillel Ontario is a recognized leader in the international Hillel movement, amplifying vibrant Jewish campus life across nine campuses and serving over 14,000 Jewish students. We centralize organizational expertise so our campus professionals can focus on student engagement and building meaningful community connections. We embrace religious and political diversity, supporting a broad spectrum of identities through innovative programming, immersive experiences, and leadership opportunities. Together, we empower the next generation of Jewish leaders to make an enduring impact on Jewish life, Israel, and the world.