Advocacy Engagement Coordinator at Hillel Ontario

Advocacy Engagement Coordinator

Campus: Toronto Metropolitan University - TMU

Reports to: Director, Hillel TMU

The Opportunity

Hillel Ontario is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Advocacy Engagement Coordinator to join the local campus team at Hillel TMU. 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., 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
• 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. 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

About Hillel TMU

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Hillel TMU serves a primarily commuter student population, creating opportunities for Jewish students to connect, build community, and explore their Jewish identities in meaningful ways.

Hillel TMU is an inclusive and welcoming space for students from all Jewish backgrounds and levels of involvement. Through student-driven programs and initiatives, Hillel TMU empowers students to shape their own Jewish experiences, develop leadership skills, and build lasting connections.

From cultural and religious experiences to social, educational, and advocacy initiatives, Hillel TMU offers diverse opportunities for students to engage in Jewish life, explore their interests, and find a sense of belonging on campus.

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.

About Hillel International

In 1923, Rabbi Benjamin Frankel started Hillel with humble means, a noble mission and a breathtaking vision: to convey Jewish civilization to a new generation. Today, Hillel International continues to enrich the lives of Jewish students and is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world at nearly 1,000 colleges and universities across North America and around the world. As Hillel evolves as an organization, the mission remains steadfast: to create lasting connections with every Jewish student that foster an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel and train them to become the next Jewish leaders.

Hillel is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an accepting and inclusive environment for all.

What Success Looks Like

By Day 30 — Learn, Connect & Build Relationships

• Develop a good understanding of Hillel TMU's student community, campus environment, advocacy priorities, programs and existing student leadership structures.
• Build strong working relationships with the Hillel TMU team and connect with key Hillel Ontario colleagues/cohorts, to develop an understanding of their roles, areas of expertise, and how to collaborate effectively to support student engagement, advocacy, and campus priorities.
• Establish initial relationships with student leaders & campus partners working closely with the Campus Director and Hillel Ontario's Advocacy team.
• Begin building meaningful 1:1 connections with approximately 20 Jewish students, including those not currently involved in Hillel, to better understand their interests, experiences, needs, and potential opportunities for engagement.
• Complete training on advocacy protocols, responding to antisemitism, incident documentation, student support and escalation procedures.
• Review current advocacy initiatives, student leadership groups, engagement data and upcoming campus priorities, identifying opportunities for greater student participation.
• Learn how to accurately record, track, and manage student engagement data, interactions, and follow-up activities (CRM).
• Build familiarity with Hillel Ontario’s core work tools, systems, and processes, and begin using them effectively to organize tasks, manage workload, track priorities, and support day-to-day workflow.

By Day 60 — Engage, Activate & Take Ownership

• Establish a consistent rhythm of student outreach and 1:1 engagement, building meaningful connections with 40–50 new and returning students, including those not currently involved in Hillel, and consistently tracking interactions and engagement opportunities in the CRM.
• Take ownership of coordinating at least one student-led advocacy or Israel engagement initiative, including planning, promotion, execution and follow-up.
• Begin to actively support student advocacy leaders and committees, establishing regular check-ins and identifying opportunities to strengthen student participation and leadership.
• Identify and begin cultivating emerging student leaders, including students not previously involved in Hillel, with clear opportunities for involvement and development.
• Build connections with relevant campus clubs, student organizations and university partners to identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Demonstrate the ability to monitor, document and appropriately escalate advocacy-related concerns, working with the Campus Director and Advocacy team.

By Day 90 — Deliver, Strengthen & Demonstrate Impact

• Independently plan and deliver at least one advocacy or Israel engagement initiative, demonstrating effective student involvement, coordination and follow-through.
• Able to respond appropriately, follow established protocols, engage students effectively, and execute agreed-upon initiatives with demonstrated consistent follow-through.
• Demonstrate a growing network of engaged students, including newly engaged students, with consistent CRM documentation and follow-up.
• Actively mentor and support student leaders, with identified students taking on meaningful responsibilities in advocacy, engagement or campus initiatives.
• Demonstrate progress in strengthening student advocacy structures, including regular engagement with student committees and clear plans for upcoming initiatives.
• Continue to build momentum in student outreach and 1:1 engagement, aiming to connect with a cumulative total of 70 students by Day 90, including new, returning, and previously unengaged students, while consistently tracking interactions and follow-up opportunities in the CRM.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration that support Jewish student advocacy, visibility and belonging.
• Consistently manage core responsibilities, including program coordination, student communications, social media support, CRM tracking and advocacy incident documentation, with appropriate guidance and escalation.

About Hillel International

In 1923, Rabbi Benjamin Frankel started Hillel with humble means, a noble mission and a breathtaking vision: to convey Jewish civilization to a new generation. Today, Hillel International continues to enrich the lives of Jewish students and is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world at nearly 1,000 colleges and universities across North America and around the world. As Hillel evolves as an organization, the mission remains steadfast: to create lasting connections with every Jewish student that foster an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel and train them to become the next Jewish leaders.

Hillel is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an accepting and inclusive environment for all.