Advocacy Engagement Coordinator at Hillel WaterlooLaurier

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 Ontarios 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 Youll 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 Youll Bring to the Job

• A Bachelors degree and 02 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 drivers 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 Youll Get Out of It

• Competitive salary in the nonprofit marketplace. The salary range for this role is $50000 - $52000
• 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 Ontario

Hillel Ontario is a recognized leader in the international Hillel movement amplifying vibrant Jewish campus life across nine campuses and serving over 14000 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 1000 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.