For more than 25 years, Hillel of Silicon Valley has been the hub of Jewish life on the five campuses we serve: San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, Foothill College, De Anza College, and West Valley. Each year, this dynamic, multi-campus Hillel engages more than 180 students through 100+ programs—ranging from Shabbat and holiday celebrations to Jewish and Israel education, community-building, and social initiatives.
While Jewish life on campus continues to thrive, we are also facing unprecedented challenges. To meet this moment, Hillel of Silicon Valley is adding a new team member dedicated to two critical priorities: combating antisemitism and serving as an advocate and support coordinator for our students.
The rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment requires additional resources and expertise. To address these challenges, we are seeking an Advocacy & Campus Engagement Advisor.
Role Overview
We are looking for a welcoming, innovative, passionate, detail-oriented, and self-starting Jewish community builder who believes in shaping the Jewish future.
The Advocacy & Campus Engagement Advisor:
- Build relationships with students, faculty, staff, and administrators across five campuses.
- Lead efforts to combat antisemitism and improve campus climate through education, advocacy, and allyship.
The ideal candidate brings two core strengths:
- Relentless relationship builder – able to connect with anyone, nurture relationships, inspire others, and encourage student leadership.
- Strategic communicator-educator – confident, organized, and skilled at facilitating programs, navigating difficult conversations, and continuously improving practices.
What You’ll Do
Advisor/Advocate
- Serve as a key resource for Jewish students and faculty navigating campus climate issues.
- Manage incident reporting, documentation, tracking, and follow-up.
- Guide students through filing bias or discrimination reports, advocating on their behalf.
- Develop longer-term strategies for advocacy, including legal and/or PR support when appropriate.
- Gain expertise in university discrimination policies, as well as state and federal laws pertaining to antisemitism.
- Monitor investigation progress and maintain thorough documentation.
- Stay current on national and local trends in antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
Engagement / Relationship Builder
- Build strong collaborations with campus professionals and student organizations.
- Meet with students, staff, faculty, and administrators to improve campus climate.
- Manage outreach strategy, track progress, and evaluate results.
- Support Jewish and non-Jewish student leaders in addressing campus culture and engaging in student government and leadership roles.
- Develop meaningful relationships with other student and community groups with shared values.
- Represent Hillel to community partners and policymakers, sharing strategies to prevent antisemitism on campus.
- Pursue long-term institutional support by:
- Advocating with university leadership for a Coordinator of Jewish Student Life and Interfaith Programs.
- Exploring opportunities to establish a Jewish Learning Center or similar resource hub on campus.
- Building coalitions with students, faculty, and community partners to demonstrate the need and value of such initiatives.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Monitor, track, and report on antisemitism both on social media and on campus.
- Cultivate strong relationships with university staff and faculty that result in impactful partnerships.
- Partner with the Executive Director and student-facing staff to support advocacy and engagement.
- Empower students interested in advocacy to become campus leaders.
- Draft op-eds, press releases, statements, action alerts, newsletters, and social media content related to campus culture.
What You’ve Accomplished
- Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred.
- 3+ years of professional experience.
- Background in campus work, Jewish community, nonprofit leadership, or community relations.
- Proven success as an effective communicator, relationship builder, and advocate.
What You’ll Bring to the Job
- Knowledge of Jewish history and culture, as well as contemporary antisemitism, Zionism, and anti-Zionism.
- Passion for combating antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
- Diplomatic and collaborative problem-solving skills.
- Strong social media and communications expertise.
- Ability to navigate high-pressure and sensitive situations.
- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to balance competing priorities.
- A proactive, self-starting approach to identifying opportunities.
- Analytical thinking, with an ability to use data and knowledge to develop solutions.
What You’ll Receive
- Salary: $85,000–$100,000, competitive in the nonprofit sector.
- Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plan, life, AD&D and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, generous vacation and sick time, and parental leave.
- Growth: Professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities.
About Hillel of Silicon Valley
Hillel of Silicon Valley is a multi-campus Hillel serving Jewish student groups at San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, Foothill College, De Anza College, and West Valley College, while also welcoming all Jewish college-age students in the area. We are also frequently sought out by faculty at schools without Jewish student groups to provide support when needed.
Many of the campuses we serve are commuter-based, and many students work part-time, making Hillel an essential hub for Jewish life and connection.
Hillel of Silicon Valley is affiliated with Hillel International, the world’s largest Jewish campus organization, serving nearly 1,000 campuses globally. Together, we enrich Jewish student life, inspire enduring commitments to Jewish learning and Israel, and empower the next generation of Jewish leaders.
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.