Hillel of Silicon Valley
Antisemitism Response Communications Strategist

(Part-Time 20-25 hours; Hybrid Role)

Role Overview

Hillel of Silicon Valley is seeking a motivated Communications Strategist responsible for developing and implementing an effective communication plan to support the organization's work in responding to antisemitism and anti-Israel activity on the five campuses we serve. This role typically involves the following key duties:

1. Developing Communication Plans: Crafting comprehensive strategies to respond to any and all anti-Jewish activity at Hillel of Silicon Valley’s five college campuses.
2. Message Crafting and Content Creation: Drafting messages to various constituencies will include school administrators, faculty, students, the Jewish community, donors, and the public. Creating clear, consistent, and compelling content for different communication channels such as letters/correspondence, press releases, social media, newsletters, websites, and marketing materials.
3. Media Relations: Building and maintaining relationships with media outlets, handling press inquiries, and coordinating interviews.
4. Crisis Communication: Preparing for and managing communication during crises or challenging situations to provide accurate information.
5. Audience Analysis: Identifying and understanding target audiences to tailor messages effectively and engage them through appropriate channels.
6. Brand Management: Ensuring that all communications reflect the organization's brand identity and values consistently.
7. Internal Communication: Enhancing communication within the organization to ensure that the Board and staff are informed, engaged, and aligned with the organization's goals and culture.
8. Campaign Management: Planning and executing communication campaigns to support initiatives, events, or other key activities.
9. Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracking the effectiveness of communication strategies through analytics and feedback, making adjustments as needed to improve outcomes.
10. Collaboration: Working closely with the executive leadership to ensure cohesive and strategic communication efforts across the organization.

By effectively managing these duties, a Communications Strategist helps to keep all constituencies informed, supports the organization’s strategic goals, and fosters positive relationships with its various constituencies. Specific Responsibilities will include:

• Develop an integrated communications campaign
• Monitor social media for anti-Israel activity and generate daily postings about Israel including news, special features, timely facts, and such.
• Coordinate on campus communications to publish stories, and post editorials.
• Establish relationships with local journalists; prepare a media kit, be available for interviews; produce written communiques including press releases, articles, letters to school officials and others as pertinent.
• Maintain regular communication with Hillel SV’s constituencies.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of professional work experience in a related field. Experience as a volunteer or professional in a Jewish organization is a plus. Advanced degree is also a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written and oral communication skills.
• Passion for Jewish life and Israel.
• Knowledge of Israel’s history, culture and current affairs.
• Familiarity with current and emerging trends in the Middle East.
• Practical knowledge of effective approaches to political strategy, and grassroots activism
• The ideal candidate will have a strong background in pro-Israel campus activism, coalition building, political strategy, and will have PR expertise.
• Familiarity with college students and campus life.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality across all areas and adjusting on the fly.
• A strong work ethic, a sense of humor, an ability to take risks and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Creativity, drive, and a dedication to excellence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Internet applications.
• Ability to work flexible hours needed to complete job requirements, including some nights, weekends and holidays.

About Hillel of Silicon Valley:

Hillel of Silicon Valley is located in San Jose; a short walk away from San Jose State University. Hillel of Silicon Valley serves students at San Jose State University, Santa Clara, University, De Anza College, Foothill College, and West Valley College. We welcome undergraduate and graduate students in Silicon Valley not served by another Hillel.

Our mission is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment to enrich students’ college experience and enable them to connect with the Jewish community. Our quality programs create a means for students to explore the social, cultural, educational, and religious tapestries of Judaism and Israel. We support and educate for the pro-Israel voice on all of our campuses as well as promote Israel as a destination for study and travel. In addition to the wide array of programs and events held at Hillel House, Hillel of Silicon Valley maintains a visible presence at the campuses it serves.