Director of External Relations

Role Overview

Are you experienced in and passionate about advocating on behalf of the Jewish community? Do you easily build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders? Do you have a proven track record of building bridges across diverse communities?

If this describes you, we hope you will continue reading and consider joining the team at “the Best Damn Hillel in the Land.”

OSU Hillel is in the midst of a transformation. The newly created Director of External Relations will partner with the CEO to develop a roadmap to reach the ultimate outcome of creating a safe and inclusive campus climate at OSU where Jewish students can thrive. With antisemitism and antizionism at an all-time high, this work has never been more important. 

This individual will work alongside peers in similar positions on campuses across North America, benefitting from an innovative pilot cohort from whom to learn and leverage best practices. 

Working closely with Hillel International, campus Hillel staff and students, community stakeholders, and university partners, the Director of External Relations will build and sustain long-term relationships,  as well as political and media strategies to shift the climate on campus. The ideal candidate will deeply understand today’s campus climate and have a passion for engaging student and campus communities in shaping and advancing advocacy. They will leverage their relationship-building expertise to work across campus, the local Jewish and secular communities to ensure OSU’s Jewish community feels supported, connected to resources, and prepared to navigate even the most complex incidents on campus today.

The Director of External Relations will report directly to OSU Hillel’s CEO, and will receive training, support, and guidance as a part of their cohort from the Associate Vice President Campus Antisemitism Solutions at Hillel International. 

Why OSU Hillel? 

There has never been a better or more important time to join Hillel at THE Ohio State University. We are the third oldest Hillel, celebrating 100 years in 2025, with a rich and dynamic history. With new leadership, we are at the helm of a new frontier and we hope YOU will help us chart the course. OSU Hillel aspires to be the best Hillel in the country and we are looking for the best and brightest talent to join our amazing team. We are innovative. We are inclusive. We challenge the status quo and strive to be at the forefront of trends within the Jewish and non-profit communities. Work for an organization where your time and talent will be valued, and your voice will be heard.

What You'll Do

• Develop a deep understanding of the current climate for Jewish students on OSU’s campus through exploration with diverse stakeholder groups. In partnership with the CEO, build a roadmap with milestones that will lead to a safer, more inclusive environment.
• Learn the complexities associated with OSU’s student code of conduct, reporting protocols, and state/federal law as applicable. Determine opportunities to make recommendations to administration for improvements.
• Work as a resource for Jewish students and faculty in response to campus climate issues both managing incident reporting/tracking/outcomes, and developing longer-term strategies. This may include taking a role in leading advocacy work or helping facilitate legal and/or PR resources. 
• Lead training and provide support for civically minded students on getting involved in student leadership with greek life, student government, or key campus organizations.
• Connect with students who are interested in advocacy and empower them as leaders; plan advocacy events in support of Jewish students on campus.
• Identify opportunities for education across the campus community, which might include antisemitism, civil discourse, Israel, etc.
• Partner with Campus Rabbi to establish strong interfaith and community relationships
• Serve as liaison between Hillel and the Jewish Faculty and Staff Resource Group and Melton Center for Jewish Studies.
• Partner with the CEO and other key stakeholders to effectively navigate crisis situation(s) if/when necessary. Develop strong relationships with community-wide security director, appropriate law enforcement, local media, and other key players proactively in an effort to be prepared.
• Speak with community groups, individuals, and policymakers about strategies for preventing antisemitism on campus.
• Collaborate with and manage Jewish and non-Jewish community organizations on community-wide initiatives.
• Build meaningful relationships with key university staff and faculty that yield productive partnerships.
• Regularly monitor, track, and report on antisemitism both on social media and throughout campus.
• Proactively share OSU Hillel’s impact in creating a safe and inclusive campus climate. Write op-eds, letters, newsletters, action alerts, press releases, social media, and statements related to campus culture initiatives. Partner internally with antisemitism-focused teams within Hillel International such as Campus Climate Initiative, Israel Action and Addressing Antisemitism and Communications teams.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years experience in college campus work, Jewish community, or community relations.
• Knowledge of Jewish history and culture, the characteristics of antisemitism, and Zionism and anti-Zionism.
• Passion for fighting antisemitism and anti-Zionism and American values of democracy.
• Experience with advocacy, policy, and community relations.
• Ability to prioritize diplomacy and work in collaboration toward solutions.
• Expertise in media relations and communications.
• Ability to think critically, embrace data, and develop solutions to problems.
• An organized and detail-oriented approach to work.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven record of building productive working relationships.
• Proven success building bridges across a variety of community groups.

What You’ll Get Out of It

• Competitive salary in the nonprofit marketplace. The salary range for this role is $100,000 - $110,000
• Exceptional professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, Long Term Disability (LTD), Flexible Spending Plan, generous vacation/sick time, and parental leave.
• Independent and hands-on work in an exciting environment.
• A network of terrific colleagues from across the global Hillel movement.
• Travel opportunities, both domestically and internationally, multiple times per year

OSU Hillel is affiliated with Hillel International. Hillel International enriches the lives of Jewish students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world, and envisions a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.