JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR, WESTERN CANADA
Date: July 3, 2024
Reporting to: President/CEO
Start Date: ASAP
Position: Full-time
THE ORGANIZATION
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) is a non-profit human rights organization committed to countering racism and antisemitism and to promoting the principles of tolerance, social justice and Canadian democratic values through advocacy and education.
THE OPPORTUNITY
FSWC seeks an experienced community professional to establish and lead a new Vancouver-based office, which will coordinate FSWC's activities in Western Canada. The Director, Western Canada will be responsible for staffing this new office to help the organization reach a broader audience and increase its impact across Canada.
To that end, the Director will expand FSWC’s Holocaust education programs while working with school boards and marketing professional development workshops in coordination with FSWC’s Senior Director of Education.
The Director will lead FSWC’s advocacy work in Western Canada in coordination with FSWC’s Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, collaborating with existing Jewish organizations in Vancouver and Western Canada. This will include fostering relationships with interfaith groups, public and private schools, law enforcement, public institutions, and private sector corporations to grow the organization’s reach, visibility, and impact.
The Director will also work with the FSWC team to develop an understanding of the organization’s existing programming – such as Antisemitism: Then and Now – with the goal of delivering programming in the future.
All of the above-cited duties contribute to the overarching priority of growing the Western Canada operation, hiring additional staff when needed.
Specifically, the Director, Western Canada will:
· Lead FSWC’s new Western Canada office in Vancouver.
· Build and grow relationships with Western Canadian Jewish organizations, interfaith groups, public and private schools, public institutions, and private sector corporations.
· Work in government relations, forging strong relationships with all levels of government across Western Canada.
· Lead antisemitism advocacy in Western Canada.
· Lead fundraising initiatives in Western Canada.
· Build and maintain networks with a variety of stakeholders to ensure growth in outreach for new training opportunities, as well as expanding participation of stakeholders in these presentations and into other FSWC programs.
· Support FSWC team members, as needed, in preparation of and during annual organization events (i.e. Spirit of Hope, Voices of Change, etc.).
YOU ARE SOMEONE WITH: · Knowledge and understanding of historical antisemitism (common myths and tropes) and the role it has played throughout history, including the Holocaust.
· Knowledge and understanding of the “new” antisemitism, and its implications in Canada and abroad.
· Awareness of contemporary hate crime statistics as they relate to antisemitism, as well as how anti-Jewish hate manifests itself in online spaces.
· Working knowledge and understanding of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism (or IHRA definition) and its adoption by governments and institutions in Canada and around the world.
· An affinity for and knowledge of contemporary Israel and an understanding of how anti-Zionism is intertwined with antisemitism.
· Strong, engaging presentation skills and creative approaches to generating interactivity with a variety of audiences in both virtual and in-person formats.
· Superior relationship-building and communication skills ensuring the ability to connect with a variety of stakeholders at all levels.
· Excellent attention to detail, exemplary organizational skills, and an ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously.
· Proven ability to work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment demonstrating teamwork, innovation, and excellence.
· Self-motivated and decisive with the ability to adapt to change and competing demands.
· A solid understanding of technology and how to navigate a variety of platforms (including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, etc.).
WHAT YOU BRING: · A knowledge and passion about countering antisemitism, Holocaust denial and distortion from both a historical and contemporary perspective.
· A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in a similar role.
· Experience in advocacy and government relations.
· Ability to collaborate with partners across various networks.
· Flexible schedule that is open to occasional early morning, evening, and weekend presentations.
Applicants should send a cover letter and resumé to Nicole Roberts at
[email protected] by July 31st. Please reference “Director Western Canada” in the subject line.
FSWC welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. We encourage applications from individuals within the employment equity categories. FSWC is committed to equity and diversity, and to a positive, supportive working environment. Please let us know should you require accommodation during any part of this recruitment process.