
Research and Advocacy Lead
Overview
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Research and Advocacy Lead for a 6-month contract position. This position offers a unique opportunity for someone interested in building a career in Jewish community advocacy to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and impactful organization. This is an ideal role for a recent graduate with a strong passion for the fight against antisemitism and hate and a desire to contribute to meaningful change.
The successful candidate will support research, policy development, and advocacy campaigns that advance FSWC’s mission to confront antisemitism and promote human rights in Canada.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research on antisemitism, hate speech, discrimination, and related human rights issues.
- Utilize social media research and open-source intelligence (OSINT) methods to track and analyze antisemitic trends and incidents.
- Draft briefs, public statements, and advocacy materials.
- Monitor and analyze developments in antisemitism and hate crimes, particularly in Canada.
- Assist in the coordination and execution of advocacy campaigns and public education initiatives.
- Support engagement with policymakers, civil society partners, and community stakeholders.
- Attend and report on relevant events, briefings, and meetings.
- Collaborate with team members across departments to support strategic advocacy goals.
- Perform other duties as required to support the Policy and Advocacy team.
Qualifications
- Recent graduate of a relevant undergraduate or graduate program (e.g., Political Science, Jewish Studies, International Relations, Public Policy, Human Rights).
- Demonstrated interest in combating antisemitism and promoting human rights.
- Strong research and analytical skills, with clear and persuasive writing ability.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks.
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
- Previous volunteer or work experience in advocacy, community engagement, or public affairs is an asset.
Benefits
- Gain professional experience in Jewish community advocacy and human rights.
- Work in a mission-driven, supportive environment.
- Network with professionals and leaders in the field.
- Participate in shaping meaningful advocacy initiatives with national impact.
Contract Duration: 6 months, with opportunity for extension
Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience
Please send a cover letter and resumé to Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, Jaime Kirzner-Roberts, at jaime@fswc.ca. Kindly reference “Research and Advocacy Lead” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Antisemitism Education and Content Specialist
Overview
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is seeking a knowledgeable and strategic Antisemitism Education and Content Specialist for a one-year contract position, with the opportunity for renewal. The successful candidate will lead the creation of impactful educational resources that address both historical and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism. This role focuses on developing content and curriculum tailored specifically for adult professional audiences, including educators, public servants, law enforcement, policymakers, and other institutional stakeholders.
The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of Jewish identity, the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, and the intersection between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, with the ability to communicate these topics clearly, accurately, and sensitively.
Key Responsibilities
Curriculum and Content Development
- Design and produce high-quality educational materials, such as training modules, briefing notes, presentations, discussion guides, and digital resources, targeted to adult learners and professionals across sectors.
- Create compelling digital content, including e-learning tools, infographics, videos, and public education campaigns, that explain complex issues such as antisemitism, Holocaust distortion, and Jewish identity in an accessible and engaging manner.
- Ensure all content is consistent with the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and reflects a sophisticated understanding of the ways in which anti-Zionist rhetoric can overlap with antisemitism.
Public Engagement and Strategic Support
- Develop timely education materials and rapid-response content addressing current trends in antisemitism and hate, for use by professionals, institutions, and decision-makers.
- Support FSWC’s broader public outreach and advocacy efforts through content that highlights the impact of antisemitism on Canadian Jewish communities, promotes understanding of Jewish identity, and equips institutions to respond effectively to hate.
- Stay informed of national and global developments in antisemitism, Holocaust denial, and related discourses, and help shape strategic educational responses.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education, Jewish Studies, History, Political Science, Human Rights, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience in adult education, curriculum design, or professional learning content development, particularly in the areas of antisemitism, human rights, or social justice.
- In-depth understanding of Jewish identity and the experiences of Canadian Jewish communities, and how they are affected by antisemitism in public, institutional, and policy contexts.
- Comprehensive familiarity with the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, and the intersection between anti-Zionism and antisemitism in contemporary discourse.
- Exceptional writing, research, and communication skills, with the ability to present complex, sensitive subjects to adult learners in professional settings.
- Social media literacy, including awareness of how antisemitism manifests in digital environments and the ability to create or adapt educational content for online platforms.
Additional Assets
- Experience in Jewish communal, policy, or advocacy work.
- Background in intercultural training, DEI, civic engagement, or public-sector education.
- Experience with multimedia content and instructional design.
Location & Terms
This is an in-office position based at Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center’s North York office (Toronto). Fridays are designated as a remote work-from-home day. The position is offered as a one-year contract, with the opportunity for renewal. Occasional off-site travel for collaboration or stakeholder engagement may be required.
Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Applicants should send a cover letter and resumé to Senior Director of Advocacy and Policy Jaime Kirzner-Roberts at jaime@fswc.ca. Please reference “Antisemitism Education and Content Specialist” in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.