Nonprofit Advocacy & Policy Director

Position Summary  

The Nonprofit Advocacy & Policy Director plays a crucial role in leading SVCN’s policy and advocacy efforts, driving impactful initiatives that support local nonprofits in building thriving and equitable communities.

Reporting to the CEO, this role collaborates closely with SVCN’s leadership and Policy Council to develop and implement a strategic public policy agenda, execute advocacy campaigns, and represent SVCN in the community. The Director fosters relationships with local elected officials, engages nonprofits in policy advocacy, and supervises a small team to amplify SVCN’s mission, making your role integral to our success.

This is a unique opportunity to significantly contribute to a small yet influential organization. The position is based in San José, California; SVCN’s team currently works in a hybrid capacity in the office at the Sobrato Nonprofit Center and from their homes. 

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking a strategic, detail-oriented leader passionate about nonprofit advocacy and a strong commitment to racial justice and equity. You excel in a collaborative environment, are solutions-oriented, and can effectively manage multiple priorities. Your ability to build rapport, maintain a positive attitude, and bring creativity to your work will be key to your success in this role. 

Examples of Duties 

Policy Advocacy

• In collaboration with the CEO, lead the development and implementation of SVCN’s strategic policy agenda.
• Draft comment letters outlining SVCN’s position on key policy issues
•  Monitor and analyze the impact of local, state, and federal legislative actions on local nonprofits.
• Design and execute advocacy campaigns and resources to engage nonprofits in supporting SVCN’s policy priorities.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the SVCN Policy Council and support coalition policy priorities.
• Support the policy and advocacy efforts of the Race Equity Action Leadership (REAL) Coalition.
• Collaborate with other nonprofit associations (e.g., Behavioral Health Contractors’ Association, Community Health Partnership, Thrive Alliance, CalNonprofits) on joint advocacy initiatives.

Government Relations

• Cultivate and manage relationships with local elected officials.
• Educate policymakers on issues critical to nonprofit organizations.
• Coordinate and facilitate convenings between nonprofits, elected officials, and policymakers. 

Member Engagement  

• Support the Learning and Member Engagement team in outreach to the nonprofit community to evaluate their needs, including in the yearly nonprofit survey. 
• Develop opportunities for nonprofits, including members, to engage with each other. 
• Support the planning and execution of SVCN’s events, including, but not limited to, professional development workshops, summits, conferences, town halls, member events, and special meetings. 
• Identification, outreach, and cultivation of members and future members. 
• Provide technical assistance to nonprofits on policy and advocacy.

General Duties

• Supervise policy team, which includes 3 associate-level staff and an undergraduate intern, and provide coaching and passion for developing staff professionally.
• Draft SVCN’s policy communications, including SVCN’s policy newsletter and other related social media posts.
• Assist in planning SVCN’s events, including leading content development for the annual Activate Your Impact policy summit.
• Manage policy-related grants, including the development of proposals and required reporting.
• Participate in local, regional, and statewide policy coalitions on nonprofit issues
• Support organization-wide planning, development, and communication activities as needed.

Desired Qualifications  

• Experience in public policy advocacy, research and analysis, and coalition building, with a proven track record of influencing policy outcomes. 
• Policy Expertise: Ability to synthesize and explain complex policy issues, with a deep understanding of local governments and the nonprofit landscape in Santa Clara County.
• Leadership & Project Management: Proven experience in staff and volunteer supervision, grant management, and project management, with strong organizational skills.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, comfortable and effective in public speaking, and capable of building and maintaining positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to DEI: Strong commitment to advancing racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
• Problem-Solving & Initiative: Exceptional problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to take initiative, work independently, and follow through on tasks.
• Interpersonal Skills & Diplomacy: Excellent interpersonal and diplomacy skills, thriving in both collaborative environments and independent work.
• Adaptability & Multitasking: Ability to juggle multiple priorities with a positive, flexible, and solution-oriented attitude, taking on different roles as needed.
• Comfort using a variety of software platforms (including Microsoft Office Suite, Box, G Suite, Slack, Trello, Salesforce, Outlook, Zoom, MailChimp, Canva, and the flexibility and ability to learn new platforms). 
• Reliable transportation (and applicable licensure and automobile insurance as required by California law).
• Local residency or willingness to relocate by start date.   

Compensation and Benefits  

1. This is a full-time, exempt, at-will position.
2. The beginning annual salary range for this role starts at $90,000 and is ultimately determined based on the candidate's experience.
3. 100% coverage of Kaiser Health Benefits for employees and dependents or $250 per month stipend in lieu of insurance.
4. 403(b) retirement with a 3% match after 1 year of employment.
5. Free parking.
6. $1,000 professional development stipend.
7. Cell phone stipend.
8. 38-hour work week, with flexibility.
9. Generous holiday policy of 17 paid holidays, plus a winter closure.
10. Regular organization-paid lunches and other fun perks.
11. A workplace where you feel welcome, valued, and inspired.
12. Cultivation and support of leadership, policy, and advocacy skills within a racial justice and equity framework.
13. Exposure to various nonprofits, nonprofit roles, and issues facing nonprofits and their communities to prepare for full-time employment in the nonprofit, social innovation, or public service sectors.

All employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals who are legally authorized to work full-time without restriction for any U.S. employer and who possess lawful evidence of employment authorization. Note: Individuals who are seeking consideration under the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” (DACA) policy must possess an Employment Authorization Document at the time of application that is valid throughout the program.  

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To apply, please submit the following to the link below:

• Letter of interest
• Resumé

ABOUT SVCN

Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN) advances the role, voice, and capacity of the nonprofit community in Santa Clara County, driving positive social change and fostering equitable, vibrant, and thriving communities. SVCN is committed to being a change agent and a model of possibility by centering racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do, both internally and externally. A key strategic priority is to support the nonprofit ecosystem by serving as a trusted source and hub of information, resources, and connections for Silicon Valley nonprofits, facilitating collaboration and collective impact. We also leverage our power, position, and access to partner with, amplify, and support the community, influencing decision-makers to address the biggest challenges facing nonprofits and the communities they serve.

SVCN is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to the diversity of our staff. Applicants are invited to apply regardless of sex, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, race, age, ethnicity, national origin, disability, marital or veteran status, medical condition, or religion. Individuals who need assistance or accommodation due to a disability may contact us at HR@svcn.org.