Nonprofit Policy & Advocacy Fellow

Position Summary

The Nonprofit Policy & Advocacy Fellowship allows recent graduates and young professionals to collaborate with leaders across the nonprofit community. Reporting to the Policy Director, the Fellow will work closely with SVCN’s Policy Team, conducting original research, offering critical resources and learning opportunities for nonprofits, curating content for SVCN’s Policy Update newsletter, and producing insightful policy briefings, reports, and publications.

This Fellowship offers hands-on experience amplifying the impact of Silicon Valley's nonprofit community. It guides fellows in utilizing an equity-centered framework, expanding their network, and preparing for a future in a related field.

The Fellowship will run for (1) year and may be extended (6) additional months depending on project needs. This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a hybrid schedule in our office at the Sobrato Nonprofit Center in San José, California.

Examples of Duties

Policy & Advocacy

• Monitor, analyze, and interpret the impact of local, state, and federal legislative actions on nonprofits and their missions.
• Develop and implement advocacy campaigns, providing nonprofits with the resources and tools needed to effectively engage in policy advocacy.
• Draft public comments and position statements representing SVCN’s stance on policy issues, contributing to communications such as the policy e-newsletter.
• 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

• Support the Policy Team in cultivating and managing SVCN’s relationships with local elected officials and their staff.
• Educate policymakers about issues critical to nonprofit organizations.
• Coordinate and organize convenings between nonprofits and elected officials or other policymakers.

Non-Profit Member Engagement

• Support the Learning and Member Engagement Team to conduct outreach and assess the needs of the nonprofit community.
• Facilitate opportunities for nonprofits, including members, to collaborate on advocacy efforts.
• Support the planning and execution of SVCN events, such as professional development workshops, summits, conferences, town halls, member events, and special meetings.

General Duties

•  Work closely with the Policy & Advocacy team to execute assignments, manage outreach, and distribute the Policy Update newsletter for members.
• Provide administrative support, including scheduling and coordinating team meetings with external partners.
• Assist with other organizational tasks as needed.

What are we looking for? 

You bring strong attention to detail and a passion for solving complex problems, with the ability to manage and prioritize tasks effectively in a sometimes fast-paced environment. Being adaptable and solutions-oriented, you can meet the evolving needs of the nonprofit community and our growing organization. We value your ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team, proactively addressing equity, bias, and inclusion issues with actionable solutions. Your communication style is characterized by reliability, warmth, humility, and a good sense of humor, helping you build strong relationships and engage with the community we serve in a customer-service mindset. You take ownership of your work, combining creativity with accountability. You contribute to a supportive, culturally competent workplace with an energy that balances productivity, creativity, and fun.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Graduate degree from an accredited school. We encourage applications from those with a degree/expertise in public policy, urban planning, political science, law, sociology, economics, or related fields or commensurate professional experience.
• Demonstrated passion for being a change-maker, interested in advocacy or community organizing, nonprofit work, and learning about the nonprofit sector.
• Strong desire for building and maintaining positive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experiences with problem-solving, exercising sound judgment, taking initiative, working independently, and following through.
• Commitment to advancing social justice, racial justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work as a team, take on different roles, and juggle multiple priorities with a positive, solution-oriented attitude.
• Comfort using a variety of software platforms including Microsoft Office Suite, Box, G Suite, Salesforce, Zoom, Slack, Trello, and Mailchimp.

All Fellows 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 seeking consideration under the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” (DACA) policy must possess an Employment Authorization Document at the time of application that is valid throughout the program.

Compensation and Benefits

1. The anticipated start date is October 2024.
2. This is a full-time, non-exempt, 12-month position with the opportunity for 6-month extension.
3. Salary of $53,250; paid semi-monthly.
4. 100% coverage of Kaiser Health Benefits for Employees or $250 per month stipend in lieu of insurance.
5. 403(b) retirement with a 3% match after 1 year of employment.
6. Free parking.
7. $1,000 professional development stipend.
8. Cell phone stipend.
9. 38-hour work week, with flexibility.
10. Generous holiday policy of 17 paid holidays, plus a winter closure.
11. Regular organization-paid lunches and other fun perks.
12. A workplace where you feel welcome, valued, and inspired.
13. Cultivation and support of leadership, policy, and advocacy skills within a racial justice and equity framework.
14. 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.

Application Process

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

• Letter of interest
• Resumé

Candidates who move past an initial round will be asked to submit:

• A writing sample in response to a prompt provided by SVCN
• Transcripts from post-secondary academic institutions you have attended (unofficial transcripts accepted, subject to verification)
• Contact information for three references (recommended one academic, one professional, and one personal reference)

Selection Process

SVCN’s fellowships are structured to cultivate the next generation of nonprofit leaders and to build a more diverse and racially equitable nonprofit sector. SVCN seeks applicants from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds. By bringing individuals who experience direct or structural discrimination into nonprofit leadership and capacity-building, SVCN works to cultivate nonprofit leaders who will advance an agenda responsive to the needs of all we serve.

Fellows are selected for their leadership, practical abilities, scholarship, and commitment to public and community service. Applications are scored based on evidence of leadership and potential, including community involvement, commitment to public service, and ability to challenge oneself.

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 that is 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.