The Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN) is seeking a Nonprofit Policy & Advocacy Fellow to support its Policy Team in advancing the voice and impact of the nonprofit sector. The Fellow will conduct research, develop resources, curate content for SVCN’s Policy Update newsletter, and produce policy briefings, reports, and publications. This full-time, one-year fellowship, with the possibility of a six-month extension, is designed for recent graduates and early career professionals. The position reports to the Policy Director and follows a hybrid schedule at the Sobrato Nonprofit Center in San José, California.
About SVCN:
Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN) advances the role, voice, and capacity of the nonprofit community in Santa Clara County so it can be a force for positive social change and support the creation of equitable, vibrant, and thriving communities. SVCN has committed to be a change-agent and a model of possibility by centering racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in everything SVCN does internally and externally.
Responsibilities
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.
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.
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, Asana, Zoom, Slack, Trello, and Mailchimp.
Lived experience with systems of inequity or conditions that nonprofits work to address—such as homelessness, poverty, incarceration, discrimination, or reliance on safety net services—is highly valued and welcomed as a vital form of expertise.
Compensation
The anticipated start date is November 2025.
This is a full-time, non-exempt, 12-month position with the opportunity for 6-month extension.
Salary of $55,000; paid semi-monthly.
100% coverage of Kaiser Health Benefits for Employees or $250 per month stipend in lieu of insurance.
403(b) retirement with a 3% match after 1 year of employment.
Free parking.
Cell phone stipend.
38-hour work week, with flexibility.
Generous holiday policy of 17 paid holidays, plus a winter closure.
Regular organization-paid lunches and other fun perks.
A workplace where you feel welcome, valued, and inspired.
Cultivation and support of leadership, policy, and advocacy skills within a racial justice and equity framework.
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.
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