The Policy Manager or Director’s role is to provide nonprofits and nonprofit staff with the critical resources needed to maintain healthy organizations that are working effectively to build thriving and equitable communities by developing and implementing a public policy agenda that supports local nonprofits. The Policy Manager/Director at SVCN will create and implement a policy agenda and advocacy campaigns, maintain relationships with elected officials, update nonprofits on Government Affairs, and supervise a team of three.

Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN)

Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN) advances the role, voice, and capacity of the nonprofit community in Santa Clara County to 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. One of SVCN's strategic commitments is to support the nonprofit ecosystem by being a trusted source and hub of information, resources, and connection for nonprofits across Silicon Valley, facilitating nonprofit collaboration and collective impact. SVCN also leverages our power, positionality, and access to partner with, amplify, and support the community to influence decision-makers to change systems in ways that address the biggest challenges facing nonprofits and the communities they serve.

Desired QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s or Graduate degree from an accredited school or commensurate experience in a nonprofit policy and advocacy role or similar government role. Applications are encouraged from those with a degree/expertise in public policy, urban planning, political science, law, sociology, or related fields.
Experience in public policy advocacy, public policy research and analysis, and coalition building, with proven track record of influencing policy outcomes. Directors should have 5-7 years of experience and Managers should have 3-5 years.
Ability to synthesize and explain complex policy issues.
Knowledge and understanding of Santa Clara County nonprofits and demonstrated passion for nonprofits and contributing to your community.
Deep understanding of and experience with local governments.
Staff and volunteer supervision; grant management experience; and project management experience.
Excellent written communication skills.
Comfortable and effective in speaking in front of large groups.
Experience in building and maintaining positive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
Commitment to advancing racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Experience with and excellent skills in problem-solving, exercising sound judgment, taking initiative, working independently, and following through.
Excellent interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative environment while also possessing the ability to work well independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to take on different roles, and juggle multiple priorities with a positive, collegial, flexible, solution-oriented attitude.
Is a self-starter; has the ability to work from established timelines and demonstrates strong organizational skills.
Experience working with outside consultants.
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) and an operable mobile phone.
Local residency or willingness to relocate by start date.

responsibilities and tasks

Policy Advocacy
- Provide leadership in the development and implementation of SVCN policy priorities and strategy, in partnership with the CEO
- Draft comment letters outlining SVCN’s position on policy issues
- Monitor and analyze impact of local, state and federal legislative actions on nonprofits
- Design advocacy campaigns and develop resources to engage nonprofits in policy advocacy in support of SVCN’s policy priorities
- Serve as primary staff to SVCN Policy Council
- Develop and lead trainings on nonprofit advocacy and lobbying
- Coordinate with other nonprofit associations (e.g., Behavioral Health Contractors’ Association, Community Health Partnership, Thrive Alliance, CalNonprofits) on advocacy on behalf of the nonprofit sector
- Support Racial Equity Action Leadership (REAL) Coalition and other nonprofit coalition policy priorities
Government Relations
- In partnership with the CEO, cultivate and manage SVCN’s relationships with local elected officials
- Educate policymakers about issues of concern to nonprofit organizations
- Coordinate convenings between nonprofits, elected officials, and other policymakers
Member Engagement
- Support the Learning and Member Engagement team in outreach to 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, comprised of associate-level staff and undergraduate intern.
- Draft SVCN’s policy communications, including SVCN’s policy newsletter and other related social media posts.
- Assist in planning of SVCN’s events, including leading content development for 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.
- In conjunction with the CEO, develop and manage SVCN’s policy advocacy budget.
Management
- Managers and directors share similar but somewhat differing responsibilities at SVCN. Key differences include the following:
  - The Manager supervises, evaluates, and coaches members of the policy team, ensures internal policies and procedures are followed, communicates team needs and progress to other SVCN leaders/peers, co-manages community partner relationships with the CEO and other directors, brainstorms policy projects and departmental improvements, and creates/maintains systems to manage workflows including grant management. The Manager also implements and inputs to yearly policy team and organizational goals.
  - The Director’s role includes the responsibilities above, as well as creates departmental and organizational strategies and long-term goals (in consultation with the CEO, other directors, policy team members, and Policy Council, as appropriate), co-creates fundraising strategies for SVCN’s policy work with the CEO, and drives and co- owns external relationships in local government and among policy partners.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt, at-will position.
Annual salary for the Director level role starts at $90,000. Annual salary for the Manager level role starts at $75,000.
Generous health insurance package.
403(b) retirement; in FY24, staff with over one year of employment are provided with up to a 3% match.
Free parking.
In FY24, staff are provided with a budget of $1000 for external training.
Cell phone stipend.
38-hour work week, with flexibility.
Generous holiday policy of 17 paid holidays, plus a winter holiday closure.
Regular organization-paid lunches and other fun perks.
A workplace where you feel welcome, valued, and inspired.