Position Announcement: Philanthropy Partner, San Jose

San Jose, CA

Title:                           Philanthropy Partner, San Jose

Business Unit:          Sobrato Philanthropies

Work Schedule:       Full-time, in-office Monday-Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends

FSLA Status:             Exempt

Work Location:        San Jose, California

Date Submitted:      July 8, 2025

 

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Senior Program Officer, the Philanthropy Partner is a key member of the Silicon Valley Program team, with a primary focus on community engagement and activating the Sobrato Centers for Nonprofits (SCNPs) as dynamic hubs for economic mobility and community connection. This role supports the implementation of strategic, center-based programming; cultivates authentic relationships across the community and nonprofit ecosystem; and coordinates grantmaking and program execution to advance shared outcomes.

The Center hosts convenings, partners, services, and collaborative efforts designed to advance the region’s economic mobility strategy, serving as a platform for cross-sector coordination, innovation, and collective impact. With a close view of day-to-day dynamics and relationships, the Philanthropy Partner brings critical on-the-ground insight, connecting the dots across partners, community needs, and strategic goals. In close partnership with the Senior Program Officer, they help surface and elevate opportunities that make activation efforts more aligned, responsive, and impactful. Through thoughtful, community-informed programming, this role strengthens belonging and expands access to services and opportunities for residents.

The Philanthropy Partner also serves as a visible presence in the community, representing our work at local events and acting as a connector across tenant organizations, grassroots leaders, and ecosystem partners. The ideal candidate is deeply relational, equity-driven, and adept at translating vision into thoughtful, place-based implementation.

This position requires a strategic thinker with strong project management and relationship-building skills who can work independently while collaborating across a highly engaged, mission-driven team and with external partners. A successful Philanthropy Partner thrives in dynamic environments, demonstrates adaptability and initiative, and brings a deep commitment to community voice, equity, and inclusive practice. They will balance attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities, advancing the Center’s role as a catalyst for economic opportunity and a thriving nonprofit ecosystem.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

Job Responsibility 1: Strategic Center Activation and Ecosystem Integration Partner

40% of  Time:

  • Identifies opportunities that support the strategy and implementation of center activation efforts to ensure alignment with the Silicon Valley Program’s economic mobility strategy.
  • Develops and maintains an activation calendar that drives integrated programming responsive to community priorities and rooted in the center’s purpose of being a center of innovation and incubation.
  • Leverages the nonprofit center as a platform to cultivate belonging, advance economic opportunity, and strengthen cross-sector collaboration by developing and managing partnerships, developing a strategic activation plan, and responding to community feedback on priorities and opportunities.
  • Activates the physical space through thoughtfully designed programs, gatherings, and events that increase access to resources, strengthen relationships, and provide opportunities for collaboration in service of meeting the direct needs of priority communities.
  • Works closely with the program team to ensure that activation efforts are tied to measurable outcomes, such as increased resident engagement, service uptake, leadership development, strengthened nonprofit capacity, and pathways to economic mobility and housing security.
  • Supports the scheduling and coordination of events, including large or multi-room bookings, and manages conference room reservations and overall space usage as needed.

 

Job Responsibility 2: Community Representation, Relationship Stewardship, and Trust Building

20% of Time:

  • Serves as a visible and trusted representative of the Foundation within the community, regularly participating in neighborhood meetings, partner convenings, and public events to elevate the center as a community anchor and resource.
  • Develops and maintains authentic relationships with tenants, community-based organizations, community leaders, and grassroots leaders to support reciprocal learning and shared ownership of the center’s impact.
  • Gathers and surfaces insights from stakeholders to inform adaptive programming and identify gaps in services or support that may hinder economic mobility for historically excluded communities.
  • Ensures community engagement strategies are culturally responsive, equity-centered, and intentionally designed to foster agency, belonging, and intergenerational connection.

 

Job Responsibility 3: SCNP Program Execution, Coordination, and Learning

15% of Time:

  • Supports the execution of mission-aligned programming at the center by managing planning, logistics, facilitation, and follow-through for events, convenings, and workshops that reflect community priorities and strategic priorities.
  • Coordinates internal and external stakeholders to successfully implement center-based activities that contribute to systems change and improved community outcomes.
  • Maintains documentation and tracks key milestones, outcomes, and learnings from activation efforts; partners with the program team to reflect on effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Supports monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) efforts by contributing to the collection of qualitative and quantitative data that informs strategy and assess the center’s contribution to long-term economic mobility goals.

 

Job Responsibility 4: Grantmaking and Program Administrative Support

15% of the Time:

  • Provides administrative and project coordination support for grantmaking and community engagement activities, including scheduling meetings and site visits, preparing meeting agendas, taking notes, and uploading documentation to grant files and or/Box/SharePoint.
  • Collaborate with grants management staff to ensure effective internal coordination and timely execution of grant dockets.
  • Manage grant, sponsorship, and space requests/inquiries, through email, phone, Fluxx, and website inquiries, as well as walk-ins, ensuring timely response and resolution.
  • Supports Regional grantmaking and monitoring, evaluation, and learning through data entry, analysis, reports, memos, and recommendation development.
  • Support program planning, including supporting design, communications, and execution for program planning and learning spaces.
  • Assist program and executive staff in the research and analysis of subject matter information related to Thriving Region grant program, which may include philanthropic scans, demographic data, and grantee information
  • Support the team in organizing and executing meetings, briefings, learning communities, and other engagements with grantees, funders, and other stakeholders.

 

Other Responsibilities as Assigned

10% of Time:

  • Coordinates special projects as assigned.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS (KNOW HOW)

Education / Training

  • Minimum bachelor’s degree required or equivalent combination of education and work experience in the philanthropic, nonprofit, education, and/or public sector.

 

Experience/Technical Skill

  • 5 years of experience in community engagement, community building, nonprofit program implementation, facilities/operations support, and/or administrative duties.
  • Demonstrated experience in the nonprofit or philanthropic sector, with a clear understanding of current opportunities and challenges in the field.
  • Demonstrated strategic thinking with the ability to identify, elevate, and connect opportunities to advance program goals and center activation efforts.
  • Experience designing or supporting equity-centered, community-informed programming or initiatives.
  • Proven ability in relationship-building and stakeholder management, with the capacity to cultivate and maintain authentic, trusting connections across diverse audiences.
  • Skilled in collaborating with colleagues, leaders, and external partners from varied backgrounds.
  • Advanced facilitation and event planning skills to support community convenings, workshops, and other engagement activities.
  • Commitment to racial equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive engagement practices.
  • Excellent project planning and organizational abilities, including managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and navigating complexity with sound judgment.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills to engage internal and external stakeholders across all levels.
  • Comfortable working independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit.
  • Proactive and flexible, with the ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
  • Open to feedback and able to use it constructively to improve decisions, processes, and relationships.
  • Experience supporting grantmaking and program administrative processes, including document management, data entry, and reporting.
  • Technologically proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Office 365 in a Mac environment; familiarity with databases, websites, and standard office tools.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.

 

Desired

  • Spanish language skills are valued and considered an asset due to the community we serve.
  • Experience using Fluxx Grants Management Software.
  • Experience using Skedda Booking System.
  • Experience using Asana project management software.
  • Familiarity with the East and Downtown San Jose and/or the broader Silicon Valley Ecosystem.

 

ORGANIZATION
Reports to: Senior Program Officer, Silicon Valley Program
Direct Report: N/A

 

Alignment to our Mission, Culture, and Values

We hire individuals who share our vision of building a better future through business and philanthropic leadership, impacting the lives of countless fellow residents of our region in a way that could be replicated in other major metropolitan regions around the country and affecting the lives of millions.

Our Mission and Values

The Sobrato Organization’s mission is to build a more equitable and sustainable world through business and philanthropic leadership. We work to inspire current and future generations to steward family resources in service of others around the world. We have established a deep legacy in Silicon Valley that includes a commitment to community, and our values honor and promote this legacy:

Mutual Accountability: We earn trust by taking ownership of our work and honoring our commitments to each other, our partners and our communities.

Collaboration: We believe in the value of collaboration and partnership in achieving effective solutions. We treat people with respect and value the diverse experiences and perspectives of our partners, colleagues and investees.

Engagement: We recognize that lasting impact requires building deep relationships with our stakeholders and getting proximate to our communities and the work. We act with humility, respect and compassion.

Excellence: We focus on results, maintain a strong work ethic, and persist through challenges. We innovate, take risks, and embrace creativity and continuous learning.

Integrity: We endeavor to deal transparently, honestly and fairly. We strive to do what is right, especially when it is hard.

 

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and dependents on the first of the month following the hire date
  • Short and long-term disability and life insurance
  • Fertility program benefits
  • Comprehensive mental health benefits for employees and dependents
  • Retirement savings account with matching contributions of up to 10%
  • Twenty PTO days in the first year of service in addition to paid year-end closure days between Christmas and New Year’s Day
  • Eleven paid holidays
  • Transit commuter benefits
  • Tuition assistance and professional development initiatives for growth
  • Technology allowance
  • Employee matching gifts program
  • Generous parental leave
  • Flexible and inclusive work environment
  • Enjoy a professional yet comfortable work environment with our business casual dress code
  • Catered lunches, healthy snacks and beverages
  • Acknowledgement for exceptional work as well as important moments in the lives of those we work with

 

Compensation and Transparency

At TSO, base pay is part of a broader compensation package and is set within a range, allowing for growth as you advance in your role. The pay range for this role is between $113,000 and $132,000.

Salary offers are determined based on various factors, including experience, education, licensure and/or certifications, internal equity, and specific business and organizational needs. TSO is fully committed to complying with California's pay transparency laws to ensure fair and equitable compensation practices.

 

About Us

Founded by John A. Sobrato in 1979 and led by CEO Tony Mestres, The Sobrato Organization remains a family-owned firm known for integrity and dedication, with no outside investors or joint venture partners. Since 1953, the Sobrato Family has played a pivotal role in shaping Silicon Valley through its real estate development. Its office, and R&D projects comprise 7.5 million square feet, most of which are Class A, mid-rise office buildings. TSO also owns 30 apartment communities totaling 6,700 units along the West Coast. Through Sobrato Philanthropies, the firm has donated more than $379 million in cash and real estate to the Silicon Valley community. We have established a deep legacy in Silicon Valley that includes a commitment to community and our values honor and promote this legacy.

The Sobrato Organization is committed to its mission of building strong and vibrant communities where we live and do business. To achieve this, we embrace becoming a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization that empowers our people. Our team remains at the core of what we do. We strive to consistently lead from a space of learning and strengthening our capacity for change. We understand our responsibility to cultivate a culture of belonging, appreciation, and respect. We believe that TSO must be a place where staff feel at ease in expressing themselves honestly and openly. Advancing these important initiatives is mission-critical to our ability to maximize our impact in the world.

The Sobrato Organization is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to building a team that represents a diversity of backgrounds, cultures, experiences, perspectives, and skills and to creating an environment and inclusion and belonging for all employees regardless of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. The Sobrato Organization is expanding, and we are passionate about growing our staff with people who have diverse voices with different lived experiences.

 

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