Sobrato Philanthropies creates social change by partnering with communities to build a world that is more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. Guided by the business philosophy and personal values of the Sobrato family, three generations engage in grantmaking, advocacy, impact investing, and collaborative efforts designed to create impact in the communities they serve. Sobrato Philanthropies is part of The Sobrato Organization, a multi-generational, family-owned firm that has played a dynamic role in the emergence and growth of Silicon Valley for nearly 70 years. Sobrato Philanthropies leverages the combined power of multiple giving vehicles, including the Sobrato Family Foundation, which has focused on building opportunity in Silicon Valley since 1996. The Sobrato family is committed to building a strong and vibrant Silicon Valley community through business and philanthropic leadership. 

Sobrato Philanthropies’ Silicon Valley strategy leverages grantmaking and in-kind office space to build a resilient and effective nonprofit community serving low-income Silicon Valley residents and increase stability and economic mobility for low-income individuals in the region. The Economic Mobility Program makes grants across three portfolios – Essential Human Services, Pathways for Success, and Bachelor’s Completion – toward a vision of expanded opportunity for low-income Silicon Valley residents. Sobrato Philanthropies also invests directly in the region’s nonprofit ecosystem by providing in-kind office and meeting space through its four Sobrato Centers for Nonprofits. Beyond these programs, Sobrato Philanthropies has expanded to new strategies including impacting systemic change on behalf of English Learners in the state and investing in ocean conservation and plastic reduction efforts globally. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Family Initiatives & New Opportunities team was created to: 1) Support individual Sobrato family members on their philanthropic efforts; 2) Develop portfolios and strategies to support new areas of giving; 3) Facilitate opportunities for the family to engage with each other around philanthropic pursuits, and for the family to learn more about potential new areas of giving. Working at three levels—individual, collaborative, and collective—this new team seeks to support the Sobrato family’s philanthropic activity across a range of topics and issues currently including ocean conservation, climate, and democracy reform. 

Working closely with and reporting to the Director, Family Initiatives & New Opportunities, this newly-created Program Officer position will provide support to individual Sobrato family members in their philanthropic pursuits and provide research, project management, planning, and grantmaking support for new areas of giving. The program officer will be a core member of the team, working collaboratively with foundation staff, Sobrato family and board, external advisors, and grantees. Initially, this role will focus on Sobrato family engagement and, over time, key areas of work will shift to grantmaking portfolios requiring more engagement with grantees. This is a unique opportunity to partner with the Sobrato family to shape passions and ideas from the seedling phase all the way to ripened areas for grantmaking implementation. The ideal candidate will be a stellar project manager and facilitator as well as a quick learner with a strong ability to design and execute strategic exploration processes across multiple issue areas. The Program Officer must be adaptable to the goals and styles of key stakeholders and navigate through any roadblocks toward alignment and successful implementation. 

HOW TO APPLY

Click here for more information about the position. Sobrato Philanthropies is partnering with Walker and Associates Consulting – a values-aligned, Bay Area-based, people of color- and women-owned and -led strategic consultancy. To apply, email a cover letter, resume and list of three references (candidates will be notified in advance of any outreach to references) by 5:00 pm PT on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Program Officer, Family Initiatives and New Opportunities.” One combined PDF file is preferred. Candidate review begins immediately.