Hybrid Workforce Development Associate presso Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation

The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation (SVLGF) is seeking a highly qualified candidate to serve as Workforce Development Associate. In this role, you will support  SVLGF’s efforts on the Bay Area K-16 Collaborative. 

This is a state-grant-funded position slated to operate through June 30, 2027 contingent upon program funding and job performance.

The Bay Area K-16 Collaborative is an equity-centered regional initiative focused on improving student outcomes across the K-16 continuum and strengthening pathways into high-demand, high-wage careers. As the anchor employer intermediary for the Collaborative, SVLGF works closely with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) and other regional stakeholders to co-create inclusive talent pipelines. Together, we are advancing industry-aligned education by strengthening partnerships between Bay Area employers and K-16 institutions, with a focus on expanding equitable access and success within STEM and related high-demand fields for students throughout the region.

To drive this work forward, SVLGF is actively designing and implementing a robust work-based learning continuum, ensuring students have access to meaningful career-connected opportunities throughout their educational journeys. We are also cultivating a dynamic Regional Steering Committee composed of corporate leaders and educational partners who provide strategic guidance, foster alignment, and co-develop solutions to close opportunity gaps. Additionally, SVLGF plays a central role in project managing cross-sector partnerships, serving as a connector, convener, and capacity-builder between industry and education to ensure initiatives are responsive to regional workforce needs and result in equitable student outcomes.

Position Summary

The Workforce Development Associate will play a critical role in the K-16 Collaborative and will report directly to the Senior Director of Higher Education and Workforce Development at SVLG. 

The primary responsibility of the Workforce Development Associate will be to secure, coordinate, and sustain work-based learning opportunities for Bay Area high school, community college, and university students by engaging regional employers to partner on (examples of this work can be found on the K-16 Collaborative website):

• Career fairs 
• Guest speakers
• Worksite visits
• STEM projects for project based learning courses
• Internships
• Apprenticeships

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Proactively build relationships with employers and education leaders, HR professionals, chancellors, presidents, deans, and faculty 
• Staff the K-16 Steering Committee, which meets quarterly to engage 40 Collaborative members to drive the initiative. The Associate will develop and maintain relationships with Steering Committee members, support the development of meeting agendas and presentation decks, take minutes, and support logistics, member email invitations, and debriefs
• Catalyze support for the Collaborative by speaking at internal and public events, including SVLGF and SVLG meetings, conferences, and community events
• Research regional labor market information, higher education, and workforce needs
• Develop marketing collateral 
• Develop relationships with key policymakers, community leaders, and education organizations
• Pursue and develop grant partnerships that support the program
• Track and report Collaborative-related work as assigned

• Support the SVLG Civic Impact team on an annual summit with 200+ attendees, in addition to select roundtable opportunities with elected officials, business leaders, and other public sector partners.
• Support SVLGF and K-16 Collaborative meetings and events, including but not limited to SVLG member meetings, career fairs, and professional-student networking events

Qualifications:

At least a two-year degree or relevant work experience in workforce development.

Preference for candidates with 2-3 years of experience in the fields of workforce development, public policy, advocacy, partnership development, project or program management, or in roles requiring sales, fundraising and/or business development. 

Knowledge of state and local education policy dynamics, and the ability to monitor and quickly learn about changing issues in education and workforce development.

Excellent writing and communications skills and a level of comfort with public speaking.

Organized self-starter who is comfortable leading projects, taking initiative, crafting strategy, delivering against timelines, and developing and implementing project plans across departments.

Functions well in a highly collaborative team setting and has the ability to bring people together and build consensus. 

Someone who enjoys a fast-paced, ever-changing environment will thrive.  

The position requires occasional early morning and early evening meeting availability to be arranged in advance and the ability to travel around Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area.

Competitive salary and benefits w/ health care, dental (employee contribution); 401(k) plan.

Our offices are based in San Jose within walking distance of the airport, Guadalupe River Trail and public transit.

The SVLGF values diversity, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics in the location in which the candidate is applying.

A key component of this position will be in-person meetings with representatives from the Leadership Group, its member companies, and partner educational institutions, so candidates for this position must reside in or plan to relocate to Silicon Valley or the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. All employment with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation is At Will.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

1. Cover Letter: Explain your interest in the position and how your skills and experiences align with the role.
2. Resume: Provide a detailed overview of your professional experience and accomplishments.
3. Two Relevant Writing Samples: Submit two samples of your work that demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively. 

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The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation works to improve the quality of life in the region by raising and distributing funds for food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education and other needs.

The Foundation supports activities that encourage a strong sense of community. It focuses on providing financial and promotional assistance to charities, business and community leaders, scholars and other groups that support its mission.

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. The Board is a group of dedicated business and community leaders from Silicon Valley, and it works closely with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group.

The Silicon Valley Leadership Group was founded in 1977 by one of Silicon Valley’s pioneers, David Packard. Today, SVLG serves as the nation’s most effective and dynamic business association representing the innovation economy and its ecosystem.

As we strive to bolster the business competitiveness of the region, SVLG is establishing a new vision of corporate citizenship and working to catalyze a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future for Silicon Valley and beyond. Our members' vision of leadership embodies accountability, equity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship, and we’re applying an entrepreneurial mindset to solving the toughest challenges facing both our nation and the region.