Assistant to the Director (Housing & Community Development) (Exempt)
City of Oakland, Oakland, CA, United States
The City of Oakland is an equal‑opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.
Why join the City of Oakland's Housing & Community Development Department? The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill one Assistant to the Director vacancy within the Housing & Community Development Department. Under administrative direction, the Assistant to the Director assists the Director of Housing with management and administration of the department; performs complex policy and program development, research, analysis and planning; coordinates Council and City Administrator support functions; prepares reports and drafts proposed legislative policy; may supervise a small administrative staff, and performs other duties as assigned. This is a management level position with a broad range of administrative and management duties for an agency or department. The incumbent coordinates agency‑wide or department activities including budget development and monitoring, personnel, payroll, contract administration, record system maintenance, and other administrative functions. The incumbent is also responsible for providing administrative policy direction and management of the department/agency in the absence of the Department/Agency Director.
We are looking for someone who is:
Hands‑on and proactive.
You are a creative self‑starter and problem‑solver who can implement effective operational systems and workflows.
Experienced and knowledgeable.
You bring experience with housing and community development programs and funding sources, along with strong organizational, planning, writing/editing, and financial skills that support the success of the role.
Politically and organizationally astute.
You are able to navigate complex inter‑departmental, cross‑departmental, and citywide issues while managing competing priorities and demands.
What you will typically be responsible for:
Providing general administrative support to the department head and executive leadership team.
Building public awareness of affordable housing in Oakland through the development of short‑ and long‑range public information projects, including communications and community engagement efforts for the department.
Directing event planning efforts for the department, including press conferences, site tours for local and visiting partners, internal staff events, and more.
Building and maintaining relationships with local media outlets and sources.
Developing and implementing inclusive community engagement strategies for the department, including establishing standards and schedules for public‑facing events, centralizing materials, coordinating logistics, training staff, and more.
Developing and facilitating trainings for staff on narrative and communications best practices and techniques.
Evaluating the impacts of the department’s narrative and communications activities.
Responding to and resolving citizen questions and complaints.
Participating in ongoing department leadership meetings and joint meetings with partner agencies to maintain awareness of departmental work and inform communication strategy.
Directing, supervising, and evaluating subordinate professional and sub‑professional personnel.
A few reasons you might love this job:
You will have the ability to shape the development and delivery of important City services.
You will serve in a highly impactful role supporting the needs of Oakland’s most vulnerable residents.
You will work in a highly visible role that engages with stakeholders across the city.
You will collaborate with a team of dedicated and thoughtful staff to highlight and celebrate Oakland’s approaches to housing solutions.
A few challenges you might face in this job:
You will manage multi‑faceted responsibilities.
You will meet time‑sensitive deadlines.
Competencies Required:
Adaptability:
Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
Analyzing & Interpreting Data:
Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
Attention to Detail:
Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
Building & Maintaining Relationships:
Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
Critical Thinking:
Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
Industry Monitoring:
Grasping the external political, economic, competitive, and social factors affecting the industry
Informing:
Proactively obtaining and sharing information
Involving Others (Engaging Teams):
Engaging others for input, contribution, and shared responsibility for outcomes
Leadership:
Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal
Legal & Regulatory Navigation:
Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
Oral Communication:
Engaging effectively in dialogue
Professional Impact:
Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
Thinking & Acting Systematically:
Formulating objectives and priorities, and implementing plans consistent with the long‑term interests of the organization in a global environment
Valuing Diversity:
Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
Education: • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, accounting, or a related field. A Master's degree is desirable.
Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience performing complex administrative duties including two years of supervisory experience.
License or Certificate / Other Requirements: An incumbent in this position is expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties. Due to the nature of the assignment and the hours worked, public transportation may not be an efficient method for traveling to required locations. An individual appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver’s License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.
The Recruitment Process: This is an at‑will position, exempt from the provisions of the City of Oakland Civil Service Rules, per Charter Section 902(f). All applications received will be forwarded to the City of Oakland Housing & Community Development Department (HCD) for further consideration. Meeting the minimum qualification requirements may not result in further consideration; only the most qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.
What’s in it for you?
Work/Life Balance: 37.5‑hour work weeks
15 paid holidays
Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre‑tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
Deferred compensation: 457(b) pre‑tax plan and an after‑tax ROTH 401(k) plan
Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to 200k & Employee Training.
*Please note: Salary is negotiable within the defined range depending on qualifications. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found at Working for Oakland.
Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.
Disaster Service Workers
All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker‑related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
How to Apply Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm. If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday‑Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238-3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment‑specific questions, please contact Ellen Dillard at EDillard@oaklandca.gov.
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Why join the City of Oakland's Housing & Community Development Department? The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill one Assistant to the Director vacancy within the Housing & Community Development Department. Under administrative direction, the Assistant to the Director assists the Director of Housing with management and administration of the department; performs complex policy and program development, research, analysis and planning; coordinates Council and City Administrator support functions; prepares reports and drafts proposed legislative policy; may supervise a small administrative staff, and performs other duties as assigned. This is a management level position with a broad range of administrative and management duties for an agency or department. The incumbent coordinates agency‑wide or department activities including budget development and monitoring, personnel, payroll, contract administration, record system maintenance, and other administrative functions. The incumbent is also responsible for providing administrative policy direction and management of the department/agency in the absence of the Department/Agency Director.
We are looking for someone who is:
Hands‑on and proactive.
You are a creative self‑starter and problem‑solver who can implement effective operational systems and workflows.
Experienced and knowledgeable.
You bring experience with housing and community development programs and funding sources, along with strong organizational, planning, writing/editing, and financial skills that support the success of the role.
Politically and organizationally astute.
You are able to navigate complex inter‑departmental, cross‑departmental, and citywide issues while managing competing priorities and demands.
What you will typically be responsible for:
Providing general administrative support to the department head and executive leadership team.
Building public awareness of affordable housing in Oakland through the development of short‑ and long‑range public information projects, including communications and community engagement efforts for the department.
Directing event planning efforts for the department, including press conferences, site tours for local and visiting partners, internal staff events, and more.
Building and maintaining relationships with local media outlets and sources.
Developing and implementing inclusive community engagement strategies for the department, including establishing standards and schedules for public‑facing events, centralizing materials, coordinating logistics, training staff, and more.
Developing and facilitating trainings for staff on narrative and communications best practices and techniques.
Evaluating the impacts of the department’s narrative and communications activities.
Responding to and resolving citizen questions and complaints.
Participating in ongoing department leadership meetings and joint meetings with partner agencies to maintain awareness of departmental work and inform communication strategy.
Directing, supervising, and evaluating subordinate professional and sub‑professional personnel.
A few reasons you might love this job:
You will have the ability to shape the development and delivery of important City services.
You will serve in a highly impactful role supporting the needs of Oakland’s most vulnerable residents.
You will work in a highly visible role that engages with stakeholders across the city.
You will collaborate with a team of dedicated and thoughtful staff to highlight and celebrate Oakland’s approaches to housing solutions.
A few challenges you might face in this job:
You will manage multi‑faceted responsibilities.
You will meet time‑sensitive deadlines.
Competencies Required:
Adaptability:
Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
Analyzing & Interpreting Data:
Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
Attention to Detail:
Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
Building & Maintaining Relationships:
Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
Critical Thinking:
Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
Industry Monitoring:
Grasping the external political, economic, competitive, and social factors affecting the industry
Informing:
Proactively obtaining and sharing information
Involving Others (Engaging Teams):
Engaging others for input, contribution, and shared responsibility for outcomes
Leadership:
Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal
Legal & Regulatory Navigation:
Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
Oral Communication:
Engaging effectively in dialogue
Professional Impact:
Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
Thinking & Acting Systematically:
Formulating objectives and priorities, and implementing plans consistent with the long‑term interests of the organization in a global environment
Valuing Diversity:
Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
Education: • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, accounting, or a related field. A Master's degree is desirable.
Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience performing complex administrative duties including two years of supervisory experience.
License or Certificate / Other Requirements: An incumbent in this position is expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties. Due to the nature of the assignment and the hours worked, public transportation may not be an efficient method for traveling to required locations. An individual appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver’s License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.
The Recruitment Process: This is an at‑will position, exempt from the provisions of the City of Oakland Civil Service Rules, per Charter Section 902(f). All applications received will be forwarded to the City of Oakland Housing & Community Development Department (HCD) for further consideration. Meeting the minimum qualification requirements may not result in further consideration; only the most qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.
What’s in it for you?
Work/Life Balance: 37.5‑hour work weeks
15 paid holidays
Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre‑tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
Deferred compensation: 457(b) pre‑tax plan and an after‑tax ROTH 401(k) plan
Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to 200k & Employee Training.
*Please note: Salary is negotiable within the defined range depending on qualifications. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found at Working for Oakland.
Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.
Disaster Service Workers
All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker‑related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
How to Apply Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm. If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday‑Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238-3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment‑specific questions, please contact Ellen Dillard at EDillard@oaklandca.gov.
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