Job Title

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. This is a continuous job announcement. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, as this recruitment could close at any time.  The Office of Councilmember Zac Unger, representing District One, is currently seeking candidates for permanent staff positions. District One includes a vibrant mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors in North Oakland. The office is focused on delivering responsive constituent services and advancing policy priorities that improve the quality of life for Oakland residents. Staff in this office work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment supporting legislative, policy, and community engagement efforts across a wide range of issue areas. We are a high-output, low-drama office, focused on substance over style. Our goal is to do the hard work of actually making government function. Why Join City Council - District 1 You will be part of a small, high-functioning team committed to effective public service, thoughtful policymaking, and strong community relationships. This is an opportunity to work closely on issues impacting public safety, housing, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and economic development at the local level. Councilmember Unger is Looking for Someone Who is: * Committed to public service and improving outcomes for Oakland residents; * A strong communicator who can engage with diverse stakeholders; * Analytical and solutions-oriented, with sound judgment; * Adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment; and * Collaborative and team-oriented, with a willingness to support a range of office needs. What You Will Typically Be Responsible for: * Supporting the Councilmember on policy and programmatic matters, particularly related to public safety, health, and education * Conducting policy research, analysis, and drafting written materials including reports, memos, and correspondence * Attending and staffing City Council and committee meetings (e.g., Public Safety, Life Enrichment, and Education-related bodies) * Coordinating with City departments, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to advance policy priorities * Responding to constituent inquiries and supporting casework resolution * Assisting with community meetings, events, and outreach efforts * Supporting broader office initiatives and special projects as needed * Click on the link below to see a video on what it's like to work for the City of Oakland! Working for the City of Oakland A Few Reasons You Might Love This Job: * Direct impact on policies and programs affecting Oakland communities * Exposure to a wide range of City operations and leadership decision-making * Opportunity to engage with residents, stakeholders, and policymakers * Dynamic work environment with meaningful, mission-driven work A Few Challenges You Might Face in This Job: * Managing competing priorities and urgent issues simultaneously * Navigating complex organizational structures and public processes * Working on high-profile or sensitive issues that may generate public interest * Balancing long-term policy work with immediate constituent needs Competencies Required: * Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job * Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability * Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims * Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships * Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products * Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals * Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires * Professional Impact: Presenting oneself as a positive representative of the organization * Writing: Communicating effectively in writing * Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue * Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications is acceptable: Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Planning, Sociology, Psychology, or a closely related field. Professional experience in public policy, government, or community-based work can substitute the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. License: Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties. Desired Qualifications * Experience working in public policy or public administration. * Expertise in community engagement. Other: Special qualifications for individual positions may be established including specialized knowledge, abilities, education and experience. Time Commitment: Positions in the City Council's Office are typically 37.5 hours per week / five days per week. Flexibility to complete work both in the office and remotely. Some special projects or meetings may require extra, evening, or weekend hours from time to time. Must be willing to work irregular days and hours, as needed. What's in it for you?  * Work/Life Balance: 37.5 hour work weeks. Option for a hybrid remote work schedule upon successful completion of probationary period.  * 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. * Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found here:  Working for Oakland | City of Oakland, CA Salary is negotiable within the defined range depending on qualifications.  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 Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as this continuous recruitment may close at any time. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at: Along with your application, please attach a compelling cover letter, a comprehensive resume, and a writing sample. 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 GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact GovernmentJobs 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 Mario Goldsby at .