Job Description
The Position 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 style over substance.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 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 Minimum Requirements for Application 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 educati