Deputy Director, Econ/Workforce Dev

City of Oakland•Oakland, CA

17d

About 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. The Deputy Director of Economic & Workforce Development manages the Workforce Development Division and serves as the Executive Director of Oakland's Workforce Development Board (OWDB). In this dual leadership role, you will provide strategic direction for Oakland's workforce system by developing innovative workforce strategies that strengthen businesses, expand employment opportunities, and promote long-term economic vitality for Oakland residents. Reporting to the Director of the Economic & Workforce Development Department, you will oversee administration of the City's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, including budgeting, contracting, performance monitoring, and compliance. You will cultivate partnerships with federal, state, regional, and local agencies; collaborate with City departments and community stakeholders; supervise and develop staff; and serve as the mayor's liaison to the Workforce Development Board. This is a unique opportunity to shape workforce policy, strengthen regional partnerships, and expand equitable access to quality jobs while advancing the City's vision for inclusive economic growth.

Requirements

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in public policy, public administration, business administration, economics, finance, urban planning, or a closely related field.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience performing complex administrative duties in an economic or business development environment, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.

Nice To Haves

A master's degree in a related field is desirable.

Responsibilities

Directing the full lifecycle of complex projects, from long-range planning and organizational design to successful implementation and quality control, ensuring alignment with the mayor's vision and City goals.
Providing high-level staff support and strategic direction to the Oakland Workforce Development Board (OWDB), facilitating board functions, policy development, and the execution of the WDB mission.
Leading the preparation, administration, and forecasting of project budgets; managing WIOA allocations and leveraging additional funding through government grants and philanthropic partnerships.
Acting as the primary liaison between the City Council, the Workforce Development Board, and private groups, building strategic alliances with labor, business, and community organizations to promote local hiring and workforce awareness.
Developing and implementing policies, procedures, and evaluation tools that ensure all project activities remain compliant with WIOA regulations, local laws, and established administrative standards.
Negotiating and administering high-level contracts with service providers and project participants, ensuring all deliverables meet cost, schedule, and benchmarks.
Supervising, evaluating, and mentoring assigned staff, fostering a professional environment through active training, resource assignment, and performance development.
Preparing highly responsible staff reports and data-driven evaluation tools for the City Administrator and council to demonstrate the impact, efficacy, and progress of workforce initiatives.