Jobs and Careers

Deputy Director, Econ/Workforce Dev

City of Oakland

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 24 Jul 2026

💰 $212,374/yr($172,963/yr – $212,374/yr)

About the role

Posting number: 26-EM139-07

Department: Economic & Workforce Development Department

Job classification: Deputy Director, Econ/Workforce Dev

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Administration, Management

Summary

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 Workforce Development Division of the City's Economic and Workforce Development Department?

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.

We are looking for someone who is:

A Visionary and Strategic Workforce Leader. You will set bold goals and develop innovative workforce strategies that help job seekers, businesses, and industries achieve economic vitality across Oakland, while aligning initiatives with federal, state, and local policy frameworks.
Experienced in Public-Sector program and Fiscal Management. You will oversee complex system administration under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), including budgeting, contracting with service providers, performance monitoring, stewardship of public workforce resources, and identifying opportunities to leverage additional funding through government grants and philanthropic partnerships.
An Exceptional Ambassador and Relationship Builder. You will serve as the mayor's liaison to the Workforce Development Board while cultivating partnerships with employers, labor organizations, community groups, funding agencies, and other public entities to strengthen Oakland's workforce system.
A Collaborative and Solutions-Oriented Leader. You will work across City departments and with internal teams to coordinate initiatives, resolve complex issues, and align workforce priorities across multiple stakeholders.
An Effective People and Organizational Leader. You will assign, coach, and develop staff; oversee project implementation; establish clear accountability; and strengthen systems that promote quality, consistency, and continuous improvement across workforce programs.
Policy-Savvy and Results-Driven. You will develop policies and procedures that reflect best practices, ensure regulatory compliance, advance measurable outcomes, and promote continuous improvement.
Adaptive and Resilient. You will navigate evolving workforce trends, funding landscapes, and community needs with flexibility, sound judgment, and a commitment to equity and opportunity for all Oakland residents.
Strong in Executive Communication and Public Engagement. You will confidently present information to elected officials, community partners, and other stakeholders; facilitate public meetings; and clearly and effectively communicate complex workforce initiatives.
Highly Organized and able to Manage Competing Priorities. You will manage multiple high-priority initiatives, balance com