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.

Oakland Animal Services (OAS) is the open-admission animal shelter for the City of Oakland. Key services include helping sick and injured animals, including wildlife, investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty, intaking stray animals and surrendered pets, and getting animals adopted.

The Executive Assistant to the Director supports OAS by working closely with the Director and the Assistant to the Director, including the development of policies and procedures, overseeing the hiring process, and assisting with budgets and contracts. The Executive Assistant to the Director also provides support to staff throughout the department to help improve daily operations.

OAS services are focused on equity and providing resources to pet guardians who most need support. The person hired for this position will be joining a compassionate and dedicated team that is helping increase lifesaving for shelter animals and providing services to low-income pet guardians, when possible, to help keep animals with their families.

Check out our video: https://youtu.be/fKdmh_MvX5g

We are looking for someone who is:

• Self-directed and comfortable taking the initiative on a wide range of projects.
• Able to navigate the processes of the City Oakland and seek assistance from different departments when needed.
• Able to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks at one time.
• Able to manage working in a stressful environment while remaining calm and effective.
• Able to bring a positive attitude and communicate with the public, volunteers and co-workers in a pleasant, courteous and tactful manner at all times.

• Overseeing all aspects of recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new employees.
• Providing support in the development of the departmental budget.
• Working with other departments and vendors to develop all necessary contracts and ensuring compliance.
• Tracking expenses and ensuring payment of all incoming invoices.
• Responding to public records requests.
• Keeping department staff informed of all key decisions and any changes to policies and procedures.
• Leading interdepartmental teams to solve problems and improve processes.

• OAS helps people and animals with the greatest needs
• The Executive Assistant to the Director interacts with people dealing with a wide range of issues, so the work is never boring
• The people at OAS care deeply about the mission
• There is a lot of opportunity to share ideas and help OAS evolve into a more progressive, community-serving organization

• As an open-admission shelter, OAS cannot control intake and many animals have behavioral or medical challenges
• The work is emotionally challenging and requires the ability to set boundaries and find time for self-care
• OAS operates with very limited resources

• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks
• Ability to complete complex tasks with minimal instructions
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff throughout the City government
• Experience with typical office equipment and software
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including usage of proper English grammar, spelling, punctuation and editing
• Ability to navigate government procedures and systems
• Experience developing and maintaining budgets
• Ability to maintain confidential information

• Click on the link below to see a video on what it's like to work for the City of Oakland!

The following qualifications are guidelines, as the appointing authority has broad discretion in filling positions in this classification.

• Experience working in an animal shelter, clinic or kennel.
• Experience with State and Local laws regarding animal welfare
• Experience working in human services and/or working with people who are low-income
• Experience working with highly emotional people.

• Salary: $79,909.44 - $98,115.12 annually
• 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.