Ethics Investigator

Military, Veterans and Diverse Job Seekers; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Oakland seeks a qualified investigator to assist with enforcement reviews, complaint processing, and case development to support the integrity of Oakland's elections and government operations.

The role offers hybrid telecommuting options, opportunities for autonomy within supervision, and exposure to a diverse range of matters across campaigns and ethics regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal law, public policy, political science, journalism, finance, accounting, or related field.
• Three years of progressively responsible investigative experience in administrative, civil, or criminal law.
• Desirable: JD or Master's degree; familiarity with campaigns, local government, leadership certificates, or ethics laws.

Responsibilities

• Assist with Enforcement Chiefs review of complaints to determine jurisdiction and whether to investigate.
• Track complaint intake, prepare case files, draft correspondence, maintain enforcement database, and communicate with parties.
• Investigate and gather factual information, interview relevant parties, obtain evidence, conduct research, and develop a recommendation for resolution.
• Prepare written summary of facts, initial analysis, and staff recommendation.
• Respond to information requests and assistance on matters within jurisdiction.
• Draft and serve subpoenas.
• Conduct field investigations as needed, including via motor vehicle.
• Perform administrative duties as needed to support Enforcement Units.

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal law, public policy, political science, journalism, finance, accounting, or a related field

Job description

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Assisting with the Enforcement Chiefs review and processing of complaints submitted to the Commission to assess whether the Commission has legal jurisdiction, conducting preliminary research to determine the type of violation and whether a further investigation is warranted, and recommending the next course of action.
• Tracking complaint intake to ensure timely and accurate response, preparing case files, drafting and sending correspondence, maintaining enforcement database, and communicating with parties as necessary.
• Investigating and gathering comprehensive factual information; interviewing relevant parties, obtaining documentary evidence, conducting research online and in City offices, analyzing the information, and developing a recommendation for case resolution.
• Preparing written summary of facts, initial analysis of the case, and potential staff recommendation.
• Responding to requests for information and assistance on matters related to the Commissions work and laws within the Commissions jurisdiction.
• Drafting and serving subpoenas.
• Conducting field investigations as needed, including through the use of a motor vehicle.
• Performing administrative and clerical duties on an as-needed basis when necessary to the Enforcement Units work.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Your job schedule is flexible with hybrid telecommute options
• You will have a large degree of autonomy over the scope and conduct of your investigations, under the supervision of the Enforcement Chief.
• You will be performing work of great importance to the people of Oakland, insofar as the Enforcement Units work ensures the integrity of Oaklands elections and the ethical functioning of its government.
• You will be handling a range of cases concerning diverse subject matters, and involving issues and challenges that can vary from day-to-day. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on new stimulation versus a predictable daily routine.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will be utilizing limited resources to address program needs.
• You will need to keep abreast of relevant laws and policies.
• You may need to meet tight deadlines at times.
• You may need to confront or gather evidence from parties who disagree with your conclusions or are reluctant to cooperate; a tolerance for conflict, and respectful demeanor with opposing parties, are both essential.
• You will manage multiple competing priorities and projects.

Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal law, public policy, political science, journalism, finance, accounting, or a related field.

Experience:

Three years of progressively responsible professional investigative experience, preferably in administrative, civil, or criminal law or in investigative journalism. Experience with campaign finance, lobbyist, transparency or ethics laws and regulations is highly desirable.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Possession of a Juris Doctor or Master's degree
• Familiarity with the administration of political campaigns and/or local governmental processes
• Leadership or management certificates
• Experience with campaign finance, lobbyist, transparency or ethics laws and regulations is highly desirable