Program Analyst III (Selective Certification -Cultural Funding Coordinator)

City of Oakland; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid holidays

CalPERS retirement

Dental

Vision

Job summary

The City of Oakland Cultural Affairs Division is seeking a Program Analyst III (Selective Certification - Cultural Funding Coordinator) to advance grantmaking, policy development, and program implementation within the Economic & Workforce Development Department.

The role focuses on managing grants, contracts, and budgets while coordinating with artists, cultural organizations, and stakeholders across Oakland and the Bay Area.

Qualifications

• Experience in designing, managing, and reporting on grant-funded programs.
• Strong customer service and public speaking skills.
• Ability to represent the Division at conferences, meetings, and public events.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison and represent the Division publicly at meetings, events, and conferences.
• Lead cultural programs and initiatives.
• Develop and manage funding and grants, including proposals and evaluation.
• Oversee contracts and program budgets, monitor expenditures and compliance.
• Analyze data and prepare reports for leadership and stakeholders.
• Supervise Program Analyst II staff and interns.

Skills

Grant development

Public speaking

Data analysis

Project management

Stakeholder relations

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in arts administration or related field

Job description

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 City of Oakland Cultural Affairs Division?

The City of Oakland is seeking a Program Analyst III (Selective Certification - Cultural Funding Coordinator) to join the Economic & Workforce Development Department's Cultural Affairs Division during an exciting period of growth and innovation. This highly visible leadership role supports the Cultural Affairs Manager in advancing strategic initiatives that strengthen Oakland's arts and cultural ecosystem through grantmaking, fundraising, policy development, program implementation, contract and budget oversight, and community partnerships. The position also plays a central role in supporting the Cultural Affairs Commission by coordinating meeting logistics, preparing agendas and reports, managing communications, and ensuring effective administration. The ideal candidate brings knowledge of Oakland and the Bay Area's cultural landscape, strong customer service and public speaking skills, and the ability to represent the Division at public meetings, conferences, and community events while building relationships with artists, organizations, and stakeholders.

The Program Analyst III (Selective Certification - Cultural Funding Coordinator) leads complex projects, conducts research and analysis, develops and administers programs, negotiates contracts, manages grants, prepares reports and recommendations for City leadership and advisory bodies, and supervises Program Analyst II staff and other assigned team members.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Mission-driven and culturally grounded– Passionate about advancing arts, culture, and equity, with a deep appreciation for Oakland’s diverse cultural landscape.
• Experienced in grant development and administration– Demonstrated expertise in designing, writing, managing, and reporting on grant-funded programs, including overseeing full grant cycles from application through implementation, compliance, and evaluation.
• Collaborative and relationship-oriented– Builds and maintains strong partnerships with artists, cultural organizations, funders, and community stakeholders across Oakland and the broader Bay Area.
• Strategic and adaptable– Thrives in evolving environments, embraces change, and is excited to help rebuild and strengthen funding strategies while launching new initiatives and pilot programs.
• Experienced in managing and leading teams– Experienced in supervising staff, mentoring team members, and fostering a supportive, accountable, and high-performing team environment.
• Data-driven and analytical– Skilled at interpreting and presenting data to inform decision-making, evaluating program impact, and communicating results to diverse stakeholders.
• Poised and diplomatic– An engaging and polished public speaker who can independently represent the Division at conferences, community events, public meetings, and high-level events, while also serving as a partner to the Cultural Affairs Manager in shared presentations, meetings, and external engagements.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Serving as a liaison and representing the Division publicly– Build relationships with community stakeholders and represent the Cultural Affairs Division at meetings, events, and conferences. Serve as a visible and trusted ambassador for the City. Manage public facing communications through social media and e-newsletters with support from Program Analyst II staff.
• Leading and managing key cultural programs and initiatives– Plan, implement, and continuously improve programs that support Oakland’s artists, cultural organizations, and creative communities, including new pilot efforts.
• Developing and managing funding and grants– Independently, and in partnership with the Cultural Affairs Manager, lead both grant making and grant writing activities, including identifying and pursuing external funding opportunities; research, develop, write and manage grant proposals; and design, administer, and evaluate grant programs that distribute funding to artists, cultural organizations, and other eligible recipients. Support broader fundraising and resource-development efforts to expand funding for Oakland's arts and culture programs.
• Overseeing contracts and program budgets– Manage contracts with artists, organizations, and partners; monitor budgets and expenditures; and help ensure funds are used effectively and in compliance with City requirements.
• Analyzing and preparing data and reports– Track program outcomes, analyze data, and prepare clear, compelling reports and presentations for City leadership, boards, funders, and the public.
• Supervising and supporting staff– Directly manage Program Analyst II staff and oversee interns, administrative staff, and other assigned team members by setting priorities, providing guidance, and supporting professional development.
• Supporting division strategy and leadership– Work closely with the Cultural Affairs Manager to advance strategic goals, shape new initiatives, and help guide the Division’s overall direction during a period of rebuilding and growth. In partnership with Program Analyst II staff, manage the administrative support for the Cultural Affairs Commission, including coordinating agendas and meeting materials, collecting and organizing submissions, and preparing reports, updates, and presentations for Commission meetings and related bodies.

The Program Analyst III (Selective Certification - Cultural Funding Coordinator) position requires additional qualifications to the general Program Analyst III. The general Program Analyst III job description is posted here: Program Analyst III.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Make a visible impact on Oakland’s cultural future– You will help shape programs, policies, and investments that directly support artists, cultural organizations, and the city’s diverse creative communities.
• Step into a leadership and public-facing role– You will serve as a key partner to the Cultural Affairs Manager, represent the City at events and conferences, and be a recognized liaison in Oakland’s arts and culture ecosystem.
• Be part of a rebuilding and innovation moment– You will contribute to strengthening funding strategies and launching new pilot programs, with real opportunity to influence how the Division evolves.
• Work at the intersection of creativity and strategy– You will combine data analysis, program development, and community engagement in a role that is both analytical and mission-driven.
• Collaborate with passionate colleagues and community partners– You will work alongside dedicated staff, artists, and organizations who are deeply committed to advancing arts, culture, and equity in Oakland.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Rebuilding sustainable funding for cultural programs– You will have to navigate a constrained and dynamic funding landscape while helping to identify, secure, and stabilize resources for grants and other initiatives.
• Working in a dynamic and shifting environment– You will need to adapt to changing priorities, new leadership directions, and evolving programs as the Division grows and refines its approach.
• Balancing multiple high-impact priorities– You will manage complex projects, contracts, and stakeholder relationships simultaneously while ensuring quality outcomes and meeting critical deadlines.
• Engaging diverse stakeholders with varying needs– You will have to build trust and align interests across artists, community organizations, funders, and City leadership—often with competing perspectives.
• Translating complex data into clear, actionable insights– You will analyze program outcomes and effectively communicate results to a wide range of audiences, from community members to policymakers.

Competencies Required:

• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
• Establishing Credibility: Doing what one commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others.
• Innovative Problem Solving: Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new and better ways of doing things
• Managing Performance: Ensuring superior individual and group performance
• Presentation Skills: Formally delivering information to groups
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Project Management: Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives

This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process.

This is a public contact position. The City highly encourages all bilingual candidates to apply! Some positions may require bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Under the authority of Civil Service Rules Section 5.03, if a position requires bilingual language skills, only those candidates who have indicated they are bilingual in the required language(s) will be referred. Bilingual candidates will be required to successfully pass a language proficiency test if selected for hire.

For Selective Certification (Cultural Funding Coordinator)

This recruitment is being announced in accordance with Section 5.03 of the Civil Service Rules. The eligible list generated from this announcement will only be used to fill Program Analyst III positions specialized in Cultural Funding Coordinator, including full-time and permanent part-time positions, if applicable, and may be used to fill future vacancies with the same Selective Certification.

Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable.

Education: Bachelor's degree in arts administration or in a related field. Graduate degree in arts administration is preferred.

Experience: Four (4) years of work experience in cultural funding program administration, including one (1) year of lead direction or supervisory experience.

License or Certification / Other Requirements: Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with grant writing, grant making, and grant management, including developing applications, administering grant programs, monitoring compliance, and preparing required reports.
• Experience analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data, and translating findings into clear reports, recommendations, and presentations for a variety of audiences.
• Experience managing or supporting public-facing programs or initiatives, including coordinating implementation, tracking outcomes, and ensuring accountability for results.
• Experience working in a public agency or government setting. Familiarity with public sector operations, including navigating administrative procedures, compliance requirements, public meetings, and interdepartmental coordination.

The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and HR staff reviews their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the “minimum qualifications” listed for each position.

Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas.

Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications.

In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.

For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be invited to the structured interview (sometimes referred to as an Oral Exam) (weighted 100%), which will be evaluated and rated by subject matter experts. The structured interview will either be conducted through Zoom or as a one-way video interview, where you will record your responses to a set of questions. For the one-way video, you will have seven (7) days from the time you receive the interview link to complete and submit your video responses. The structured interview date is tentative and may occur during the weeks of September 28, 2026, or October 5, 2026.

Candidates requesting reasonable accommodations for the examination process must request accommodations no later than one week before they are scheduled to take the exam; otherwise, it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Please complete the Request for Reasonable Accommodation in Testing form by clicking on this link or by copying and pasting the link into your browser to open it: https://cao-94612.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/Request-for-Reasonable-Accommodation-in-Testing-2.9.22-Fillable.pdf Send the completed form and any supporting documentation to the exam analyst: Mary Ann Gonzales at [e-mail].

Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you’re applying to a “restricted” posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.

The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

What’s in it for you?

• Work/Life Balance: 37.5 hour work weeks
• 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.

*Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found here: Working for Oakland | City of Oakland, CA

Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.

Disaster Service Workers

All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.