Program Analyst III (Selective Certification -Cultural Funding Coordinator)

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.

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

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

Working for the City of Oakland

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 leadershipoften 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: