Budget & Grants Administrator (HSD

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. The City of Oakland offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Oakland residents every single day. As a member of our team, you won't just be processing numbers, you'll be enabling critical services that help our community's most essential residents thrive.

In the Human Services Department's Finance Division, your expertise in grants management and budgeting directly supports essential programs serving Oakland's diverse communities. From aging and homelessness services to nutrition and community development initiatives, your work ensures vital human services have the financial foundation they need to succeed. You'll manage a diverse portfolio of funding sources and collaborate with dedicated colleagues and community partners in a mission-driven organization committed to equity and social justice.

If you're a detail-oriented finance professional looking to apply your skills for meaningful public impact, this is an opportunity to help Oakland residents thrive while building deep expertise in public sector finance.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Strong in financial management proficiency. You have extensive experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and analysis, particularly in the context of public sector or community development projects.
• An expert in grant management. You have a solid understanding of the full lifecycle of compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Is detail-oriented. You are precise in handling budgets and financial documents and should demonstrate the ability to review complex financial data thoroughly to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Has effective communication skills:
  You clearly communicate financial information to both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• A problem solver:
  You are able to address funding components, compliance issues, or financial reconciliation, and are adept at finding solutions to financial or administrative challenges.
• Experienced in project management:
  Given that grant management often involves multiple stakeholders and deadlines, you should have strong organizational and project management skills to track timelines and progress effectively.
• An expert in technical and analytical proficiency:
  You have strong proficiency in Excel and data management tools. You are capable of creating dashboards, data visualizations, and other analytical tools to support financial decision-making. Experience with scripting (e.g., VBA, Python, SQL) to automate processes and enhance data analysis is highly desirable. You have the ability to run financial predictions, conduct scenario planning, and model different spending scenarios which is critical for strategic budget planning and resource allocation.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Providing technical assistance and guidance to program managers and staff on budget preparation, financial planning, and compliance with grant requirements, offering expert advice to improve financial planning and spending.
• Supporting strategic financial planning and funding efforts by analyzing financial data to identify trends and provide recommendations for resource allocation for capital projects and helping share long-term goal development and community initiatives.
• Helping manage and oversee the department's budget by tracking expenditures, monitoring financial reports and ensuring compliance with fiscal policies and regulations.
• Monitoring grant funds and budget to ensure appropriate allocation, timely disbursement, and compliance with funding guidelines, while working closely with program managers to track spending and adjust as necessary.
• Collaborating with external funding agencies and partners, ensuring timely submissions of reports and effectively communicating financial needs.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Direct Impact:
  You will improve lives across Oakland by funding senior nutrition programs and supporting homelessness services and community development initiatives.
• Intellectual Challenge:
  You will tackle complex financial challenges by managing multiple funding streams, optimizing budgets, and navigating public sector policies- while making a real difference.
• Collaborative Environment:
  You will work alongside passionate professionals in a supportive team that values collaboration, professional growth, and work-life…