Employee Relations Manager

The Position

To view the full Recruitment Brochure click HERE (Download PDF reader)

The City of Oakland is searching for a talented, energetic professional to serve as the Employee Relations Manager. The Employee Relations Manager will have broad and expert experience in and a thorough understanding of labor and employee relations.

The ideal candidate has excellent interpersonal skills and is successful at building and maintaining strong working relationships across the organization. This top manager serves as a strategic labor relations partner and will be responsible for the full spectrum of employee relations, including negotiations, investigations, grievance processing, training and discipline. Additional oversight and responsibilities include acting as a management advisor and contributing to overall organizational health. High level experience for a mid-size or large governmental organization is essential for success in this role, with highly desirable experience in prior roles as Chief Negotiator.

The Employee Relations Manager will be well supported by a strong and committed leadership team, which will enable the best energetic, collaborative, and creative efforts to positively contribute to Oakland’s workforce.

Examples of Duties

The Employee Relations Manager reports to the Director of Human Resources Management. The responsibilities of this position involve considerable discretion and latitude of judgment in the formulation and development of workplace policies and procedures, as well as supervision and direction over professional and technical staff. This position also coordinates work activities of a variety of technical consultants. The ER Manager is responsible for labor and employee relations for a workforce of over 4,200 employees.

Oakland has a vibrant and diverse workforce, which consists of seven collective bargaining groups that represent and support City staff. The ability to understand complex policies, rules, and labor agreements in a collective bargaining work environment is key to the success of the ER Manager.

Key responsibilities include:

• Cultivate a positive work environment by collaborating with staff, administration, departments, and other important stakeholders who rely on quality human resources services;
• Manage employee and labor relations activities for the City of Oakland to comply with labor agreements, facilitate open communication between labor groups and appropriate management staff;
• Exercise considerable discretion and latitude of judgment in the formulation and development of policies and procedures;
• Provide leadership and direction, evaluation, and modification of existing goals, policies, programs, and labor agreements;
• Serve as Chief Negotiator and/or oversee the overall coordination of collective bargaining for wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment;
• Direct and supervise employee relations activities that support organizational development and health;
• Manage and conduct a variety of investigations, issue findings related to complaints and allegations; recommend modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate;
• Conduct complex research; prepare and present reports including recommendations and conclusions to the Director of Human Resources, Mayor’s Office, City Administrator, and City Council.

Minimum Requirements for Application

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in human resources, public or business administration, social science, or a related field. A Master’s degree may be a plus.

Experience: Six years of progressively responsible experience in public sector personnel administration and management, including at least four years in a supervision or management capacity. Highly desirable experience includes having previously served as Chief Negotiator during successor negotiations, and experience working in a highly unionized environment. Relative experience in a medium to large, complex municipal organization is required. California experience may be a plus although all highly qualified candidates on a national basis will be evaluated for further consideration.

License: 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.

Full Discretion of the City of Oakland: The above qualifications are guidelines, as the appointing authority (Director of Human Resources) has broad discretion in filling this position. The Director will have the full right to evaluate the education, experience, and overall career history of candidates to advance individuals for an interview or further consideration in this process.

Supplemental Information

The Process
The process for the ER Manager position will begin with the screening of applications, resumes, and cover letters by the Human Resources Management Department. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview - likely with a panel of external stakeholders familiar with the position and with internal representatives. The most highly qualified candidate will be selected for this critical position and will serve at the pleasure of the Director of Human Resources.

Compensation & Benefits
This comprehensive package reflects the City's commitment to attracting and retaining top talent in public service. The salary range for this position is $181,694.04 to $223,066.44 annually. Salary is negotiable within the defined range depending on qualifications. Benefits include generous medical insurance, life insurance, automobile allowance, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, management leave, public sector retirement (CalPERS 2.5% @ 55 classic member; 2% @ 62 new PEPRA member), and voluntary deferred compensation. Click on the link (Download PDF reader) for the city’s 2025 Benefits Matrix.

How to Apply
To be considered, please submit a comprehensive resume and compelling cover letter outlining the background and experience that makes you the ideal candidate, electronically through the city's online applicant portal.

Candidates are encouraged to apply no later than Monday, December 22, 2025.

This is a confidential process and references will not be requested or contacted until mutual interest has been established. Interviews will take place in January 2026. It is anticipated that the selected Employee Relations Manager will join the City of Oakland in March 2026 (or sooner).

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to Director Mary Hao at (510) 238-6450 or MHao@oaklandca.gov.