Program Manager, Economic Innovation

Position: Program Manager, Economic Innovation

Status: Full-time employee 

Compensation: up to $100,000 annually

Contract Term:  One year term with possibility of extension pending funding sources

Reports to: Director of Programs

About the Role

The Oakland Fund is seeking a  Program Manager, Economic Innovation  to lead implementation of Town Alive—a first-of-its-kind initiative in partnership with the City of Oakland focused on Responsible AI Activation Zones and Economic Activation.

This role serves as the program lead for a high-visibility, two-year pilot at the intersection of economic development, emerging technology, and community-driven innovation. The Program Manager will drive execution, build coalitions across public and private partners, and help shape a model that can transition into long-term City policy and practice.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to build something new, work closely with City leadership, and help define how AI and economic innovation show up in Oakland communities.

The position is ideal for someone with a background in innovative workforce development and community building who is excited to help design a pilot, build a proof of concept, and oversee the permanency of AI integration into the City of Oakland.

Own day-to-day execution of the Town Alive initiative and ensure forward momentum across all program components.

• Serve as the primary point of coordination across The Oakland Fund, Economic and Workforce Development & other City Departments, and community partners
• Lead implementation of AI Activation Zones, Innovation Days, Bridge-to-AI youth workforce efforts, small-business AI clinics, and community activations.
• Build and manage relationships across Oakland’s AI, workforce, higher education, and small business ecosystem
• Coordinate schedules, logistics, and communications across all partners and activities.
• In partnership with Economic and Workforce Development, support the coordination of Entertainment Activation Zone logistics and corridor activations
• Ensure alignment across partners and maintain progress toward shared goals and milestones

Translate pilot activity into insights that inform long-term City strategy.

• Track program outputs, participation, and early outcomes
• Document key learnings, challenges, and best practices
• Develop clear, non-technical summaries for City, partners, and funders
• Oversee development of recommendations for how successful components transition into permanent City programs

Oversee the growth and sustainability of the initiative.

• Contribute to grant proposals, budgets, and program narratives
• Track deliverables and reporting for funders
• Maintain up-to-date program materials and impact documentation
• Help shape a cohesive narrative around Oakland’s people-first AI and economic innovation strategy

Ensure strong internal systems and smooth program operations.

• Maintain organized systems for tracking partner engagement and program activities
• Oversee communication and coordination with external stakeholders
• Assist with events, briefings, and public activations
• Identify operational gaps and proactively recommend solutions

• Assist with event logistics for briefings, public rollouts, activations, and community gatherings.
• Oversee contracting, invoicing, and grant-related documentation with The Oakland Fund operations staff.
• Identify emerging issues proactively and recommend solutions to The Oakland Fund and partners.

• 3 years of experience in program management, economic development, workforce development, or cross-sector partnerships
• Demonstrated experience building coalitions across multiple stakeholders (government, nonprofit, community, or private sector)
• Strong relationship builder with the ability to navigate complex environments
• Familiarity with Oakland’s community, civic-tech, small-business, AI, or workforce ecosystem.
• Strong listening, speaking, and writing skills; able to translate across government, nonprofit, and community spaces.
• Interest in AI, economic innovation, and community-centered development (technical background not required)
• Self-directed, organized, reliable, and comfortable in fast-moving environments.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and responsible, community-centered innovation
• Alignment with Oakland’s values for responsible AI—equity, transparency, community voice, and inclusion.
• Comfortable working in fast-moving, ambiguous environments and taking ownership of outcomes

This is a full-time, salaried position with an annual compensation of up to $100,000, commensurate with experience.

The Oakland Fund offers a competitive benefits package, including 100% employer-covered health, dental, and vision insurance; generous PTO; and access to retirement savings options.

In addition, this role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of city government, emerging technology, and community impact—helping shape a first-of-its-kind initiative with the potential to influence long-term policy and practice in Oakland.

To apply: email a cover letter and resume to careeers@oaklandfund.org with the subject line “Program Manager, Economic Innovation Application.” Review will begin on Wednesday, April 15th and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.