About Orinda
The beautiful City of Orinda is a family-oriented community of approximately 20,000 residents who enjoy a semi-rural setting surrounded by majestic tree-studded hillsides within its 12.8 square miles. It is bordered by the cities of Lafayette, Moraga, Berkeley, and Oakland. Orinda is located in Contra Costa County, within 20 minutes of downtown San Francisco. A BART station is situated in the center of the community allowing a convenient commute within the Bay Area.
Orinda incorporated as a City in 1985, after more than 100 years of gradual development and has a reputation as a well-managed and stable municipal government. The City operates under a Council/Manager form of government, with five elected city council members who serve at-large, each for a four-year term. The City of Orinda has a dedicated and professional staff of approximately 40 budgeted employees supplemented with part-time and seasonal staff.
Location
Description
Are you a motivated professional who thrives on making an impact, managing meaningful projects, and supporting strong community leadership? The City of Orinda is seeking an experienced and dynamic Assistant to the City Manager to join our dedicated team!
In this key role, you’ll work closely with the City Manager and Assistant City Manager to coordinate high-profile projects and initiatives that shape the City’s future. From policy development and community outreach to economic development and emergency preparedness, your work will touch every corner of city operations.
What You’ll Do:
Lead and manage citywide programs and special projects, including disaster and emergency preparedness, economic development, legislative advocacy, and communications.
Provide professional research, analysis, and policy recommendations to City leadership.
Support City Council relations and interagency coordination.
Contribute to budget preparation and fiscal analysis.
Represent the City at regional meetings, community events, and emergency operations.
What We’re Looking For:
A creative, solutions-oriented professional with strong organizational and communication skills.
Experience in local government administration, public policy, or a related field (4+ years preferred).
A Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, urban planning, finance, communications, or related area (Master’s degree preferred).
Someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoys engaging with the community.
Why Orinda?
Nestled in the beautiful East Bay hills, Orinda is known for its scenic charm, engaged community, and high quality of life. Join a small but mighty city team that values innovation, teamwork, and service excellence.
Compensation:
This is an at will, exempt management position offering a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. The City of Orinda offers a unique opportunity to recent retirees who want to continue to contribute, as we are not part of the CalPERS Retirement system.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply today and help lead Orinda forward!
Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a collaborative, forward-thinking professional who enjoys working on a wide range of projects that make a difference in the community. They are skilled at juggling multiple priorities and thrive in an environment that values teamwork, creativity, and public service.
This individual is a trusted advisor—someone who can confidently analyze complex issues, communicate clearly with diverse audiences, and develop practical, well-reasoned recommendations for City leadership. They are politically astute, yet approachable and grounded, with a commitment to transparency, integrity, and high-quality customer service.
They will bring:
A strong understanding of local government operations and the ability to navigate interdepartmental and interagency relationships.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, presentations, and outreach materials.
Demonstrated success managing special projects, policy initiatives, and/or community programs from concept through completion.
The ability to think strategically, act proactively, and adapt to changing priorities.
A collaborative spirit, positive attitude, and genuine interest in serving the Orinda community.
Benefits
The City of Orinda offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for its management-level employees, designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.
Compensation & Salary Progression
Employees are eligible for annual 5% step increases based on performance, in addition to any cost-of-living adjustments approved by the City Council.
Work Schedule
To promote work-life balance, City employees enjoy a 9/80 work schedule, with every other Friday as a regular day off. City Hall is closed on alternate Fridays.
Retirement
The City contributes 13% of base salary to a MissionSquare 401(a) Money Purchase Plan (defined contribution) and will match up to 3% of the employee's contribution. The employee contribution elected at time of hire is irrevocable. A three-year vesting period applies, or employees are fully vested upon reaching age 55.
The City of Orinda does not participate in CalPERS or Social Security (except for Medicare), making Orinda a unique opportunity for recent retirees who want to continue to contribute.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may participate in a MissionSquare 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to supplement retirement savings.
Retiree Medical & Retiree Health Savings Account (RHSA)
The City provides access to retiree medical coverage through CalPERS, consistent with Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) provisions to employees who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Unrepresented Employee Manual.
In addition, the City is currently implementing a Retiree Health Savings Account (RHSA) program to help employees plan and save for future healthcare expenses. City contributions to the RHSA will help employees cover qualified medical expenses after retirement, providing additional flexibility and long-term financial security.
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
The City offers a variety of medical plans through CalPERS, including several low-cost options for employees and their dependents. An in-lieu medical payment is available with proof of alternate coverage.
The City pays the full premiums for family dental (Delta Dental) and vision (VSP) coverage.
Leave Accruals
In lieu of separate vacation and sick leave, employees earn General Leave (Paid Time Off) starting at 19 days per year, increasing by one day annually up to a maximum of 25 days.
Executive Management employees also receive 80 hours of Management Leave each fiscal year. This amount is pro-rated based on date of hire.
Holidays
The City observes 14 paid holidays per year, including two floating holidays (9 hours each) available every fiscal year.
Life & Disability Insurance
The City provides life insurance equal to one times annual salary (up to $150,000 maximum) and covers the cost of long-term disability insurance.
The City participates in State Disability Insurance (SDI, which is employee-funded.
Additional Benefits
Flexible Benefits Plan for pre-tax health and dependent care expenses
Transit Plan for pre-tax commuter benefits; City Hall is conveniently located near Orinda BART
Employee Assistance Program (EAP), City-paid
Reduced Parks & Recreation program fees for employees and dependents
Educational and professional development opportunities
Special Instructions
Closing Date: November 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM
The job application must be completed in full. Please provide detailed information on your experience that aligns with the qualifications outlined in the job announcement, starting with your most recent position. List each promotion separately. Voluntary, non-paid experience will be considered if relevant to the position.
A resume cannot replace the application form. However, the City encourages all applicants to submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their interest in the position along with the completed application.
It is the applicant's responsibility to clearly demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications specified in this job announcement.
The City of Orinda is an equal opportunity employer and values workplace diversity.