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
Shape Transparent, Effective Local Government
The City of Orinda is seeking a seasoned, highly organized, and service-oriented professional to serve as its next City Clerk. This is a unique leadership opportunity to play a central role as a key member of the Executive Team, ensuring compliance with complex legal requirements, and upholding the principles of transparency and public trust.
This position is well-suited for an experienced municipal professional who values precision, discretion, and public service. The City also welcomes interest from recently retired professionals seeking a meaningful opportunity to contribute their expertise in a flexible and impactful role.
Why Join Orinda?
Nestled in the beautiful East Bay hills, Orinda is recognized 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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as Clerk to the City Council, including attending meetings and ensuring accurate documentation of proceedings
- Oversee municipal elections and candidate filing processes
- Manage the preparation, distribution, and maintenance of agendas, minutes, and official records
- Administer the City’s records management and retention programs
- Ensure compliance with the Brown Act, Public Records Act, and other applicable regulations
- Coordinate legal notices, publications, and public communications
- Provide high-level administrative and strategic support to the City Council and City Manager
- Supervise department operations and administer the City Clerk budget
- Collaborate effectively with City departments and external agencies
For a full list of responsibilities and job related and essential qualifications, please review the job description.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, or a related field
Experience:
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in a City Clerk’s office or a comparable municipal environment
Licenses/Certifications:
- Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation is desirable (or ability to obtain)
- Notary Public certification within one year of hire
- Valid California Driver’s License
Special Requirements:
- Ability to attend evening City Council meetings
- Flexibility to work varied hours, including occasional weekends
- Ability to travel to different sites as needed
Selection Process:
Applications will be reviewed based on qualifications. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process, which may include multiple rounds and a practical exercise.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Interested candidates should submit a completed application, resume, and cover letter no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 1, 2026. For more information and to apply, please visit the CalOpps.org website.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate is a knowledgeable and trusted professional who brings sound judgment, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to public service.
They will demonstrate:
- Deep understanding of municipal government operations and City Clerk functions
- Expertise in elections, records management, and open meeting laws
- Exceptional organizational and communication skills
- Ability to manage complex processes with accuracy and efficiency
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with elected officials, staff, and the public
The City is seeking a collaborative and adaptable leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and can balance multiple priorities with professionalism and discretion.
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 and Benefits: This is an at will, exempt Department Head position offering a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.
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 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.
Retiree Health Savings Account (RHSA) The City contributes $110 per month to a MissionSquare Retiree Health Savings Account 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: July 1, 2026, 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.