During part of his time as BYU president, Oaks served as a regional representative, assigned to oversee some of the stakes in the Salt Lake Valley. After leaving BYU, Oaks conducted research and other assignments for the church's special affairs committee, headed by Gordon B. Hinckley, and overseeing public relations, government relations, and related matters. In the years prior to his call as an apostle, Oaks served as a teacher in his ward Sunday School organization, first in a class for the 16-year-olds and later in the class for adults.