Chief of Neighborhood Economic Development and Small Business

ABOUT THE SHEFFIELD ADMINISTRATION 

Detroit is entering a historic new chapter under Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield, the city’s first woman to serve as Mayor. Elected with a decisive mandate, Mayor-Elect Sheffield brings a steady, community-rooted approach to governing—one focused on listening to residents, healing long-standing divides, and delivering meaningful improvements in daily life across every neighborhood. She will take office on January 1, 2026, with a commitment to building a city that lifts every family and expands opportunity for all.

As she forms her administration, Mayor-Elect Sheffield is assembling a talented, diverse team of leaders who bring deep expertise, lived experience, and the courage to put forward bold, innovative ideas that move Detroit forward. Her team will drive a City government grounded in collaboration, equity, transparency, and results. The Sheffield Administration seeks mission-driven individuals who are ready to serve, ready to build, and ready to help shape Detroit’s future.

ABOUT THE OFFICE
The Office of Neighborhood Economic Development & Small Business sits within the Mayor’s Office and leads Detroit’s strategy to strengthen neighborhood corridors, accelerate community-rooted economic growth, and make Detroit the best place in the country to start and grow a small business. The office coordinates major levers of economic mobility through a localized Neighborhood Economic Development division, a Business Innovation and Emerging Industries Division, and a Small Business Affairs and Economic Opportunity Division. This work directly centers resident voice within neighborhood development, ensures that business innovation expands into new industries, and supports Detroit-based entrepreneurs to start, grow and expand their businesses easily and reliably. The Chief of Neighborhood Development and Small Business ensures that reinvestment and economic expansion reaches every neighborhood—not only the city’s major commercial areas. Through direct engagement with small businesses, community organizations, corridor stakeholders, investors, and philanthropic partners, the office advances Mayor-Elect Sheffield’s vision of equitable economic opportunity, community-driven revitalization, and inclusive prosperity.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Chief of Neighborhood Economic Development & Small Business serves as the Mayor’s senior executive strategist for neighborhood-based economic growth, corridor revitalization, small-business development and  business modernization. Reporting directly to the Mayor, the Chief leads Detroit’s citywide agenda to strengthen neighborhood commercial corridors, improve the business climate, attract and retain small and medium-sized enterprises, and, importantly, streamline administrative processes to reduce barriers to doing business in Detroit. The role requires a visionary leader with deep expertise in economic development, land use, business attraction and retention, small-business ecosystems, corridor development strategy, and developing Detroit’s historic neighborhoods according to the needs and wants of Detroit residents. This work occurs cross-administratively, in concordance with the Master Plan, and in partnership with the Chief of Housing, Planning, Workforce and Economic Development and others. The Chief also works in close partnership with DEGC, DDA, CRIO, labor, philanthropic partners, business associations, lenders, small-business technical assistance providers, and cross-agency city staff to ensure Detroit’s small businesses—and the neighborhoods they anchor—thrive. This role is central to implementing the Mayor’s commitment to community wealth-building, equitable neighborhood development, and making Detroit the most supportive and accessible environment in the nation for entrepreneurs. 

This role will drive key priorities outlined in Mayor-Elect Sheffield’s policy agenda, including:

• Advancing a neighborhood-first development strategy that strengthens commercial corridors in every district

• Build Detroit’s small-business ecosystem with a focus on Detroit-based entrepreneurs, legacy businesses, and first-time founders

• Leading citywide business innovation by developing new tools, partnerships, and service models that make Detroit a national leader in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.

• Modernize administrative practices to allow businesses to quickly and easily navigate permitting, inspections, and licensing processes, making Detroit the easiest city in America to start and grow a business

• Launch and expand the Office of Small Business Affairs to deliver hands-on, neighborhood-based assistance to entrepreneurs

• Drive small-business retention and expansion through coordinated support, capital access, technical assistance, and strategic incentives

• Partner with DEGC, DDA, CRIO, and philanthropic institutions to align investments with neighborhood needs and local business growth

• Support Detroit’s “Destination Detroit” population-growth strategy by strengthening neighborhood amenities, retail opportunities, and mixed-use corridors

• Ensure that underserved businesses and business owners have equitable access to resources, capital, and opportunities

• Lead a citywide strategy to develop underutilized commercial properties, vacant storefronts, and aging corridor infrastructure

• Develop a data-driven system to track business openings, closures, retention rates, corridor health, and equitable investment

• Integrate workforce supports—childcare, transportation, apprenticeships—into neighborhood business strategies to connect residents with good jobs

This description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive; duties, responsibilities, and activities may be modified at the discretion of the Mayor.

Core responsibilities include: 

• Oversee Detroit’s neighborhood economic development strategy, ensuring commercial corridors across all seven districts receive focused planning, investment, and coordinated support

• Direct small-business development efforts, including attraction, retention, expansion, permitting navigation, and business-support programs

• Lead implementation and growth of the Office of Small Business Affairs and ensure services are accessible in neighborhoods through direct outreach and citywide hubs

• Coordinate with DEGC, DDA, CRIO, Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department (BSEED), and other agencies to streamline business processes and accelerate approvals

• Guide major corridor revitalization projects, land transactions, incentive strategies, and catalytic development activities in neighborhood districts

• Collaborate with lending institutions, CDFIs, philanthropic funders, and technical assistance providers to increase capital access for Detroit-based entrepreneurs

• Shape transparent and equitable development incentives that prioritize neighborhood benefit, local hiring, small-business inclusion, and long-term affordability

• Serve as a senior advisor to employers, investors, developers, and business associations seeking to grow within Detroit’s neighborhoods

• Coordinate citywide programs to reduce barriers for small businesses, including childcare supports, transportation solutions, digital access, and workforce-housing connections

• Represent the Mayor in negotiations, business-retention visits, corridor strategy meetings, and regional economic-development partnerships

• Develop performance metrics and a public dashboard to track corridor vitality, business growth, and equitable investment

• Ensure community voice informs business-development strategy by partnering with Neighborhood District Managers, block clubs, corridor groups, and resident leaders.

Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree in public policy, economics, business administration, urban planning, real estate development, or related field preferred

• Ten or more years of experience in economic development, small-business support, commercial corridor revitalization, urban real estate, or related fields

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-agency initiatives in fast-paced, politically sensitive environments

• Experience working with DEGC, DDA, CRIO, or similar economic-development entities strongly preferred

• Proven success in small-business attraction, retention, expansion, or permitting reform

• Strong experience in commercial real estate, corridor planning, land use, or redevelopment of mixed-use districts

• Skilled in economic-development finance, including incentives, grants, TIF, bonds, CDBG-funded business programs, and public-private partnerships

• Deep familiarity with Detroit’s business landscape, corridors, micro-enterprise challenges, and neighborhood economic conditions strongly preferred

• Exceptional relationship-building skills with residents, business owners, lenders, developers, philanthropic partners, and community groups

• Commitment to equity, transparency, community voice, and inclusive economic development aligned with the values of the Sheffield Administration.

Rate of Pay: $179,000 - $200,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.  

Benefits: Our goal is to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce by providing generous healthcare and other benefits to eligible employees. Learn more about benefits for City of Detroit employees.

Equal Opportunity in Employment: The Sheffield Administration is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above, we encourage you to apply if you believe you have the skills, experience, and expertise necessary to thrive in this role. The City of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds—including those historically underrepresented in municipal government—to apply.

APPLY HERE

Chief of Neighborhood Affairs - Mayor’s Office

ABOUT THE SHEFFIELD ADMINISTRATION 

Detroit is entering a historic new chapter under Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield, the city’s first woman to serve as Mayor. Elected with a decisive mandate, Mayor-Elect Sheffield brings a steady, community-rooted approach to governing—one focused on listening to residents, healing long-standing divides, and delivering meaningful improvements in daily life across every neighborhood. She will take office on January 1, 2026, with a commitment to building a city that lifts every family and expands opportunity for all.

As she forms her administration, Mayor-Elect Sheffield is assembling a talented, diverse team of leaders who bring deep expertise, lived experience, and the courage to put forward bold, innovative ideas that move Detroit forward. Her team will drive a City government grounded in collaboration, equity, transparency, and results. The Sheffield Administration seeks mission-driven individuals who are ready to serve, ready to build, and ready to help shape Detroit’s future.

ABOUT THE OFFICE  

The Office of Neighborhood Affairs is the administration’s front-door to Detroit’s communities, responsible for ensuring that every resident—across every neighborhood, block club, senior building, and community group—feels directly connected to City Hall. The office serves as Detroit’s central hub for resident engagement, neighborhood coordination, senior services, youth outreach, violence-prevention programming, and community-based partnerships. Through district managers, deputy district managers, senior advocates, youth coordinators, CVI liaisons, and faith-based connectors, the office brings city services out of downtown and directly into neighborhoods, meeting residents where they are. The work is grounded in Mayor-Elect Sheffield’s commitment to resident voice, block-by-block empowerment, and community-driven government that is visible, accessible, and accountable.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Mayor, the Chief of Neighborhood Affairs is the administration’s senior executive responsible for ensuring every Detroiter is engaged, heard, and supported through neighborhood-based service, advocacy, and partnership. This role leads the City’s district infrastructure—including District Managers, Deputy District Managers, Opportunity & Empowerment Hub coordinators, Senior Citizen Services, Youth Affairs, Community Violence Intervention, Faith-Based Engagement, and a range of advisory boards and cultural/identity coalitions. The Chief organizes these functions into a unified, resident-centered system that elevates neighborhood priorities into City policy, strengthens trust between residents and government, and coordinates cross-departmental delivery of services and support. The Chief ensures Detroiters’ lived experiences shape decisions around housing, safety, youth, seniors, small business, development, mobility, and citywide resource allocation.

This role will drive the administration’s priorities, including:

• Establish a citywide neighborhood engagement model that ensures every resident has a direct relationship with the administration

• Strengthen Detroit’s network of block clubs, promote formation of new neighborhood associations, and expand grassroots leadership development

• Launch Neighborhood Opportunity & Empowerment Hubs that co-locate services, supports, and community resources in accessible locations

• Ensure neighborhood needs and feedback inform citywide policy, budget, and development decisions

• Develop a coordinated service-delivery model across all senior buildings and senior-facing resources

• Strengthen community violence intervention strategies through neighborhood-based outreach and trusted messengers

• Integrate youth engagement, youth leadership development, and safe-spaces programming into district operations

• Formalize the role of identity- and culture-based coalitions (LGBTQ, ethnic groups, returning citizens, immigrant communities) within neighborhood decision-making

• Expand faith-based partnerships to support neighborhood stability, social services, and community-led initiatives

• Ensure timely information flow between neighborhoods and the Mayor’s Office, with clear follow-through on commitments made to residents

This description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive; duties, responsibilities, and activities may be modified at the discretion of the Mayor.

Core responsibilities include: 

• Oversee the full district infrastructure, including District Managers, Deputy District Managers, Opportunity & Empowerment Hub teams, and neighborhood-facing service units

• Lead the City’s strategy to build, support, and scale block clubs, neighborhood associations, and community-led networks

• Supervise Senior Citizen Services, ensuring strong advocacy and support systems across all senior buildings and senior-serving organizations

• Oversee the Office of Youth Affairs, including youth coordinators, youth engagement initiatives, and neighborhood-based youth programming

• Provide executive oversight of Community Violence Intervention operations within neighborhoods, ensuring seamless coordination with CVI Office leadership

• Manage faith-based engagement through the Faith-Based Director and liaisons, ensuring congregations and faith anchors are integrated into neighborhood planning and service coordination

• Coordinate identity- and culture-based advisory boards, ensuring their insights inform citywide strategy

• Ensure neighborhood needs and priorities are collected, analyzed, and elevated directly to the Mayor to shape policy, programs, and special initiatives

• Lead cross-departmental coordination to bring city services directly into neighborhoods and senior/special population buildings

• Represent the Mayor at neighborhood meetings, community events, crisis response gatherings, and cross-agency coordination sessions

• Provide regular briefings to the Mayor on neighborhood trends, service gaps, resident feedback, and emerging community priorities

• Develop systems for case management, service referrals, follow-up tracking, and citywide customer service expectations

• Ensure rapid-response protocols are in place for neighborhood-level issues relating to safety, housing, infrastructure, and service delivery

• Champion resident-centered governance across all City departments and ensure neighborhood perspectives inform economic development, housing, and public safety decisions

Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree in public administration, urban planning, social work, community development, public policy, or a related field preferred

• Ten or more years of senior leadership experience in community engagement, neighborhood services, or cross-sector public service

• Deep familiarity with Detroit neighborhoods, community organizations, senior buildings, block clubs, and resident leadership networks strongly preferred

• Demonstrated experience building and leading teams in complex community-facing environments

• Proven record of designing or scaling neighborhood-rooted programs or resident-support systems

• Experience managing community engagement during major planning, housing, economic development, or public safety initiatives

• Strong relationship-building skills with residents, block clubs, youth, seniors, faith leaders, and advocacy organizations

• Ability to navigate sensitive community concerns with empathy, diplomacy, and credibility

• Experience coordinating multi-agency teams and working in fast-paced executive environments

• Commitment to equity, community voice, transparency, and the values of the Sheffield Administration

Rate of Pay:  $179,000- 304,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.  

Benefits: Our goal is to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce by providing generous healthcare and other benefits to eligible employees. Learn more about benefits for City of Detroit employees.

Equal Opportunity in Employment: The Sheffield Administration is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above, we encourage you to apply if you believe you have the skills, experience, and expertise necessary to thrive in this role. The City of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds—including those historically underrepresented in municipal government—to apply.

APPLY HERE

Chief of Housing, Planning, Workforce and Economic Development

ABOUT THE SHEFFIELD ADMINISTRATION 

Detroit is entering a historic new chapter under Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield, the city’s first woman to serve as Mayor. Elected with a decisive mandate, Mayor-Elect Sheffield brings a steady, community-rooted approach to governing—one focused on listening to residents, healing long-standing divides, and delivering meaningful improvements in daily life across every neighborhood. She will take office on January 1, 2026, with a commitment to building a city that lifts every family and expands opportunity for all.

As she forms her administration, Mayor-Elect Sheffield is assembling a talented, diverse team of leaders who bring deep expertise, lived experience, and the courage to put forward bold, innovative ideas that move Detroit forward. Her team will drive a City government grounded in collaboration, equity, transparency, and results. The Sheffield Administration seeks mission-driven individuals who are ready to serve, ready to build, and ready to help shape Detroit’s future.

ABOUT THE OFFICE

The Office of Housing, Planning, Workforce & Economic Development is housed within the Mayor’s Office and serves as the administration’s central coordinating body for Detroit’s housing, neighborhood planning, economic development, and workforce strategy. This office aligns the work of key agencies and partners—including the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA), Housing & Revitalization Department (HRD), Planning & Development Department (PDD), Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity (CRIO), Detroit at Work, Detroit Means Business, and major philanthropic and industry partners—to ensure Detroit residents directly benefit from reinvestment, job creation, and long-term neighborhood stability. The office’s mission is to expand affordable housing and homeownership programs, accelerate infill and single-family housing development, reform land stewardship practices, support community-led development, strengthen local business ecosystems, and align Detroit’s talent pipelines with the high-quality jobs of today and tomorrow. All work is grounded in the values of equity, resident voice, and the belief that Detroit’s growth must be driven by and for Detroiters.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Mayor, the Chief of Housing, Planning, Workforce & Economic Development serves as a senior executive responsible for integrating Detroit’s major housing, planning, economic-development, and workforce systems into one coordinated, community-centered agenda. The Chief ensures direct alignment between neighborhood-led housing strategies, infill and single-family development, planning and zoning priorities, Detroit Land Bank and Housing Commission reforms, economic-development initiatives, and workforce pipelines that prepare Detroiters for great-paying jobs. This role oversees major citywide housing planning and development functions, including equitable incentive and tax-abatement policy; recruitment and retention of large and emerging industries; economic mobility strategies; CRIO’s inclusion and community benefit agreement compliance efforts; and workforce partnerships spanning employers, unions, and training institutions. The Chief is responsible for ensuring that resident feedback meaningfully informs policy and development decisions and that Detroiters experience visible improvements in housing quality, economic opportunity, and neighborhood stability. This position requires a visionary leader with deep policy expertise, exceptional community relationships, and the operational skill to drive large-scale, cross-agency systems toward measurable results.

This role will drive the administration’s neighborhood priorities, including:

• Lead Detroit’s unified Housing, Planning, Workforce, and Economic Development strategy under one cohesive vision

• Ensure alignment between community-driven housing development, infill and single-family construction, and long-term neighborhood planning

• Advance business-attraction strategies to recruit major employers and emerging industries into Detroit’s economic base

• Coordinate high-quality workforce pipelines that prepare Detroiters for careers in mobility, clean energy, healthcare, tech, logistics, skilled trades, and advanced manufacturing

• Drive comprehensive reform of the Detroit Land Bank Authority to improve transparency, customer experience, and community benefit

• Drive comprehensive reform of the Detroit Housing Commission to improve transparency, customer experience, and community benefit

• Expand first-generation homeownership pathways

• Facilitate small-scale development pipelines and neighborhood-based rehabilitation efforts

• Guide equitable tax-abatement, incentive, and investment strategies that stabilize neighborhoods and produce clear public benefit

• Oversee core economic-development functions including DEGC, DDA, CRIO, Detroit Means Business, and entrepreneurship strategy

• Build and implement Detroit’s citywide Master Plan with sustained resident engagement

• Source and manage federal funds for anti-displacement, home-repair, and affordability-preservation strategies benefitting Detroit residents

This description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive; duties, responsibilities, and activities may be modified at the discretion of the Mayor.

Core responsibilities include: 

• Oversee Detroit’s integrated housing, planning, workforce, and economic-development portfolio from within the Mayor’s Office

• Lead cross-agency teams including DLBA, PDD, HRD, DEGC, DDA, CRIO, Detroit at Work, and philanthropic and private-sector partners

• Direct the development and execution of the citywide Neighborhood Development Plan with strong community participation

• Strengthen infill and single-family housing development pipelines, including land disposition, permitting, financing strategies, and small-scale developer support

• Drive major reforms to the Detroit Housing Commission and Detroit Land Bank Authority to improve customer service, community alignment, and equitable outcomes

• Guide policy and operational strategies for tax abatements, incentives, zoning, and land-use tools

• Develop comprehensive economic-development strategies that support legacy businesses, attract major employers, and grow Detroit’s industry clusters

• Oversee Detroit Means Business, small-business supports, commercial corridor development, and entrepreneurship strategies

• Align Detroit at Work and employer partnerships to build workforce pipelines that match industry needs and prepare residents for quality jobs

• Promote equitable development practices and ensure CRIO’s supplier diversity and inclusion goals support Detroit-based and minority-owned businesses

• Work closely with neighborhood leaders and residents to ensure housing and economic decisions reflect community priorities

• Represent the Mayor in major negotiations, development discussions, and intergovernmental economic projects

• Monitor neighborhood and economic indicators to guide policy decisions and ensure transparency

• Coordinate large-scale funding strategies across local, state, federal, and philanthropic sources

• Ensure strong collaboration between planning, housing, economic development, and workforce systems to deliver measurable improvements for Detroit residents.

Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree in public policy, urban planning, real estate, economics, business administration, law, or a related field preferred

• Ten or more years of senior leadership experience in housing, planning, economic development, workforce strategy, or cross-agency public administration

• Demonstrated experience managing core economic-development agencies or programs such as DEGC, DDA, CRIO, small-business ecosystems, or major development authorities

• Proven experience leading infill and single-family housing development, rehabilitation programs, and community-driven development strategies

• Experience managing land-bank operations, land disposition, real estate development strategies, or complex incentive systems

• Strong understanding of Detroit’s neighborhoods, economic landscape, housing systems, land stewardship challenges, and business environment

• Experience recruiting or supporting large-scale employers and emerging industries

• Expertise in tax abatements, zoning, land-use policy, and economic-development finance tools

• Exceptional ability to build relationships with residents, developers, employers, unions, community organizations, and philanthropic partners

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, transparency, community voice, and neighborhood-centered development

• Ability to work in fast-paced, politically sensitive environments and lead complex cross-departmental initiatives.

Rate of Pay:  $179,000 - $200,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits: Our goal is to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce by providing generous healthcare and other benefits to eligible employees. Learn more about benefits for City of Detroit employees.

Equal Opportunity in Employment: The Sheffield Administration is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above, we encourage you to apply if you believe you have the skills, experience, and expertise necessary to thrive in this role. The City of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds—including those historically underrepresented in municipal government—to apply.

APPLY HERE

Chief Operating Officer

ABOUT THE SHEFFIELD ADMINISTRATION 

Detroit is entering a historic new chapter under Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield, the city’s first woman to serve as Mayor. Elected with a decisive mandate, Mayor-Elect Sheffield brings a steady, community-rooted approach to governing—one focused on listening to residents, healing long-standing divides, and delivering meaningful improvements in daily life across every neighborhood. She will take office on January 1, 2026, with a commitment to building a city that lifts every family and expands opportunity for all.

As she forms her administration, Mayor-Elect Sheffield is assembling a talented, diverse team of leaders who bring deep expertise, lived experience, and the courage to put forward bold, innovative ideas that move Detroit forward. Her team will drive a City government grounded in collaboration, equity, transparency, and results. The Sheffield Administration seeks mission-driven individuals who are ready to serve, ready to build, and ready to help shape Detroit’s future.

ABOUT THE OFFICE  

The Office of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) oversees day-to-day municipal operations and works across Detroit’s service departments to ensure that residents receive high-quality, reliable, and responsive services. The office oversees Public Works, General Services, Transportation, Information Technology, and other operational units to oversee demolition and construction activity, strengthen performance, modernize systems, and support the Mayor’s commitment to a government that listens, heals, and delivers.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Chief Operating Officer serves as the senior executive responsible for coordinating Detroit’s operational departments and advancing citywide performance. Reporting directly to the Mayor, the COO leads strategic planning, service delivery improvements, operational excellence initiatives, and cross-departmental coordination. The role provides executive leadership to department directors, ensures consistent implementation of citywide policies, drives modernization efforts, and represents the Mayor with internal and external stakeholders on operational matters.

This description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive; duties, responsibilities, and activities may be modified at the discretion of the Mayor.

Core responsibilities include: 

• Provide leadership and direction to Detroit’s operational departments to ensure alignment with the Mayor’s priorities.

• Develop and implement citywide operational systems and performance standards that promote efficiency, accountability, and customer service.

• Oversee interdepartmental coordination to address cross-functional challenges and improve service delivery.

• Support the Mayor in executive and administrative duties, including evaluation of departmental management and operations.

• Lead operational planning, resource allocation, workforce deployment, and performance management initiatives.

• Oversee departmental budgets, monitor spending, and recommend adjustments to support service improvements.

• Advance major operational projects such as technology upgrades, infrastructure optimization, and resident-facing improvements.

• Represent the Mayor in meetings with City Council, residents, business leaders, labor partners, and regional agencies.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing municipal operations.

• Build a culture of accountability, integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement across operational departments.

• Supervise senior operational leaders and support leadership development across City operations.

• Prepare executive-level reports, operational analyses, and communication materials for the Mayor.

• Facilitate committees, task forces, and cross-departmental teams addressing operational priorities.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Mayor.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, law, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.

• Five (5) or more years of senior management experience in a municipal government or equally complex organization, with responsibility for multiple divisions or service lines.

• Deep operational knowledge of government processes, including service delivery systems, infrastructure, facilities, IT, fleet management, and inter-departmental coordination.

• Proven skills in performance management, process improvement, organizational development, and operational strategic planning.

• Strong financial acumen, including direct experience managing large departmental budgets, overseeing resource allocation, and monitoring operational spending.

• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with City leadership (Mayor, Council), department directors, labor unions, community stakeholders, regional partners, and business leaders.

• Exceptional decision-making and judgment capabilities; ability to analyze complex issues, make data-informed recommendations, and lead through politically sensitive situations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive-level reports, presentations, and briefings for the Mayor and external audiences.

• Track record of working successfully with diverse communities and implementing resident-centered service delivery models that advance equity and inclusion.

• High emotional intelligence, professionalism, adaptability, and capacity to lead teams through change and deliver operational excellence in a dynamic city environment.

• Working knowledge of Detroit, its communities, and local government, or the ability to quickly develop this knowledge.

Rate of Pay: $166,516 - $200,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.  

Benefits: Our goal is to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce by providing generous healthcare and other benefits to eligible employees. Learn more about benefits for City of Detroit employees.

Equal Opportunity in Employment: The Sheffield Administration is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above, we encourage you to apply if you believe you have the skills, experience, and expertise necessary to thrive in this role. The City of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds—including those historically underrepresented in municipal government—to apply

APPLY HERE

Chief Counsel - Office of the Mayor

ABOUT THE SHEFFIELD ADMINISTRATION 

Detroit is entering a historic new chapter under Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield, the city’s first woman to serve as Mayor. Elected with a decisive mandate, Mayor-Elect Sheffield brings a steady, community-rooted approach to governing—one focused on listening to residents, healing long-standing divides, and delivering meaningful improvements in daily life across every neighborhood. She will take office on January 1, 2026, with a commitment to building a city that lifts every family and expands opportunity for all.

As she forms her administration, Mayor-Elect Sheffield is assembling a talented, diverse team of leaders who bring deep expertise, lived experience, and the courage to put forward bold, innovative ideas that move Detroit forward. Her team will drive a City government grounded in collaboration, equity, transparency, and results. The Sheffield Administration seeks mission-driven individuals who are ready to serve, ready to build, and ready to help shape Detroit’s future.

ABOUT THE OFFICE  

The Office of the Mayor serves as the executive leadership center of the City of Detroit, responsible for advancing the Mayor’s policy agenda, coordinating citywide strategy, and delivering service to neighborhoods and residents. The Chief Counsel leads the Mayor’s in‑house legal team and serves as principal legal advisor to the Mayor, senior leadership, and City departments. The office provides legal oversight, risk management, regulatory compliance, legislative review, contract negotiation, ethics guidance, litigation strategy, and interagency coordination. Under the Mayor‑Elect’s administration, legal guidance plays a critical role in promoting transparency, equity, neighborhood stabilization, and accountable public service. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Chief Counsel reports directly to the Mayor and serves as the administration’s top legal advisor, managing all major legal matters impacting the executive branch of the City. The Chief Counsel provides strategic legal guidance on legislation, policy development, intergovernmental agreements, contracts, public records, ethics, regulatory compliance, and litigation risk. This role requires a seasoned attorney with substantial municipal or governmental legal experience, strong judgment, political acumen, and the ability to lead in high-stakes, rapidly evolving environments. The Chief Counsel ensures that legal strategy supports equitable governance, sound decision‑making, and the effective delivery of services to residents.

This role will drive the administration’s priorities, including:

• Ensuring that major policy initiatives—such as neighborhood revitalization, housing stability, public health, and economic opportunity—are supported by strong legal frameworks.

• Providing legal leadership that enables the City to negotiate major agreements, innovate in service delivery, and safeguard public assets.

• Advising the Mayor on transparency laws, ethics obligations, regulatory changes, and governance reforms.

• Coordinating legal strategy across departments, City Council, external partners, and state and federal agencies.Promoting proactive risk management, compliance, and equitable legal practices.

This description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive; duties, responsibilities, and activities may be modified at the discretion of the Mayor.

Core responsibilities include: 

• Lead the Mayor’s legal office, establish strategic priorities, and supervise senior legal staff.

• Advise the Mayor on legislation, executive orders, contracts, redevelopment agreements, public‑private partnerships, and procurement.

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, land‑use agreements, and other legal instruments.

• Oversee compliance with state and federal laws, local ordinances, ethics standards, and transparency requirements.

• Serve as senior legal counsel for major initiatives involving housing, neighborhood development, public health, and infrastructure.

• Coordinate legal strategy with the Law Department, departmental attorneys, and outside counsel.

• Prepare legal briefings, decision memos, and strategic assessments for the Mayor and executive leadership.

• Monitor legal developments impacting the City’s operations and policy agenda.

• Strengthen legal frameworks supporting neighborhood‑driven development and equitable services.

Qualifications: 

• Member in good standing of the Michigan Bar and eligible to practice law in Michigan.

• At least ten years of legal experience, including significant municipal or governmental practice.

• Experience advising elected officials or senior executives in high‑stakes environments.

• Strong background in municipal law, contracts, procurement, land‑use, litigation management, and public‑sector governance.

• Exceptional judgment, communication, and leadership skills.

• Record of proactive risk management, strategic thinking, and organizational leadership.

• Commitment to equitable governance, neighborhood inclusion, and transparent operations.

• Experience in Detroit or a major urban municipal environment strongly preferred.

• Juris Doctor required; additional specialization preferred.

Rate of Pay: $170,000-$200,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.  

Benefits: Our goal is to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce by providing generous healthcare and other benefits to eligible employees. Learn more about benefits for City of Detroit employees.

Equal Opportunity in Employment: The Sheffield Administration is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above, we encourage you to apply if you believe you have the skills, experience, and expertise necessary to thrive in this role. The City of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds—including those historically underrepresented in municipal government—to apply.

APPLY HERE