Social Media Manager - 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 leads Detroit’s strategy to build a government that is transparent, resident-centered, and connected directly to the people it serves. Under Mayor-Elect Sheffield, the administration is committed to authentic storytelling, inclusive engagement, and digital communication that reflects the lived experiences, priorities, and leadership of Detroiters. The Communications team manages the Mayor’s public voice across all platforms, ensuring Detroit residents receive timely, accurate, and accessible information about city initiatives, neighborhood investments, policy changes, and opportunities to get involved. The team works closely with every department, community-based organizations, and city leadership to elevate resident voices and strengthen trust between Detroiters and their government.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Social Media Manager serves as a core member of the Mayor’s Communications team and manages all social media content, strategy, and day-to-day digital engagement for the Office of the Mayor. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this role ensures the Mayor’s platforms reflect a clear, consistent, resident-focused voice that aligns with the priorities of the Sheffield administration. The Social Media Manager is responsible for developing content, producing real-time updates, uplifting community stories, and ensuring that Detroiters have direct access to information that impacts their neighborhoods and daily lives. This role requires exceptional judgment, fast-paced execution, and the ability to translate complex policies into accessible messaging. Two positions will support coverage seven days a week across all mayoral and citywide channels.

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

• Advance the administration’s commitment to transparent, resident-centered communication

• Increase awareness of city services, programs, and investments across Detroit’s neighborhoods

• Elevate youth voice, community stories, and resident leadership

• Support public safety, housing, economic mobility, and neighborhood revitalization messaging

• Strengthen digital engagement for key initiatives in health, human services, education, and small business growth

• Ensure inclusive communication practices that reach multilingual, immigrant, disability, senior, and digitally underserved communities

• Support rapid-response messaging during emergencies, weather events, and public-safety incidents

• Reinforce the Mayor’s key priorities and policy agenda through cohesive digital storytelling

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: 

• Develop, manage, and execute the Mayor’s social media strategy across all platforms

• Create daily written, visual, and multimedia content that communicates city priorities clearly and creatively

• Provide real-time event coverage including community visits, press conferences, neighborhood engagements, and major city announcements

• Translate policy, speeches, and city initiatives into accessible digital messaging for Detroit residents

• Coordinate with the Director of Communications, Executive Communications Specialist, and Digital & Creative Director to ensure messaging alignment

• Produce content calendars aligned with key policy deadlines, events, announcements, and citywide campaigns

• Monitor analytics and engagement to refine content performance and improve reach

• Respond to real-time developments with rapid, responsible, and strategic messaging

• Work with city departments to elevate service updates, opportunities, resources, and resident impacts

• Support crisis communications and emergency response messaging

• Ensure brand consistency and protect the Mayor’s voice, identity, and public-facing presence

• Maintain organized digital asset libraries, archiving content for future use

• Coordinate content needs with videographers, photographers, designers, and cross-department partners

• Stay informed about Detroit events, community issues, and resident priorities to shape relevant content

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, digital media, marketing, public relations, or related field

• Three or more years of experience in social media management, digital storytelling, or political/campaign communications

• Strong writing, visual storytelling, and digital communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality content in fast-paced, real-time environments

• Experience managing official public-sector or executive social media accounts preferred

• Understanding of Detroit’s neighborhoods, civic landscape, culture, and community dynamics

• Skill in social media analytics, platform tools, and content planning

• Ability to translate complex policy into accessible, community-friendly messaging

• Experience working with diverse audiences, including youth, immigrant, disability, senior, and grassroots communities

• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to work under pressure

• Evening, weekend, and flexible scheduling required based on Mayor’s calendar and emerging events

Rate of Pay:  $60,000 – $80,000 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

Senior Citizen Advocate

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 Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is the City of Detroit’s frontline connection to residents, delivering responsive service, helping residents navigate city systems, and ensuring neighborhood needs inform city decision-making. Within this mission, supporting Detroit’s seniors has become a key priority. Many older residents live in large senior buildings, rely on fixed incomes, and face challenges related to safety, building conditions, city services, health access, and social isolation. The office works across all neighborhoods and collaborates with community partners, service providers, and city departments to ensure seniors receive the support, respect, and care they deserve. The Senior Citizen Advocate plays a central role in advancing this mission.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Senior Citizen Advocate is responsible for supporting older Detroiters living in senior buildings, multifamily housing, and neighborhood communities throughout the city. The Advocate serves as the primary liaison between seniors, building managers, service providers, and city departments. The role focuses on identifying and resolving issues related to building conditions, safety, health and wellness access, transportation, social-service navigation, and quality-of-life concerns. The Advocate builds trusted relationships with residents, conducts regular site visits, organizes resource coordination, and ensures seniors have a clear pathway to city services, housing support, emergency assistance, and community-based programs. This position requires strong advocacy skills, deep knowledge of Detroit’s senior populations, and a passion for protecting the dignity and independence of older adults.

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

• Strengthening the city’s support systems for older adults by serving as their direct point of contact and ensuring their concerns are elevated and addressed.

• Ensuring senior buildings meet safety, maintenance, accessibility, and quality-of-life standards by coordinating across departments including Housing, Public Health, Police, Fire, Public Works, and the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department.

• Helping seniors to form Tenant Councils within Senior Buildings.

• Connecting seniors to essential services including home-repair support, housing navigation, food access, health and wellness programs, mobility services, digital access, and emergency response.

• Collaborating with community organizations, health providers, tenant associations, and senior-service nonprofits to build comprehensive support networks.

• Helping seniors navigate city services and advocating for systemic improvements that improve safety, access, and well-being across Detroit’s senior housing.

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: 

• Respond to and track concerns from seniors living in both senior-designated buildings and general neighborhoods.

• Coordinate with building managers, property owners, resident councils, and service providers to address quality-of-life issues.

• Work across City departments — including Housing, Health, Transportation, Public Safety, and Neighborhoods — to ensure timely follow-up on senior-related service needs.

• Conduct site visits to senior buildings to meet with residents, document issues, and monitor ongoing concerns.

• Organize and facilitate listening sessions, resource fairs, and outreach events specifically tailored to seniors.

• Assist seniors in navigating city programs such as home repair, utility support, eviction prevention, benefits access, and transportation services.

• Maintain detailed records, case notes, logs, and follow-up systems to ensure accountability and transparency in addressing senior concerns.

• Represent the Mayor’s Office at senior community events, advisory meetings, and engagements with nonprofit and philanthropic partners.

• Support emergency response needs for vulnerable seniors during weather events, outages, and building crises.

• Help strengthen partnerships with agencies that support aging populations, including AAAs, nonprofit senior providers, and health systems.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration, human services, gerontology, or a related field (or relevant equivalent experience).

• At least three years of experience working with seniors, supportive housing, property management, case management, or community-based human services.

• Strong understanding of senior housing challenges, aging-in-place issues, supportive services, and Detroit’s senior-building landscape.

• Ability to work effectively with seniors, caregivers, service providers, landlords, and City departments.

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills with demonstrated compassion and cultural humility.

• Experience coordinating multi-agency interventions or navigating complex service systems.Knowledge of Detroit’s neighborhoods, senior communities, and public-service landscape.

• Commitment to equity, resident-centered advocacy, and improving conditions for vulnerable seniors.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends for outreach and resident meetings.

Rate of Pay:  $80,000 - $100,000 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

Returning Citizens Liaison - 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 works to build a Detroit where every resident has equitable access to opportunity, stability, and pathways to prosperity. As part of the Sheffield Administration’s commitment to justice, dignity, and second chances, the City partners with community organizations, advocacy groups, employers, courts, and state agencies to support residents returning from incarceration. Detroit has one of the largest populations of returning citizens in Michigan, and their success is central to the city’s neighborhood strength, economic mobility, public safety, and long-term stability. The Returning Citizens Liaison helps ensure that the City’s systems, services, and policies are accessible, coordinated, and centered on the needs and aspirations of returning residents.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Chief of Neighborhood Affairs, the Returning Citizens Liaison serves as Detroit’s primary connector between returning citizens, reentry partners, community organizations, employers, and City departments. The role is responsible for elevating the voices and experiences of returning residents, supporting them in navigating city and community services, and helping coordinate cross-departmental efforts that remove barriers to housing, employment, identification, transportation, and economic opportunity. The Liaison also helps identify gaps in current systems, advises senior City leadership on reentry-related policy, and works to build a city where all returning residents feel welcomed, supported, and able to thrive. This role requires empathy, strong relationship-building skills, and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and community healing.

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

• Expanding coordinated reentry pathways to housing, employment, training, and credential restoration

• Strengthening partnerships with Detroit at Work, community organizations, employers, legal-aid providers, and reentry networks

• Reducing structural barriers to housing, transportation, and identification for returning residents

• Ensuring returning citizens are integrated into economic development, workforce, and neighborhood strategies

• Improving access to mental health services, substance-use supports, and trauma-informed care

• Supporting small-business development and entrepreneurship opportunities for returning residents

• Identifying gaps in City systems and recommending policy or procedural reforms

• Promoting dignity, inclusion, and resident-centered service delivery for all returning citizens

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: 

• Serve as the City’s primary liaison for returning citizens and reentry partners

• Provide direct support to returning residents navigating services, programs, and City departments

• Coordinate with Detroit at Work to connect residents to training, apprenticeships, and good-paying jobs

• Work with housing partners to expand access to safe, stable, and affordable housing options

• Support residents seeking identification documents, court navigation, expungement resources, and compliance support

• Identify systemic barriers and recommend policy, program, or process reforms to senior leadership

• Maintain relationships with reentry organizations, faith-based partners, legal-aid providers, and neighborhood groups

• Develop communication channels to keep returning citizens informed of opportunities and supports

• Organize listening sessions, community meetings, and advisory tables to elevate returning-citizen voices

• Track program outcomes, collect data, and develop reports that inform City strategy

• Collaborate with economic development teams to advance entrepreneurship pathways for returning residents

• Represent the Mayor’s Office at public meetings, community events, and statewide reentry conversations

Qualifications: 

• Experience working in reentry services, community advocacy, social work, workforce development, or related fields

• Strong knowledge of the needs, barriers, and experiences of returning citizens

• Ability to build trusting relationships with residents, service providers, employers, and government partners

• Deep familiarity with Detroit’s neighborhoods, institutions, community organizations, and justice-involved populations

• Commitment to equity, second-chance opportunities, and trauma-informed engagement

• Experience navigating government or social-service systems

• Strong communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to manage sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism

• Experience working in Detroit or with Detroit-based populations strongly preferred

Rate of Pay:  $60,000 – $80,000 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

Foundation Liaison to 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 Mayor’s Office serves as the central coordinating body for the City of Detroit’s strategic priorities, partnerships, and resident-centered agenda. Detroit’s philanthropic community plays an essential role in advancing neighborhood revitalization, public health, economic mobility, workforce pathways, housing stability, cultural vibrancy, and quality-of-life initiatives. The Foundation Liaison works within the Mayor’s Office to build and sustain long-term partnerships with Detroit’s robust philanthropic ecosystem—aligning shared goals, mobilizing investment, and ensuring that philanthropic resources meaningfully advance the needs of Detroit residents. The Office leads with transparency, community voice, and a belief that cross-sector collaboration is essential to the city’s future.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting directly to senior leadership in the Mayor’s Office, the Foundation Liaison serves as Detroit’s primary relationship manager to the philanthropic sector. The role is responsible for building aligned, long-term, trust-based partnerships that strengthen the Administration’s ability to deliver for residents. The Liaison develops strategy, coordinates regularly with foundation staff and executives, and ensures the Mayor’s priorities are clearly communicated and supported through philanthropic collaboration. This role requires an experienced partnership-builder with exceptional judgment, strong political and civic awareness, and deep understanding of Detroit’s community landscape. The Foundation Liaison will maintain a strong grasp of the Mayor’s full portfolio of initiatives and will work to braid philanthropic interest areas into new and existing programs that deliver measurable, equitable outcomes for Detroiters.

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

• Establish and steward long-term, strategic relationships with Detroit’s philanthropic partners

• Align philanthropic investment with the Mayor’s priorities in housing, neighborhoods, health, youth services, workforce, economic mobility, public safety, and cultural vitality

• Proactively identify opportunities where philanthropic collaboration can accelerate resident-centered outcomes

• Ensure transparent communication between the Mayor’s Office and foundations regarding initiatives, milestones, and needs

• Develop coordinated philanthropic strategies that strengthen cross-sector partnerships and minimize duplication of efforts

• Create mechanisms for ongoing philanthropic engagement, including briefings, roundtables, and co-designed initiatives

• Support the Administration’s commitment to equity, community voice, and neighborhood-centered development through targeted philanthropic partnerships

• Track regional and national philanthropic trends to position Detroit for competitive funding and innovative partnerships

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: 

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Mayor’s Office and philanthropic institutions in Detroit, the region, and national networks

• Develop and execute a comprehensive philanthropic engagement strategy aligned to the Mayor’s vision

• Cultivate and manage strong relationships with foundation executives, program officers, and sector leaders

• Coordinate communication between the Mayor’s Office, city departments, and philanthropic partners to ensure alignment and progress

• Maintain deep knowledge of Administration priorities in housing, economic development, public health, human services, small business, workforce, youth, arts, and neighborhood revitalization

• Create regular briefings, updates, and engagement opportunities for philanthropic partners

• Support philanthropic investment in city initiatives by preparing proposals, strategy documents, and partnership frameworks

• Identify opportunities for collaborative, multi-foundation investment strategies

• Ensure all philanthropic partnerships uphold transparency, ethical standards, and community-centered values

• Track, evaluate, and report on impact of philanthropic partnerships in alignment with city goals

• Collaborate with policy, data, and departmental leaders to identify high-impact opportunities for philanthropic alignment

• Support the Mayor’s Office in preparing for meetings, speeches, and events involving philanthropic stakeholders

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public administration, public policy, urban studies, business, or related field preferred

• Seven or more years of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, government relations, fundraising, or strategic partnerships

• Demonstrated success cultivating long-term institutional partnerships and managing complex stakeholder environments

• Strong understanding of Detroit’s philanthropic landscape, community organizations, and economic and social issues

• Ability to translate policy and program goals into compelling partnership strategies

• Exceptional communication, writing, and presentation skills

• High emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and the ability to navigate sensitive political and civic contexts

• Experience working with or within government, foundations, or large nonprofits preferred

• Commitment to equity, transparency, and resident-centered decision making

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced executive environment

Rate of Pay:  $80,000– $120,000 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

Education Liaison to 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 leads Detroit’s strategic priorities to strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and support a thriving future for all residents. Public education is central to this mission. Detroit’s education landscape includes Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), more than 70 charter schools, early-childhood providers, and numerous community partners working to support students and families. The Education Liaison serves as the Mayor’s senior advisor on all education matters and is the primary point of coordination between the City, the school district, public charter entities, community education organizations, and state-level partners. The role reflects the Mayor-Elect’s commitment to ensuring that every Detroit child has access to high-quality education, supportive services, safe learning environments, and pathways to future opportunity.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Education Liaison advises the Mayor on all issues related to K–12 education, early childhood, youth development, and school-community partnerships. The role serves as Detroit’s central convener across DPSCD, charter school authorizers, school operators, early-learning providers, youth-serving nonprofits, and City departments whose work touches children and families. The Liaison helps identify challenges, align city resources, strengthen school partnerships, elevate resident and student voice, and advance policies that improve educational outcomes and family well-being. This position requires deep familiarity with Detroit’s education ecosystem, strong political and interpersonal judgment, and the ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders in a complex environment.

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

• Strengthen the City’s partnership with DPSCD and charter-school operators to improve student outcomes and expand access to high-quality education.

• Advance early-childhood access and support the creation of safe, stable environments for Detroit’s youngest learners.

• Align City departments — including youth services, public health, transportation, housing, and recreation — to support schools, students, and families.

• Support the Mayor’s goals to expand safe routes to school, afterschool and out of school time programs,  improve student transportation equity, and enhance learning environments through neighborhood revitalization.

• Elevate youth and family voice in City decision-making and ensure policies reflect the lived experience of Detroit students and caregivers.

• Coordinate with workforce and economic-development leaders to strengthen pathways from high school to jobs, training programs, apprenticeships, and college opportunities.

• Monitor state and federal education policy changes and advise the Mayor on implications for Detroit students, schools, and families.

• Ensure collaborative, non-adversarial engagement between DPSCD, charter leaders, and the City by building trust, transparency, and shared problem-solving frameworks.

• 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: 

• Serve as the Mayor’s senior advisor on K–12 education, early childhood, and youth-development issues.

• Act as the primary liaison between the Mayor’s Office, DPSCD leadership, charter-school authorizers, school operators, and early-learning organizations.

• Represent the City in education-focused coalitions, cross-sector working groups, and policy conversations with school leaders, state agencies, nonprofits, and philanthropic partners.

• Identify challenges facing Detroit students and families and develop solutions in partnership with schools and City departments.

• Coordinate City services that support schools, including public safety, public health, recreation, neighborhood improvements, environmental safety, and transportation resources.

• Help schools navigate City processes, permitting, facilities support, safety protocols, and neighborhood planning efforts.

• Monitor policy changes at the state level and develop briefing materials, talking points, and recommendations for the Mayor.

• Manage crisis-response coordination between the City and schools when needed, including safety incidents, environmental concerns, or service disruptions.

• Develop communications and engagement strategies to keep residents, families, and educators informed about City-school initiatives.

• Prepare reports, updates, and recommendations regarding education priorities, youth outcomes, and cross-agency collaboration.

• Build and maintain relationships with youth-serving organizations, family advocates, community coalitions, and faith-based institutions that support Detroit children.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, education, public administration, social work, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

• At least five years of experience in education policy, school-district administration, charter-school management, youth development, government, or related roles.

• Deep understanding of Detroit’s education landscape, including DPSCD, charter-school governance, early-childhood systems, and youth-serving organizations.

• Proven ability to collaborate with executive-level leaders, elected officials, educators, families, and community partners.

• Strong policy, research, and analytical skills with ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to represent the Mayor’s Office in high-level conversations.

• Experience developing cross-sector partnerships and coordinating services for children and families.

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, family-centered service, and improving outcomes for Detroit students.

• Ability to work flexible hours in support of community meetings, school events, and time-sensitive matters.

Rate of Pay:  $80,000 - $120,000 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

Director - Office of Labor Relations

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  

Detroit’s Office of Labor Relations plays a critical role in building a fair, safe, and inclusive workplace for the thousands of public servants who keep the city running every day. The office leads labor negotiations, contract administration, union partnerships, and labor-management strategy with an explicit commitment to respecting worker voice, strengthening equity, and ensuring Detroit’s workforce is treated with dignity.

The office works closely with Human Resources, the Law Department, the Office of Budget, departmental leadership, and Detroit’s labor unions to address long-standing workplace challenges, improve conditions for frontline employees, and elevate transparency and accountability across all departments. Under Mayor-Elect Sheffield’s administration, Labor Relations is positioned as a driver of a more collaborative, just and people-centered government—one that prioritizes fair compensation, safer workplaces, stronger employee protections, and meaningful labor-management partnerships that support both worker well-being and effective city operations.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of Labor Relations serves as the City’s chief labor negotiator and senior advisor on labor strategy, helping to shape a workplace culture that reflects Detroit’s values of fairness, respect, and shared responsibility. The Director leads collective bargaining, contract administration, labor-management relations, and dispute resolution across all City departments, ensuring agreements and processes support both high-quality public service and a stable, supported workforce.

This role requires deep expertise in public-sector labor law, specifically Michigan law, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to build trusted, collaborative relationships with Detroit’s unions and labor partners. The Director provides strategic guidance to the Mayor, Chief of Staff, Human Resources, the Law Department, and department leaders on labor issues that affect staffing, service delivery, and organizational performance. A successful candidate brings a steady, solutions-oriented approach and a strong understanding of the City’s operational needs, workforce challenges, and long-standing labor dynamics.

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

• Strengthen collaborative labor-management relationships that support worker dignity, safety, and respect.

• Ensure collective bargaining supports fair compensation, reliable staffing, and high-quality public-service delivery.

• Enhance workplace equity through improved HR practices, accountability systems, and contract compliance.

• Support workforce stabilization efforts, including hiring, retention, and labor-management planning.

• Improve transparency in grievance processes, communication, and contract administration.

• Align labor agreements with citywide initiatives such as youth employment, senior services, and public-safety reforms.

• Provide proactive guidance on issues such as overtime, scheduling, job classifications, and training.

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: 

• Serve as the City of Detroit’s chief labor negotiator and lead all collective bargaining efforts.

• Develop and implement labor-relations strategy consistent with administration priorities and labor law.

• Oversee administration of all labor agreements, including interpretation, compliance, and implementation.

• Direct the grievance process, including hearings, settlements, and arbitration.

• Collaborate with the Law Department on MERC proceedings, arbitration cases, and prohibited-practice issues.

• Advise the Mayor, Chief of Staff, Human Resources Director, and executive leadership on labor-relations impacts.

• Build and maintain productive relationships with union leadership, stewards, and members.

• Monitor developments in labor law, arbitration decisions, and MERC rulings to inform City strategy.

• Support workforce planning, job-classification reviews, and updates to personnel policies.

• Lead labor-management meetings, communication processes, and conflict-resolution efforts.

• Oversee Labor Relations staff, budget, operations, and performance systems.

• Represent the City at hearings, negotiations, mediations, and formal labor proceedings.

Qualifications: 

• Extensive experience in labor relations, Michigan labor law, collective bargaining, labor law, human resources, or a closely related field.

• Deep knowledge of Detroit’s labor landscape, including historic and current relationships with the City’s unions, labor federations, stewards, and frontline worker networks.

• Demonstrated experience working with Detroit-based labor partners, public-sector unions, and community or workforce organizations that shape the city’s labor ecosystem.

• Understanding of how labor relations intersect with economic development, including experience with workforce development systems, job quality initiatives, or strategies that align labor, industry, and community needs.

• Strong preference for candidates with lived or professional experience in Detroit, or substantial familiarity with the city’s municipal operations, labor history, and community dynamics.

• Familiarity with public-sector labor law, arbitration, MERC procedures, contract interpretation, and grievance administration.

• Proven track record serving as a chief negotiator or senior labor strategist for a large or complex organization.

• Ability to interpret and apply labor statutes, case law, arbitration rulings, and collective bargaining agreements in fast-moving environments.

• Experience supervising labor-relations teams, legal staff, or operational units.

• Strong communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills rooted in respect for worker voice and collaborative problem solving.

• Experience advising executive leadership on labor implications of policy, budgeting, staffing, and organizational transformation.

• Commitment to equity, transparency, worker dignity, and high-quality public service.

• Law degree preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.

Rate of Pay:  $135,679– $193,006 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

Coalitions and Advocacy Coordinator - 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 leads Detroit’s citywide agenda to strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and ensure every resident’s voice shapes the future of the city. Within this structure, the Chief of Neighborhood Affairs oversees programs, departments, and initiatives that bring government directly to Detroiters—amplifying community voices, supporting block clubs and neighborhood associations, and ensuring that resident feedback meaningfully influences policy, service delivery, and major decision-making. The Coalitions and Advocacy Coordinator is housed within this neighborhood-centered leadership vertical and plays a crucial role in building and sustaining relationships across community coalitions, advisory boards, special-population liaisons, and resident-led networks that anchor Detroit’s civic and neighborhood life.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Coalitions and Advocacy Coordinator serves as the Administration’s central organizer and relationship engine for resident-driven input, cross-neighborhood coalitions, advisory councils, and special-population engagement. Reporting to the Chief of Neighborhood Affairs, the Coordinator ensures that resident concerns, community ideas, and neighborhood priorities are gathered, synthesized, and elevated into actionable recommendations that influence housing, economic development, mobility, public safety, and other major citywide initiatives. The role requires a leader with deep community relationships, experience working inside Detroit’s neighborhood ecosystem, strong facilitation and communication skills, and the ability to translate community feedback into accurate, timely, and actionable insights for senior leadership. The Coordinator also supports the development and management of diverse advisory boards, liaisons, and coalitions to ensure that Detroit’s residents feel directly connected to—and directly heard by—the Mayor’s Office.

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

• Strengthen Detroit’s block clubs, neighborhood associations, and resident-driven networks as core partners in City decision-making

• Ensure that resident input meaningfully informs housing development, neighborhood planning, economic development, and program design

• Support the Chief of Neighborhood Affairs in building inclusive coalitions across youth, seniors, immigrant communities, returning citizens, and disability-advocacy groups

• Build and maintain advisory boards and special-population liaisons that reflect Detroit’s diversity and lived experience

• Advance the Mayor’s commitment to dignity, transparency, and resident participation in government

• Ensure that neighborhood insight and community data are systematically collected, evaluated, and incorporated into policy, programs, and service improvements

• Strengthen communication channels between residents, City departments, and executive leadership to ensure feedback loops are closed

• Promote equitable representation across neighborhoods, ensuring that historically underrepresented voices are centered in major City initiativesThis 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: 

• Develop and maintain citywide coalitions, advisory groups, and community councils that reflect Detroit’s neighborhoods and diverse resident populations

• Coordinate liaisons and neighborhood representatives to gather resident feedback and communicate community needs to executive leadership

• Support the Chief of Neighborhood Affairs in building an integrated engagement strategy across neighborhoods, special-population groups, nonprofit partners, and civic stakeholders

• Organize public meetings, listening sessions, and community roundtables to gather input on major City policies, development projects, neighborhood initiatives, and municipal services

• Document, synthesize, and elevate resident concerns, ideas, and priorities into actionable summaries and recommendations for senior leadership

• Partner with City departments to ensure that feedback collected from residents informs policy development, program design, and service-delivery improvements

• Track and maintain records of coalition membership, engagement activities, and community outcomes to support strategic planning and reporting

• Develop relationships with community leaders, block clubs, neighborhood associations, faith-based institutions, youth groups, and advocacy organizations to strengthen outreach

• Coordinate communication with residents through multiple channels to ensure accessible, transparent, and timely updates on City programs and initiatives

• Identify gaps in community representation and design new engagement strategies to ensure equity in participation across all neighborhoods

• Support crisis-response and rapid-engagement needs when emergent issues affect neighborhoods or resident groups

• Represent the Chief of Neighborhood Affairs and the Mayor’s Office at meetings, events, and community engagements as needed

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, urban studies, social work, community development, or a related field

• Three to five years of community engagement, neighborhood organizing, advocacy coordination, or coalition-building experience

• Strong understanding of Detroit’s neighborhoods, community networks, and civic landscape

• Experience facilitating meetings, managing advisory groups, and coordinating diverse stakeholders

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize community feedback and translate it into clear, actionable insights

• Strong communication, relationship-building, and cross-cultural collaboration skills

• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, community-centered environments requiring diplomacy and sound judgment

• Experience working with elected officials, government agencies, or large nonprofits preferred

• Commitment to equity, community voice, transparency, and resident-centered governance

Rate of Pay:  $80,000-120,000 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