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