Director of Communications - 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 Mayor’s Office Communications team serves as the central hub for how the City’s chief executive communicates with residents, partners, media, and the broader public. The office is responsible for ensuring Detroiters receive clear, timely, accessible information about city programs, major initiatives, community investments, and the Mayor’s priorities. Under the Sheffield Administration, the Communications Office plays a critical role in building public trust, strengthening transparency, celebrating community stories, and demonstrating how government delivers for Detroiters in real time. The office oversees executive communications, digital strategy, media relations, visual storytelling, and brand identity for the Mayor, ensuring that every message reflects Detroit’s values, neighborhoods, and commitment to equity and resident-centered governance.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Director of Communications serves as the Mayor’s chief communications strategist and leads all executive, digital, creative, and public-affairs functions for the administration. The Director oversees the work of the Executive Communications Specialist (speechwriter), Digital & Creative Director, Videographer, and Public Relations Manager, ensuring that messaging is aligned, proactive, strategic, and rooted in the lived experiences of Detroiters. The role is responsible for shaping the Mayor’s voice, narrative, and public-facing identity across speeches, media interactions, digital platforms, community events, and major announcements. This position requires exceptional political judgment, strong editorial and brand discipline, deep understanding of Detroit’s neighborhoods, and the ability to manage rapid-response communications while advancing long-term storytelling. The Director ensures that the Mayor is represented with clarity, authenticity, and integrity, and that residents are kept informed, engaged, and connected to their local government.
This role will drive the administration’s priorities, including:
Advance a communications strategy that reflects the Mayor’s resident-centered, equity-driven governing philosophy
Ensure communications amplify the administration’s policy agenda across housing, economic opportunity, neighborhood development, public safety, and family support
Strengthen transparency and public trust by delivering accurate, timely, accessible information to Detroiters
Elevate resident stories, community organizations, and neighborhood accomplishments in all citywide messaging
Ensure communications reflect Detroit’s diversity, cultural richness, and neighborhood identities
Support public safety messaging rooted in dignity, prevention, and community well-being
Promote housing and affordability initiatives that reflect the Mayor’s commitment to housing as a human right
Highlight investments that strengthen families, seniors, youth, and vulnerable residents
Ensure major policy rollouts include clear messaging, multimedia storytelling, and community-informed communication strategies
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 and lead a comprehensive communications strategy for the Mayor and the administration
Oversee executive communications, digital content, creative assets, media relations, and public-affairs messaging
Manage and supervise the Executive Communications Specialist, Digital & Creative Director, Videographer, and Public Relations Manager
Shape and protect the Mayor’s voice, narrative, and public presence across speeches, digital platforms, and media
Review, approve, and refine all official messages, statements, remarks, and creative assets
Coordinate with senior advisors, cabinet members, and policy leads to communicate major initiatives with clarity and accuracy
Develop and implement strategic plans for crisis communications, rapid response, and emerging issues
Ensure communications are accessible, culturally competent, and tailored to Detroit’s neighborhoods and communities
Partner with the Digital & Creative Director to maintain a unified brand identity for the Mayor
Strengthen relationships with local, regional, and national media
Support content and briefing materials that prepare the Mayor for public appearances, interviews, and major speeches
Develop long-term storytelling initiatives that lift up Detroit’s progress and resident-centered successes
Establish performance metrics to track engagement, reach, and community understanding
Represent the Communications Office in cross-departmental meetings and ensure strong coordination across city agencies
Qualifications:
Significant leadership experience in executive communications, public affairs, political communications, or journalism
Demonstrated ability to manage communications for a high-profile executive, elected official, or public-sector leader
Exceptional writing, editing, narrative development, and messaging skills
Strong political judgment, discretion, and crisis-communications experience
Experience overseeing creative teams, digital platforms, and multimedia content development
Commitment to equity, community voice, transparency, and resident-centered storytelling
Strong understanding of Detroit’s neighborhoods, history, culture, and civic landscape
Ability to build strong relationships with community stakeholders, media outlets, and cross-sector partners
Experience developing communications around major policy issues including housing, economic development, public safety, and community well-being
Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends based on the Mayor’s schedule
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred
Detroit-based candidates or those with deep knowledge of Detroit’s communities are strongly encouraged to apply
Rate of Pay: $109,693 - $179,888 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.