Director of Media Services
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 Media Services is Detroit’s citywide hub for public broadcasting, digital storytelling, and resident-facing information. The division ensures that Detroiters have timely, accessible, engaging content that highlights government services, celebrates neighborhood progress, and strengthens trust between residents and their city. Media Services manages government-access television, digital media content, event documentation, and the city’s primary multimedia production capabilities. Under Mayor Sheffield’s administration, Media Services plays a transformational role—leveraging Detroit’s creativity, cultural identity, and storytelling power to create a more informed, connected, and civically engaged city. The office works closely with the Mayor’s communications team, city departments, community leaders, and partners across Detroit’s neighborhoods to advance a narrative rooted in transparency, equity, and resident-centered governance.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Director of Media Services is responsible for leading the full scope of the Media Services Division and ensuring Detroiters receive clear, compelling, and accessible information about their government. Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications, the Director oversees all broadcast operations, digital content production, creative strategy, staff supervision, and workflow management for the city’s multimedia ecosystem. This leader sets the creative vision for citywide communication, ensures alignment with the Mayor’s priorities, and guides a high-performing multimedia team—including videographers, editors, producers, digital content staff, and the Deputy Director. The role requires a visionary storyteller with strong operational management skills, the ability to work in fast-paced environments, and a commitment to advancing the Sheffield Administration’s values of transparency, dignity-centered communication, and community empowerment through modern, inclusive media.
This role will drive the administration’s priorities, including:
Elevate a citywide transparency agenda through high-quality digital and broadcast content
Strengthen resident access to information using modern storytelling tools and community-centered communication
Amplify the Sheffield Administration’s priorities—housing, neighborhood revitalization, economic mobility, public health, and safety—across all media platforms
Ensure Detroit’s diverse cultural identities and neighborhood voices are represented authentically and consistently
Modernize broadcasting, production workflows, and digital communication infrastructure
Increase public understanding of city services and civic opportunities through accessible media
Support the Mayor’s narrative strategy by producing content that uplifts residents, celebrates community progress, and strengthens trust in government
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 all operations, creative strategy, and staff management for the Media Services Division
Set the vision for broadcast and digital content that reflects Detroit’s communities, culture, and the Mayor’s priorities
Oversee production of video, photography, graphics, livestreams, and multimedia content for government-access television and digital channels
Ensure alignment with the Mayor’s messaging priorities by collaborating closely with the Director of Communications and the Mayor’s senior team
Manage daily workflows, production calendars, staffing assignments, and content approvals across multiple media platforms
Develop and enforce standards for content quality, accessibility, branding, and inclusive communication
Supervise creative and technical personnel, including videographers, editors, producers, and digital content teams
Direct planning and logistics for event coverage, press conferences, major announcements, neighborhood engagements, and public forums
Oversee the operation and maintenance of production facilities, equipment, and digital archives
Strengthen operational efficiency through updated systems, workflow improvements, and technology modernization
Represent the Media Services Division in strategic planning meetings, interdepartmental collaborations, and public-facing communications work
Build partnerships with community organizations, media outlets, creative professionals, and cultural institutions to expand storytelling reach
Ensure all content supports Detroit's goal of building trust, uplifting resident stories, and showcasing government accessibility
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, media production, journalism, public relations, film, or a related field preferred
Seven or more years of experience in multimedia production, digital strategy, broadcast management, or public-sector communications
Demonstrated leadership experience managing creative or technical teams in fast-paced environments
Expert proficiency in video production, editing software, digital media tools, and broadcast operations
Exceptional storytelling, writing, editing, and communication skills
Experience developing large-scale media strategies or managing public-facing digital platforms
Strong understanding of Detroit’s neighborhoods, community dynamics, and cultural landscape preferred
Ability to collaborate with senior government officials, community partners, and diverse stakeholders
Strong organizational and project-management skills, with experience overseeing multiple deadlines
Commitment to equity, accessibility, resident-centered communication, and inclusive representation
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and nontraditional hours for events, productions, and urgent communications needs
Rate of Pay: $100,000– $180,000 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.