Director of Regional Partnerships
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 citywide strategy, policy coordination, and intergovernmental engagement to advance the well-being of Detroit residents and strengthen regional collaboration. Detroit’s future is deeply connected to the broader Southeast Michigan region—its transit systems, economic corridors, housing markets, environmental conditions, and public-health infrastructure. The Mayor’s Office works closely with local municipalities, county governments, and regional authorities to ensure Detroit’s interests are represented, resident needs are elevated, and shared challenges are addressed collaboratively. The Office champions an equity-centered vision for the region in which Detroit’s growth, stability, and prosperity are advanced through coordinated regional policy, shared resources, and long-term partnership.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting directly to the Mayor, the Director of Regional Partnerships serves as Detroit’s chief architect of intergovernmental relationships across Southeast Michigan. The Director builds and maintains strategic partnerships with hyper-local municipal partners—including Highland Park and Hamtramck—as well as county leaders in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Monroe. The role leads cross-jurisdictional strategy to advance shared priorities such as public transit, economic mobility, federal-resource alignment, environmental health, emergency preparedness, and quality-of-life improvements for Detroiters and neighboring communities. The Director is responsible for representing the Mayor’s interests in regional conversations, shaping joint initiatives, coordinating high-level negotiations, and ensuring that Detroit is positioned as a strong, collaborative regional leader. This position requires a relationship-driven, strategic thinker with deep intergovernmental experience, political acumen, and a commitment to advancing Mayor-Elect Sheffield’s resident-centered and equity-driven agenda.
This role will drive the administration’s priorities, including:
Strengthening long-term partnerships with Highland Park, Hamtramck, and neighboring municipalities
Building coordinated strategies with Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Monroe counties
Advancing regional transit planning and collaboration to improve mobility for Detroiters
Aligning federal and state resources through joint regional initiatives and advocacy
Supporting coordinated public-health, environmental, and emergency-response strategies across jurisdictions
Driving regional cooperation on economic development, workforce pipelines, and industrial growth
Elevating Detroit’s interests in regional decision-making bodies, committees, and coalitions
Improving cross-jurisdictional data sharing, communication, and service alignment
Ensuring regional strategies reflect Detroit’s needs, values, and equity commitments
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 Detroit’s regional partnership strategy and represent the Mayor in multi-jurisdictional engagements
Build and maintain long-term relationships with neighboring municipalities and county leadership
Coordinate regional policy initiatives related to transit, infrastructure, economic development, public health, housing, and emergency preparedness
Identify shared opportunities for joint applications for federal and state funding
Organize and lead regional convenings, working groups, and strategy sessions
Develop policy recommendations for the Mayor based on regional trends, opportunities, and risks
Monitor regional legislative and policy actions and assess implications for Detroit
Collaborate with city departments to align internal strategies with regional priorities
Support transparent communication and reporting on regional initiatives to community stakeholders
Prepare briefings, strategic analyses, memos, and presentations for the Mayor and senior leadership
Represent the City in regional boards, task forces, meetings, and committees
Manage complex relationships requiring diplomacy, negotiation, and coalition-building
Advance equity-focused regional approaches that strengthen outcomes for Detroit residents
Ensure that partnership efforts are culturally competent, community-informed, and grounded in Detroit’s values
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, urban planning, public policy, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
At least seven years of intergovernmental affairs, regional policy, municipal leadership, or public-sector partnership experience
Demonstrated success building and sustaining intergovernmental or regional coalitions
Strong understanding of Southeast Michigan’s governmental landscape, political dynamics, regional authorities, and municipal structures
Experience in policy analysis, strategic planning, negotiation, and interagency coordination
Exceptional relationship-building skills with elected officials, county executives, municipal leaders, and community stakeholders
Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex regional issues into clear recommendations
Commitment to equity, regional collaboration, and resident-centered governance
Ability to navigate sensitive political environments and represent the Mayor with professionalism
Familiarity with Detroit’s neighborhoods, history, economic context, and public-sector systems
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments
Rate of Pay: $86,201 - $143,872 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.