Senior Director of Population and Revenue Growth

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 for neighborhood revitalization, economic mobility, equitable growth, and long-term financial stability. The Senior Director of Population & Revenue Growth supports this mission by identifying and executing strategies to attract new residents, retain longtime Detroiters, strengthen the city’s fiscal base, and expand revenue sources that ensure sustainable and equitable investment across all neighborhoods.

The office works across departments—including housing, planning, economic development, workforce, transportation, and budget—while partnering with state agencies, philanthropy, higher education, business leaders, and community organizations. This role is instrumental in shaping Detroit’s next chapter of inclusive growth, supporting the Mayor’s commitment to building a city where families want to stay, newcomers want to live, and every neighborhood can thrive.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Senior Director of Population & Revenue Growth serves as the City’s chief strategist for expanding Detroit’s population and diversifying municipal revenues. This role combines economic analysis, policy design, financial innovation, intergovernmental partnership, and narrative strategy. The Senior Director evaluates demographic trends, revenue models, migration patterns, tax structures, and barriers to growth, and then develops actionable strategies to strengthen Detroit’s long-term prosperity.

This role mirrors state-level population-growth positions while tailoring its focus to Detroit’s unique context—its strong cultural identity, historic housing stock, deep community networks, industrial legacy, and emerging economic sectors. The ideal candidate brings expertise in municipal finance, tax policy, economic development, and population strategy, along with a proven record of turning analysis into measurable outcomes.

The Senior Director works closely with the Mayor, Chief Financial Officer, policy teams, state and regional partners, and Detroit’s anchor institutions to align growth and revenue strategies with neighborhood needs, racial equity goals, and Detroit’s ongoing revitalization.

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

• Develop citywide strategies to attract new residents, retain existing families, and reverse population decline.

• Identify, design, and champion policy solutions—especially tax and revenue reforms—that make Detroit more affordable, competitive, and appealing to current and future residents.

• Evaluate innovative revenue tools, incentives, partnerships, and municipal finance approaches that reduce long-term structural deficits and expand stable revenue sources.

• Collaborate with the Housing and Revitalization Department, Planning, and the Land Bank to expand homeownership, streamline infill development, support small landlords, and increase quality housing options.

• Partner with DPSCD, early-childhood providers, and youth-serving institutions to promote family-friendly amenities, strengthen school-community partnerships, and position Detroit as a place where families want to grow.

• Develop strategies to attract immigrants, returning Detroiters, remote workers, and talent from the region’s universities and employers.

• Collaborate with local businesses, anchor institutions, and workforce partners to align job growth with residential growth.

• Lead research and narrative development to reintroduce Detroit to potential residents and investors by highlighting the city’s assets, opportunities, culture, affordability, and momentum.

• Advance equitable policy reforms that strengthen Detroit’s fiscal health while preventing resident displacement and ensuring longtime Detroiters benefit from rising prosperity.

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: 

• Analyze demographic trends, migration patterns, taxation structures, and economic indicators to inform population-growth and revenue strategies.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Population Growth Strategy for the City of Detroit, aligned with state, regional, and mayoral priorities.

• Design policy proposals related to taxation, revenue diversification, incentives, housing, economic development, workforce, and neighborhood amenities.

• Evaluate potential reforms such as earned-income tax improvements, housing incentives, workforce-mobility initiatives, childcare affordability strategies, and creative mixed-use development tools.

• Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer and Budget Office to assess fiscal impacts, revenue projections, and long-term sustainability considerations.

• Partner with state agencies, county officials, philanthropic organizations, and private-sector stakeholders to align Detroit’s growth agenda with regional strategies.

• Collaborate with the new Office of Homeownership & Housing Rights, HRD, and the Detroit Land Bank Authority to link population growth with infill housing, home repair, ownership supports, and family-retention strategies.

• Coordinate cross-departmental initiatives that improve quality of life for existing residents, including transportation, parks, recreation, childcare, mobility, small-business support, and neighborhood safety.

• Lead public-facing narrative initiatives that promote Detroit’s strengths—cultural vibrancy, affordability, historic neighborhoods, entrepreneurial spirit, and community leadership—as magnets for population growth.

• Create dashboards, metrics, and reporting tools to track population trends, revenue performance, retention outcomes, and strategy effectiveness.

• Prepare briefings, reports, and recommendations for the Mayor, Chief Operating Officer, City Council, and external partners.

• Represent the City in statewide, regional, and national conversations on population growth, municipal innovation, and revenue policy.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, municipal finance, urban planning, business, or a related field; master’s degree strongly preferred.

• Extensive experience in municipal finance, tax policy, economic development, or demographic strategy in a government or large public-sector context.

• Demonstrated track record of developing and implementing large-scale policy initiatives that produce measurable outcomes.

• Expertise in analyzing municipal tax structures, revenue diversification tools, and long-term fiscal modeling.

• Experience designing or implementing population-growth strategies, housing strategies, or economic-mobility initiatives in a major city or state.

• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and economic modeling skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear recommendations.

• Deep understanding of Detroit’s policy environment, neighborhoods, revenue structure, housing dynamics, and demographic trends (or experience in a comparable Rust-Belt or legacy city).

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to work closely with senior leaders, elected officials, community stakeholders, academic partners, and business leaders.

• Commitment to equity, resident inclusion, and ensuring that population growth strategies benefit longtime Detroiters.

• Ability to innovate, problem-solve, and think creatively about revenue and growth challenges.

• Experience working across agencies or sectors to implement complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Rate of Pay:  $158,000-$179,000 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

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.

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

Director - Office of Contracting and Procurement

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 Contracting and Procurement ensures that the City of Detroit acquires goods and services in a way that is fair, transparent, efficient, and aligned with the City’s economic-equity goals. The office manages citywide purchasing, vendor engagement, contract compliance, competitive bidding, small-business support, and procurement policy development.  Under the Sheffield Administration, the office plays a central role in strengthening opportunities for Detroit-based businesses, increasing transparency in public spending, improving procurement timelines, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars circulate back into neighborhoods and the local workforce.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Director of Contracting and Procurement serves as Detroit’s chief procurement executive and oversees all purchasing and contracting activities across city departments. The Director provides strategic leadership for procurement modernization, implements reforms that expand access for small and Detroit-based businesses, and ensures compliance with city, state, and federal requirements. This role requires a leader with deep experience in public procurement, strong operational management skills, and a commitment to economic justice and equitable contracting.

The Director will drive efforts to increase local participation in city contracts, strengthen vendor accountability, and support Detroit’s neighborhood-based and minority-owned businesses through improved procurement processes, outreach, and technical assistance. The Director advises the Mayor and executive leadership on procurement strategy and ensures that contracting practices reflect the administration’s values of transparency, fairness, and community benefit.

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

• Strengthening procurement systems to ensure Detroit-based, minority-owned, and small businesses have equitable access to city contracts.

• Reducing unnecessary barriers to entry, simplifying bidding processes, and expanding technical assistance to local vendors.

• Improving procurement timelines, workflows, approval processes, and contract-management systems to support efficient and accountable operations.

• Establishing transparent reporting tools to track spending, vendor performance, local participation, and contract outcomes.

• Enhancing compliance with ethical standards, competitive-bidding laws, conflict-of-interest rules, and public-spending mandates.

• Coordinating with workforce, economic-development, neighborhood, and civil-rights teams to maximize community benefits and local hiring within contracts.

• Supporting reforms that increase transparency in procurement decisions and build trust with residents, businesses, and community stakeholders. 

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: 

• Oversee all citywide purchasing, contracting, and vendor-management functions, ensuring operational efficiency, fairness, and legal compliance.

• Develop and implement procurement policies and reforms that expand opportunities for Detroit-based, minority-owned, and small businesses.

• Lead outreach and engagement with local vendors, industry partners, neighborhood businesses, and community-based organizations to broaden participation in procurement processes.

• Streamline bidding, evaluation, and award processes to reduce delays, improve transparency, and strengthen accountability.

• Manage contract negotiations, competitive solicitations, RFP development, contract approvals, and vendor performance evaluations.

• Collaborate with city departments to assess procurement needs, plan for major purchases, and ensure alignment between departmental goals and citywide procurement strategy.

• Implement data-tracking systems, dashboards, and reporting tools to measure spend, track local-business participation, and improve decision making.

• Ensure compliance with procurement regulations, ethical standards, federal grant requirements, and public-contracting laws.

• Support staff development, training, and capacity-building to modernize Detroit’s procurement workforce and promote best practices.

• Represent the City in public forums, business events, vendor meetings, and regional collaborations related to procurement and economic inclusion.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, supply-chain management, finance, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

• Significant leadership experience in public-sector procurement, contracting, supply chain, or large-scale government purchasing.

• Strong understanding of public-procurement law, competitive-bidding rules, grant compliance, contract structures, and vendor-management practices.

• Demonstrated success implementing procurement reforms, improving operational efficiency, or reducing systemic barriers in contracting processes.

• Experience working with small businesses, minority-owned businesses, or community-based economic-development organizations.

• Proven ability to manage large budgets, oversee procurement teams, and coordinate contracting across multiple departments or agencies.

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with vendors, stakeholders, department leaders, and elected officials.

• Commitment to fairness, transparency, ethical governance, and promoting economic opportunity for Detroit residents and businesses.

• Experience working in Detroit or another major urban environment strongly preferred.

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

Director of Immigrant Affairs and Economic Inclusion

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 Immigrant Affairs & Economic Inclusion is housed within the Mayor’s Office, under the Chief of Health, Human Services and Homelessness Prevention, and serves as Detroit’s central hub for advancing equity, access, and opportunity for immigrant and refugee residents. The Office works across neighborhoods, senior buildings, youth programs, community-violence prevention, faith-based institutions, district managers, and community coalitions to ensure immigrant communities are supported, protected, and meaningfully included in Detroit’s civic and economic life. The Office provides outreach, service navigation, language access, policy guidance, and partnership coordination—connecting immigrants to housing, jobs, small-business opportunities, legal resources, health supports, and culturally responsive city services. Rooted in the Mayor-Elect’s focus on dignity, community voice, and equitable access to opportunity, the Office helps ensure Detroit remains a welcoming, inclusive city where all residents can thrive and contribute.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Chief of Health, Human Services and Homelessness Prevention the Director of Immigrant Affairs & Economic Inclusion leads the City’s strategy for immigrant integration, economic mobility, and inclusive neighborhood services. This role directs programs that support immigrant and refugee residents, strengthens service networks with nonprofits and community partners, integrates immigrant needs into neighborhood planning and senior/youth support structures, and ensures that Detroit’s diverse communities have equitable access to city resources. The Director partners closely with health and human services programs and entities, district managers, Opportunity & Empowerment Hub Coordinators, the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs, the Office of Youth Affairs, faith-based liaisons, and advisory groups representing ethnic and cultural communities. The role requires a collaborative, community-centered leader with deep knowledge of immigrant experiences, strong policy and program-management skills, and an ability to elevate resident voices to shape policy, development decisions, and citywide initiatives.

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

• Expanding immigrant access to housing, small-business opportunities, workforce pipelines, and city services

• Strengthening language-access standards and culturally responsive communication across city departments

• Building coordinated service networks with nonprofits, legal-aid providers, faith-based organizations, and ethnic-community leaders

• Ensuring immigrant communities are integrated into neighborhood development, anti-displacement efforts, and community-safety strategies

• Supporting immigrant-owned small businesses through mentorship, technical assistance, and pathways to city contracting

• Developing policies that promote economic inclusion, reduce barriers, and strengthen protections for immigrant workers and families

• Collaborating with District Managers, Opportunity & Empowerment Hub Coordinators, and senior/youth offices to embed immigrant supports throughout neighborhood-based service systems

• Creating data-driven strategies to identify service gaps, track demographic trends, and guide equitable resource allocation

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 implement a citywide inclusion strategy that aligns immigrant affairs with Detroit’s neighborhood, housing, economic, and community-support priorities

• Strengthen partnerships with immigrant service providers, legal-aid groups, ethnic and cultural organizations, and faith communities

• Coordinate directly with District Managers, Special Population Liaisons, Opportunity & Empowerment Hub Coordinators, and the Offices of Youth and Senior Citizen Affairs

• Oversee language-access planning, translation coordination, and culturally responsive communication supports

• Support immigrant-owned small-business development by connecting entrepreneurs to technical assistance, permitting support, and economic-development tools

• Advise the Chief of Neighborhood Affairs and Mayor on immigration-related policy issues, demographic trends, and inclusion opportunities

• Coordinate referrals and support services for housing stability, health access, social services, and emergency response for immigrant residents

• Manage grant strategies, compliance, budget oversight, and partnerships needed to expand immigrant-support programs

• Develop community-engagement plans, listening sessions, and outreach strategies to elevate immigrant voices in policymaking

• Ensure accurate data collection and impact reporting to measure progress, identify gaps, and recommend improvements

• Represent the Mayor’s Office at community meetings, regional councils, public forums, and stakeholder convenings

• Supervise program staff, oversee performance systems, and maintain strong accountability for service delivery

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, community development, social work, public administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred

• At least five years of senior-level experience working with immigrant, refugee, or special-population communities

• Demonstrated success managing inclusion programs, legal-aid coordination, or social-service delivery systems

• Strong cultural-competency skills and familiarity with Detroit’s immigrant communities, languages, and service landscape

• Understanding of economic-inclusion strategies, workforce pathways, small-business supports, and neighborhood-based services

• Experience working across government agencies, nonprofits, legal-aid organizations, and community coalitions

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and public-engagement skills

• Experience in grant management, reporting, compliance, and program administration

• Ability to lead staff, manage operations, and respond to urgent needs with sensitivity and discretion

• Commitment to equity, transparency, community-voice governance, and inclusive development

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.

APPLY HERE

Deputy Chief of Business Innovation and Emerging Industries

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 Business Innovation & Emerging Industries leads Detroit’s strategy to cultivate a future-ready economy grounded in mobility, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defense, AI, robotics, biotechnology, and other emerging sectors. As part of Mayor-Elect Sheffield’s economic opportunity agenda, the office ensures that Detroit becomes a nationally competitive hub for innovation while expanding pathways for Detroiters and small businesses to participate in the industries of tomorrow. Situated within the Mayor’s executive leadership structure, the office works closely with the Chief of Housing, Planning, Workforce & Economic Development and the Chief of Neighborhood Economic Development & Small Business to connect innovation with inclusive growth, workforce opportunity, and neighborhood-based economic mobility.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Chief of Housing, Planning, Workforce & Economic Development, the Deputy Chief of Business Innovation & Emerging Industries drives the administration’s work to position Detroit as a leading center for technology, emerging industries, and next-generation business development. The Deputy Chief develops partnerships at the local, state, federal, corporate, philanthropic, and research levels; designs policies to attract national and international investment; and builds programs that help Detroit residents benefit from industry transformation. The role strengthens Detroit’s presence in fields such as advanced mobility, EV and battery manufacturing, defense and aerospace, AI and machine learning, robotics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, chip manufacturing, and future-focused technologies. The Deputy Chief ensures that innovation aligns with Detroit’s values—equity, community benefit, and opportunity for longtime residents—and collaborates across economic development, workforce, planning, and education systems to build a modern economic ecosystem that is both competitive and inclusive.

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

• Develop Detroit’s innovation and emerging-industry strategy under the Mayor’s economic-opportunity agenda

• Strengthen partnerships with universities, research institutions, federal agencies, venture networks, and industry leaders

• Attract high-growth industries and national innovation partners to Detroit through policy, incentives, and ecosystem design

• Expand the city’s innovation portfolio into sectors including mobility, EV and battery technology, AI, robotics, defense, chip manufacturing, biotech, and pharmaceuticals

• Ensure Detroiters benefit directly from emerging industries through apprenticeships, training pipelines, and local hiring strategies

• Align innovation strategy with small-business growth, neighborhood opportunity, and equitable development

• Integrate innovation goals into cross-departmental initiatives with economic development, workforce, planning, housing, and neighborhood leadership

• Promote Detroit as a nationally competitive destination for startups, research, advanced manufacturing, and tech investment

• Leverage federal, state, and philanthropic resources to fund emerging-industry initiatives and innovation infrastructure

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 implement Detroit’s emerging-industry strategy in alignment with the Mayor’s economic development agenda

• Lead partnerships with corporations, universities, labs, venture funds, and federal agencies to expand Detroit’s innovation ecosystem

• Identify, attract, and support high-growth industries seeking to expand or locate in Detroit

• Design policy frameworks and incentive tools that make Detroit competitive for advanced industries while ensuring community benefit

• Coordinate with Detroit at Work, employers, unions, and training providers to build workforce pathways into high-growth sectors

• Support development of innovation districts, testbeds, and industry clusters across the city

• Advance Detroit’s mobility, EV, and advanced manufacturing portfolios

• Expand emerging-industry initiatives into fields such as defense, AI, robotics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and chip technology

• Collaborate with the Chief of Neighborhood Economic Development to ensure innovation strengthens neighborhood economies and supports local entrepreneurs

• Integrate strategies with housing, planning, and land-use leadership to support innovation-aligned development

• Represent the Mayor in regional, state, federal, and industry forums focused on innovation, competitiveness, and economic transformation

• Monitor industry trends, conduct research and analysis, and make policy recommendations that keep Detroit ahead of national shifts

• Secure and manage federal, state, philanthropic, and private investment for innovation programs and infrastructure

• Prepare briefings, memos, presentations, and strategic updates for the Mayor and senior leadership

• Ensure transparency, equity, and community benefit in all industry-partnership and development initiatives

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, business, engineering, technology, or a related field; advanced degree preferred

• Seven or more years of experience in economic development, innovation strategy, technology policy, or advanced-industry ecosystem building

• Deep understanding of emerging-industry trends including mobility, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, AI, robotics, biotech, pharmaceuticals, defense, and semiconductor industries

• Experience working with research institutions, venture ecosystems, federal agencies, and industry partners

• Proven track record attracting or growing innovation-driven businesses or industry clusters

• Experience designing incentives, policy tools, or economic-development frameworks that support industry growth

• Strong familiarity with workforce development, employer partnerships, and training pipeline development

• Ability to align cross-agency efforts across economic development, workforce, planning, and neighborhood systems

• Strong analytical capacity, strategic thinking, and policy-development skills

• Exceptional relationship-building skills with corporate partners, community leaders, public-sector partners, and philanthropic organizations

• Commitment to equity, economic inclusion, community benefit, and resident-centered opportunity

• Strong knowledge of Detroit’s economic landscape, neighborhoods, and workforce ecosystem preferred

• Ability to work in fast-paced, politically sensitive environments with sound judgment and discretion

Rate of Pay:  $135,000 – $179,000 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

Chief of Neighborhood Economic Development and Small Business

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 Neighborhood Economic Development & Small Business sits within the Mayor’s Office and leads Detroit’s strategy to strengthen neighborhood corridors, accelerate community-rooted economic growth, and make Detroit the best place in the country to start and grow a small business. The office coordinates major levers of economic mobility through a localized Neighborhood Economic Development division, a Business Innovation and Emerging Industries Division, and a Small Business Affairs and Economic Opportunity Division. This work directly centers resident voice within neighborhood development, ensures that business innovation expands into new industries, and supports Detroit-based entrepreneurs to start, grow and expand their businesses easily and reliably. The Chief of Neighborhood Development and Small Business ensures that reinvestment and economic expansion reaches every neighborhood—not only the city’s major commercial areas. Through direct engagement with small businesses, community organizations, corridor stakeholders, investors, and philanthropic partners, the office advances Mayor-Elect Sheffield’s vision of equitable economic opportunity, community-driven revitalization, and inclusive prosperity.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Chief of Neighborhood Economic Development & Small Business serves as the Mayor’s senior executive strategist for neighborhood-based economic growth, corridor revitalization, small-business development and  business modernization. Reporting directly to the Mayor, the Chief leads Detroit’s citywide agenda to strengthen neighborhood commercial corridors, improve the business climate, attract and retain small and medium-sized enterprises, and, importantly, streamline administrative processes to reduce barriers to doing business in Detroit. The role requires a visionary leader with deep expertise in economic development, land use, business attraction and retention, small-business ecosystems, corridor development strategy, and developing Detroit’s historic neighborhoods according to the needs and wants of Detroit residents. This work occurs cross-administratively, in concordance with the Master Plan, and in partnership with the Chief of Housing, Planning, Workforce and Economic Development and others. The Chief also works in close partnership with DEGC, DDA, CRIO, labor, philanthropic partners, business associations, lenders, small-business technical assistance providers, and cross-agency city staff to ensure Detroit’s small businesses—and the neighborhoods they anchor—thrive. This role is central to implementing the Mayor’s commitment to community wealth-building, equitable neighborhood development, and making Detroit the most supportive and accessible environment in the nation for entrepreneurs. 

This role will drive key priorities outlined in Mayor-Elect Sheffield’s policy agenda, including:

• Advancing a neighborhood-first development strategy that strengthens commercial corridors in every district

• Build Detroit’s small-business ecosystem with a focus on Detroit-based entrepreneurs, legacy businesses, and first-time founders

• Leading citywide business innovation by developing new tools, partnerships, and service models that make Detroit a national leader in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.

• Modernize administrative practices to allow businesses to quickly and easily navigate permitting, inspections, and licensing processes, making Detroit the easiest city in America to start and grow a business

• Launch and expand the Office of Small Business Affairs to deliver hands-on, neighborhood-based assistance to entrepreneurs

• Drive small-business retention and expansion through coordinated support, capital access, technical assistance, and strategic incentives

• Partner with DEGC, DDA, CRIO, and philanthropic institutions to align investments with neighborhood needs and local business growth

• Support Detroit’s “Destination Detroit” population-growth strategy by strengthening neighborhood amenities, retail opportunities, and mixed-use corridors

• Ensure that underserved businesses and business owners have equitable access to resources, capital, and opportunities

• Lead a citywide strategy to develop underutilized commercial properties, vacant storefronts, and aging corridor infrastructure

• Develop a data-driven system to track business openings, closures, retention rates, corridor health, and equitable investment

• Integrate workforce supports—childcare, transportation, apprenticeships—into neighborhood business strategies to connect residents with good jobs

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: 

• Oversee Detroit’s neighborhood economic development strategy, ensuring commercial corridors across all seven districts receive focused planning, investment, and coordinated support

• Direct small-business development efforts, including attraction, retention, expansion, permitting navigation, and business-support programs

• Lead implementation and growth of the Office of Small Business Affairs and ensure services are accessible in neighborhoods through direct outreach and citywide hubs

• Coordinate with DEGC, DDA, CRIO, Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department (BSEED), and other agencies to streamline business processes and accelerate approvals

• Guide major corridor revitalization projects, land transactions, incentive strategies, and catalytic development activities in neighborhood districts

• Collaborate with lending institutions, CDFIs, philanthropic funders, and technical assistance providers to increase capital access for Detroit-based entrepreneurs

• Shape transparent and equitable development incentives that prioritize neighborhood benefit, local hiring, small-business inclusion, and long-term affordability

• Serve as a senior advisor to employers, investors, developers, and business associations seeking to grow within Detroit’s neighborhoods

• Coordinate citywide programs to reduce barriers for small businesses, including childcare supports, transportation solutions, digital access, and workforce-housing connections

• Represent the Mayor in negotiations, business-retention visits, corridor strategy meetings, and regional economic-development partnerships

• Develop performance metrics and a public dashboard to track corridor vitality, business growth, and equitable investment

• Ensure community voice informs business-development strategy by partnering with Neighborhood District Managers, block clubs, corridor groups, and resident leaders.

Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree in public policy, economics, business administration, urban planning, real estate development, or related field preferred

• Ten or more years of experience in economic development, small-business support, commercial corridor revitalization, urban real estate, or related fields

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-agency initiatives in fast-paced, politically sensitive environments

• Experience working with DEGC, DDA, CRIO, or similar economic-development entities strongly preferred

• Proven success in small-business attraction, retention, expansion, or permitting reform

• Strong experience in commercial real estate, corridor planning, land use, or redevelopment of mixed-use districts

• Skilled in economic-development finance, including incentives, grants, TIF, bonds, CDBG-funded business programs, and public-private partnerships

• Deep familiarity with Detroit’s business landscape, corridors, micro-enterprise challenges, and neighborhood economic conditions strongly preferred

• Exceptional relationship-building skills with residents, business owners, lenders, developers, philanthropic partners, and community groups

• Commitment to equity, transparency, community voice, and inclusive economic development aligned with the values of the Sheffield Administration.

Rate of Pay: $179,000 - $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.

APPLY HERE

Chief of Housing, Planning, Workforce and Economic Development

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 Housing, Planning, Workforce & Economic Development is housed within the Mayor’s Office and serves as the administration’s central coordinating body for Detroit’s housing, neighborhood planning, economic development, and workforce strategy. This office aligns the work of key agencies and partners—including the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA), Housing & Revitalization Department (HRD), Planning & Development Department (PDD), Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity (CRIO), Detroit at Work, Detroit Means Business, and major philanthropic and industry partners—to ensure Detroit residents directly benefit from reinvestment, job creation, and long-term neighborhood stability. The office’s mission is to expand affordable housing and homeownership programs, accelerate infill and single-family housing development, reform land stewardship practices, support community-led development, strengthen local business ecosystems, and align Detroit’s talent pipelines with the high-quality jobs of today and tomorrow. All work is grounded in the values of equity, resident voice, and the belief that Detroit’s growth must be driven by and for Detroiters.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Mayor, the Chief of Housing, Planning, Workforce & Economic Development serves as a senior executive responsible for integrating Detroit’s major housing, planning, economic-development, and workforce systems into one coordinated, community-centered agenda. The Chief ensures direct alignment between neighborhood-led housing strategies, infill and single-family development, planning and zoning priorities, Detroit Land Bank and Housing Commission reforms, economic-development initiatives, and workforce pipelines that prepare Detroiters for great-paying jobs. This role oversees major citywide housing planning and development functions, including equitable incentive and tax-abatement policy; recruitment and retention of large and emerging industries; economic mobility strategies; CRIO’s inclusion and community benefit agreement compliance efforts; and workforce partnerships spanning employers, unions, and training institutions. The Chief is responsible for ensuring that resident feedback meaningfully informs policy and development decisions and that Detroiters experience visible improvements in housing quality, economic opportunity, and neighborhood stability. This position requires a visionary leader with deep policy expertise, exceptional community relationships, and the operational skill to drive large-scale, cross-agency systems toward measurable results.

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

• Lead Detroit’s unified Housing, Planning, Workforce, and Economic Development strategy under one cohesive vision

• Ensure alignment between community-driven housing development, infill and single-family construction, and long-term neighborhood planning

• Advance business-attraction strategies to recruit major employers and emerging industries into Detroit’s economic base

• Coordinate high-quality workforce pipelines that prepare Detroiters for careers in mobility, clean energy, healthcare, tech, logistics, skilled trades, and advanced manufacturing

• Drive comprehensive reform of the Detroit Land Bank Authority to improve transparency, customer experience, and community benefit

• Drive comprehensive reform of the Detroit Housing Commission to improve transparency, customer experience, and community benefit

• Expand first-generation homeownership pathways

• Facilitate small-scale development pipelines and neighborhood-based rehabilitation efforts

• Guide equitable tax-abatement, incentive, and investment strategies that stabilize neighborhoods and produce clear public benefit

• Oversee core economic-development functions including DEGC, DDA, CRIO, Detroit Means Business, and entrepreneurship strategy

• Build and implement Detroit’s citywide Master Plan with sustained resident engagement

• Source and manage federal funds for anti-displacement, home-repair, and affordability-preservation strategies benefitting Detroit residents

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: 

• Oversee Detroit’s integrated housing, planning, workforce, and economic-development portfolio from within the Mayor’s Office

• Lead cross-agency teams including DLBA, PDD, HRD, DEGC, DDA, CRIO, Detroit at Work, and philanthropic and private-sector partners

• Direct the development and execution of the citywide Neighborhood Development Plan with strong community participation

• Strengthen infill and single-family housing development pipelines, including land disposition, permitting, financing strategies, and small-scale developer support

• Drive major reforms to the Detroit Housing Commission and Detroit Land Bank Authority to improve customer service, community alignment, and equitable outcomes

• Guide policy and operational strategies for tax abatements, incentives, zoning, and land-use tools

• Develop comprehensive economic-development strategies that support legacy businesses, attract major employers, and grow Detroit’s industry clusters

• Oversee Detroit Means Business, small-business supports, commercial corridor development, and entrepreneurship strategies

• Align Detroit at Work and employer partnerships to build workforce pipelines that match industry needs and prepare residents for quality jobs

• Promote equitable development practices and ensure CRIO’s supplier diversity and inclusion goals support Detroit-based and minority-owned businesses

• Work closely with neighborhood leaders and residents to ensure housing and economic decisions reflect community priorities

• Represent the Mayor in major negotiations, development discussions, and intergovernmental economic projects

• Monitor neighborhood and economic indicators to guide policy decisions and ensure transparency

• Coordinate large-scale funding strategies across local, state, federal, and philanthropic sources

• Ensure strong collaboration between planning, housing, economic development, and workforce systems to deliver measurable improvements for Detroit residents.

Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree in public policy, urban planning, real estate, economics, business administration, law, or a related field preferred

• Ten or more years of senior leadership experience in housing, planning, economic development, workforce strategy, or cross-agency public administration

• Demonstrated experience managing core economic-development agencies or programs such as DEGC, DDA, CRIO, small-business ecosystems, or major development authorities

• Proven experience leading infill and single-family housing development, rehabilitation programs, and community-driven development strategies

• Experience managing land-bank operations, land disposition, real estate development strategies, or complex incentive systems

• Strong understanding of Detroit’s neighborhoods, economic landscape, housing systems, land stewardship challenges, and business environment

• Experience recruiting or supporting large-scale employers and emerging industries

• Expertise in tax abatements, zoning, land-use policy, and economic-development finance tools

• Exceptional ability to build relationships with residents, developers, employers, unions, community organizations, and philanthropic partners

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, transparency, community voice, and neighborhood-centered development

• Ability to work in fast-paced, politically sensitive environments and lead complex cross-departmental initiatives.

Rate of Pay:  $179,000 - $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.

APPLY HERE