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City of Detroit · 2 weeks ago

Chief of Neighborhood Economic Development and Small Business

Detroit, MI

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$179K/yr - $200K/yr

10+ years exp

The City of Detroit is seeking a Chief of Neighborhood Economic Development & Small Business to lead the Mayor’s strategy for neighborhood commercial corridors and small business growth. The role involves overseeing economic development initiatives, coordinating with various agencies, and ensuring community engagement in economic strategies.

Government Administration

Responsibilities

The Chief oversees Detroit’s neighborhood economic development strategy across all districts

Leads small-business attraction, retention, expansion, and support initiatives

Directs the Office of Small Business Affairs

Coordinates with DEGC, DDA, CRIO, BSEED, and other agencies to streamline permitting and approvals

Guides corridor revitalization and catalytic development projects

Expands access to capital and technical assistance

Develops equitable incentive strategies

Integrates workforce and supportive services into neighborhood business strategies

Represents the Mayor in business and development negotiations

Establishes performance metrics to track corridor vitality, business growth, and equitable investment while ensuring community voice informs all strategies

Qualification

Economic developmentSmall-business supportCommercial corridor revitalizationUrban real estateEconomic-development financePublic policyRelationship-buildingCommitment to equityCommunity engagementTeam leadership

Required

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

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

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

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

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

Demonstrated commitment to equity, transparency, community voice, and inclusive economic development aligned with the values of the Sheffield Administration