Detroit, MI – Chief of Neighborhood Economic Development and Small Business

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 commercial 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 neighborhood economic development, business innovation and emerging industries, and small business affairs to center resident voice, expand access to opportunity, and ensure reinvestment reaches every neighborhood.

The Chief of Neighborhood Economic Development & Small Business serves as the Mayor’s senior executive strategist for neighborhood-based economic growth, corridor revitalization, and small-business development. Reporting directly to the Mayor, the Chief leads citywide efforts to modernize business processes, strengthen commercial corridors, attract and retain small and medium-sized enterprises, and advance equitable, community-driven economic development in partnership with city agencies, economic development entities, philanthropic partners, and community stakeholders.

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

• Advanced degree in public policy, economics, business administration, urban planning, real estate development, or a 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 mixed-use redevelopment
• Expertise in economic-development finance, including incentives, grants, TIF, bonds, CDBG-funded business programs, and public-private partnerships
• Deep familiarity with Detroit’s business landscape, neighborhood corridors, and micro-enterprise challenges strongly preferred
• 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

This position offers an annual salary of $179,000–$200,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with generous healthcare and other benefits provided to eligible City of Detroit employees.

Apply online with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references.

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.