Detroit, MI – Chief Operating Officer

About the Office

The Office of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) oversees Detroit’s day-to-day municipal operations and works across service departments to ensure residents receive high-quality, reliable, and responsive services. The office coordinates Public Works, General Services, Transportation, Information Technology, and other operational units to strengthen performance, modernize systems, manage major construction and demolition activity, and advance the Mayor’s commitment to a government that listens, heals, and delivers.

Reporting directly to the Mayor, the Chief Operating Officer serves as the City’s senior executive for operational coordination and performance. The COO provides strategic leadership to department directors, drives service-delivery improvements and modernization initiatives, ensures consistent implementation of citywide policies, and represents the Mayor on operational matters with internal and external stakeholders.

The COO leads and coordinates Detroit’s operational departments to ensure alignment with the Mayor’s priorities; develops and implements citywide performance standards and operational systems; improves cross-departmental coordination and service delivery; oversees operational planning, workforce deployment, and resource allocation; manages departmental budgets and financial oversight; advances major operational initiatives including technology and infrastructure improvements; ensures regulatory compliance; supports executive decision-making and departmental evaluations;

builds a culture of accountability and continuous improvement; supervises senior operational leaders; and represents the Mayor in meetings with City Council, residents, labor partners, and regional stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, law, or a related field; master’s degree preferred
• Five or more years of senior management experience in municipal government or a comparably complex organization
• Deep operational knowledge of government systems, including service delivery, infrastructure, facilities, IT, fleet management, and interdepartmental coordination
• Proven experience in performance management, process improvement, organizational development, and operational strategic planning
• Strong financial acumen, including management of large budgets and oversight of operational spending
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with elected officials, department leaders, labor unions, community stakeholders, and regional partners
• Exceptional judgment and decision-making skills in complex and politically sensitive environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive-level reports and briefings
• Track record of advancing resident-centered, equitable service-delivery models
• High emotional intelligence, professionalism, adaptability, and ability to lead teams through change
• Working knowledge of Detroit and its communities, or the ability to quickly develop this knowledge

This position offers an annual salary of $166,516–$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.

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.