Executive Director - Development Authority

Career Opportunities

The City of East Lansing occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.

East Lansing is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City of East Lansing is committed to becoming a fully inclusive place to live work, visit and do business. We believe an organization functions at its highest ability when a shared culture that promotes accepting, respecting, and valuing differences that include attributes such as age, income, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, sexual identity, ability, language, family circumstances and cultural backgrounds is fostered.

We are seeking individuals who share our commitment to equity, inclusion and reflects the community we serve.

• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive environment.
• Ability to exchange information effectively with other City employees and the public.
• 5-8 years of experience in city planning or economic development of which four years must be in a supervisory or consulting capacity. Also, at least 5 years of experience in leading an organization with preference to a municipal government.
• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, landscape architecture, public administration, business administration or a closely related field.
• Or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of community planning.
• Principles of public administration including municipal budgeting and public policy.
• Supervision, coordination and evaluation of the work of professional staff.
• Management of projects in a manner consistent with their stated objective(s).
• Board and volunteer management.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively communicate publicly in speaking and presentation, and in writing.
• Must be well organized and self‑motivated.
• Issues confronting downtown businesses, university, property owners and the general public.
• Best practices in managing Downtown Development Authorities and economic development.
• National Mainstreet Model and economic revitalization tools.
• Ability to effectively plan and direct the work of others.
• Work collegially, effectively, and with transparency.
• Convey information clearly, effectively and tactfully through oral and written communications.
• Interact and work with a variety of personalities to achieve solutions and positive outcomes.
• Frame strategic and effectual approaches and sound recommendations to complex challenges. Identify problems, develop and implement creative and timely solutions.
• Foster collaborations and long‑term partnerships.
• Coordinate, prioritize, and work on multiple concurrent projects often with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to manage stressful situations.
• Adapt and adjust behavior and work methods rapidly in response to new information, changing conditions, and unexpected situations requiring attention and resolution.
• Maintain confidentiality and use discretion.
• Work productively and produce positive responses promptly.

This position generally works in an office environment with exposure to computer screens. Travel to various sites within the city is required, including exposure to inclement weather and work around vehicle traffic. Moves equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.

Application materials can be downloaded:

• Download General Employment Application (PDF)

Please email or mail completed application, cover letter and resume to:
City of East Lansing
Attn:
Human Resources
410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823

Open until filled. First review of applications will take place on November 5, 2025. Preference will be given to candidates that apply prior to that date.

The City of East Lansing complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Courtney Phillips at cp or .