Chief of Staff

The position’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Executive Management Functions

• Acts as an adviser and confidant to Council Member.
• Supports the Council Member in driving the general vision and direction of the organization.
• Develops, along with the Council Member and Strategy Manager, the office strategy, priorities and major goals to support the office vision and values.
• Organizes and prioritizes critical issues and required information for Council Member to facilitate efficient decision making.
• Represents Council Member internally and externally, speaking on her behalf whenever necessary.
• Assesses inquiries directed to Council Member, determines the proper course of action and delegates to the appropriate staff members to manage.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with staff, City Council Chiefs of Staff, Mayoral Chief of Staff, and department directors.
• Provides oversight and guidance to projects of high importance.
• Is the lead project manager for the office.

HR/Staff Management Functions

• In charge of the supervision of all staff members, ensuring all staff issues are addressed properly, efficiently and judiciously; mediating, deescalating disputes whenever necessary.

• Creates a supportive, welcoming environment that fosters creativity and growth amongst the team.
• Creates and maintains an environment of professionalism, ensuring fluid communication amongst staff and Council Member.
• Directs all hiring/firing efforts of all staff/interns/fellows/volunteers.
• Directs all vacation and payroll related matters.
• In charge of coordinating all internal team meetings as well as 1:1 meetings, ensuring the pipeline of communication is opened and the direction of all work moves the right direction.
• Drives conversations and content for staff evaluations, this includes but not limited to: regular check-ins, mid-year and end of year conversations.
• Develops professional development plans for all staff members, assisting staff in identifying trainings, workshops and conferences for their professional growth. 
• Ensures all staff members have the necessary tools to perform their job duties.

Strategy Functions

• Manages and drives the execution of all strategic initiatives; this includes but no limited to: working with an external consultant, developing all action plans, facilitating conversations with Council Member and staff to ensure the well implementation of the strategic plans. 
• Fosters an atmosphere of critical analysis and creativity to support the team in evaluating initiatives on an ongoing basis.
• Supports program evaluation in consultation with the consultant and the executive team.
• Assists the strategy manager in monitoring the implementation and evaluation of the annual strategic plan.

Operations Functions

• Develops procedures, reviews and monitors all budget functions, this includes but not limited to: monitors closely the administrative budget, initiates conversations with the Finance Dept., or other necessary departments, to ensure information is up to date, requests re-appropriations of funds, and overall ensures the healthy management of the office budget. 
• Manages all vendor related matters, this includes but not limited to: drafts contracts, manages all accounts payable, follows closely outstanding invoices. 
• Manages the running functions of all offices ensuring a safe and productive work environment. This includes: ordering supplies, fixing any malfunctioning issues, and ensuring the maintenance and cleanliness of both offices.

Special Initiatives

• Manages any taskforce or special projects identified by the Council Member

Ideal Candidate:

• 5+ years of experience in leadership/management/executive roles.
• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or closely related field.
• Bilingual (Spanish or Arabic) is a plus.
• Must live in Detroit or be willing to relocate.
• High Emotional IQ, self-awareness and empathy
• Senior level leadership skills
• Familiar with change management theories
• In depth knowledge of issues impacting City of Detroit residents and respect for communities and diverse cultures is highly preferred.
• Experience with budget management.
• Experience with HR and staff management
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess impeccable organizational and project management skills.
• Must be outcome oriented.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work strategically and collaborative across departments, internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize workload.
• Must be an individual who approaches challenges effectively, pro-actively and is solution focused.
• Must be comfortable representing Council Member with the media (video and pictures) and with general interactions with the public.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and social media outlets.
• Possesses a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work a very flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• A motivated individual who is passionate about a bright future for Detroit and the wellbeing of its residents. 
• While all of us as human beings are biased, an individual who is able to recognize her/his own biases, and continues to think critically about how to overcome these.

Salary Range:

$70-$90K*

Dependent upon experience & contract type

To Apply:

E-mail a letter of interest and résumé to D2info@detroitmi.gov

Please include “Chief of Staff” in the subject line.