Director of Nighttime Economy and Opportunity

Director Of Nighttime Economy And OpportunityThe Director of Nighttime Economy serves as Detroit's dedicated advocate and strategist for all activities and industries that operate between the hours of 6:00pm and 6:00am. This is a senior-level, appointed position within the Mayor's office responsible for coordinating city services, policies, business development, and retail and community engagement to ensure Detroit's nights are safe, economically equitable and productive, accessible and culturally rich.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership Strategically advise neighborhood Planning and Development engagement and implementationDevelop and execute a comprehensive nighttime economy strategy aligned with citywide economic development goalsIdentify opportunities to expand and diversify nighttime offerings, including arts, culture, dining, and entertainmentAnalyze data and trends to inform policy and program decisionsBuild a network of partners that may then be directed to procurement opportunities through OCPStakeholder Engagement Serve as the central point of contact for nightlife businesses, residents, and community organizationsBuild partnerships with hospitality, entertainment, tourism, and transportation sectorsFacilitate collaboration between public safety agencies and nightlife stakeholdersEngage with key demographics and their representative Departments around key nighttime activities and opportunities: Immigrants and non-English speakers (OIA), youth (Office of Youth Affairs), seniors (Office of Senior Citizen Affairs), block clubs (DONs), and faith based organizations (Faith Based).Policy & Program Development Recommend policies, ordinances, and regulatory improvements that support a thriving nighttime economyOversee initiatives related to licensing, permitting, zoning, and complianceDevelop programs that promote responsible business practices and harm reductionEngage with State-level representation around incentive programs that drive economic opportunitiesPublic Safety & Quality of Life Coordinate with law enforcement, emergency services, and health departments to promote safe nightlife environmentsAddress community concerns related to noise, congestion, and public behaviorSupport initiatives that improve transportation and accessibility during nighttime hoursEconomic Development & Promotion Promote the city as a destination for nightlife and cultural experiencesSupport small businesses, entrepreneurs, and creative industries operating at nightLead marketing and promotional campaigns in collaboration with tourism and economic development agenciesOperations & Performance Management Establish metrics to evaluate the success of nighttime economy initiativesPrepare reports, briefings, and presentations for executive leadership and elected officialsManage budget, contracts, and staff (if applicable)Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business, Economic Development, or a related field (Master's preferred), or relevant experience7 10 years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, public policy, urban planning, hospitality, or a related fieldExperience working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector partnersStrong understanding of Detroit nightlife, entertainment, and hospitality industriesPreferred Qualifications Experience in municipal government or large, complex organizationsKnowledge of licensing, zoning, and regulatory frameworks affecting nightlife businessesBackground in community engagement, conflict resolution, or public safety coordinationExperience leading cross-functional initiatives or public-private partnershipsKey CompetenciesStrategic thinking and visioningStakeholder engagement and relationship managementPolicy analysis and developmentCommunication and public speakingConflict resolution and negotiationData-driven decision makingCultural competency and inclusiveness