Senior Director of Housing and Planning

Senior Director of Housing and Planning This role oversees the Department of Housing and Revitalization, Planning Department, Detroit Housing Commission, and Detroit Land Bank Authority, ensuring coordinated strategy, efficient operations, and equitable neighborhood outcomes. The Senior Director will partner closely with the Chief of Housing, Planning, Workforce and Economic Development and other City leaders to advance affordable housing, responsible land use, neighborhood revitalization, and sustainable growth for Detroit's residents and communities. This individual will also lead the infill housing strategy for the City, as well as contribute heavily to zoning and permitting reform efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Portfolio Management Oversee the integrated housing and planning portfolio to implement the City's long-range housing, planning, land disposition, and neighborhood revitalization strategies. Align departmental priorities with Mayor's goals and the Chief's vision; set performance standards and measurable outcomes for all four agencies. Departmental Oversight and Operations Provide executive guidance to the Department of Housing and Revitalization, Planning Department, Detroit Housing Commission, and Detroit Land Bank Authority; ensure coherent policy implementation, program delivery, budgeting, and compliance. Foster cross-department collaboration, streamlined processes, and consistent application of City policies, codes, and procurement rules. Housing and Revitalization Guide affordable housing production and preservation, housing rehabilitation, homelessness prevention, and stabilization programs; advance strategies to reduce blight and improve housing quality. Oversee capital planning, housing incentives, and coordination with state/federal housing programs and lenders. Planning and Land Use Lead comprehensive planning efforts, zoning/policy updates, brownfield initiatives, urban design standards, and efficient land-use planning that supports growth and equity. Ensure alignment between planning decisions and housing outcomes, transportation, and neighborhood needs. Detroit Housing Commission and Detroit Land Bank Provide strategic direction for DHC and the DLBA to optimize property disposition, property acquisition, maintenance, and turnaround strategies that promote neighborhood vitality and public benefit. Monitor performance, risk, and fiscal stewardship of agencies responsible for publicly owned and tax-foreclosed properties. Economic Development and Financing Identify opportunities for public-private partnerships, financing strategies, and leverage of federal, state, and local resources to fund housing and planning initiatives. Manage grant portfolios, including compliance, reporting, and performance measurement. Equity, Community Engagement, and Accountability Ensure equitable outcomes across all programs; engage communities in planning and housing decisions; promote transparency and accountability in investments and results. Build trust with residents, community organizations, developers, lenders, and intergovernmental partners. Policy Development, Compliance, and Risk Management Develop and refine policies affecting housing, zoning, land disposition, and neighborhood planning; monitor regulatory compliance and manage organizational risk. Performance, Analytics, and Reporting Establish dashboards and KPIs; summarize progress for the Mayor, Chief, City Council, and stakeholders; inform course corrections with data-driven insights. Talent, Culture, and Organizational Excellence Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing leadership team; foster cross-functional collaboration, succession planning, and a culture of service and accountability.

Education Preferred:

Master's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Real Estate Development, or a closely related field.

Alternative:

Juris Doctor (JD) or Master's in Business Administration (MBA) or a Doctorate in a related field, plus substantial relevant experience.

Experience Minimum:

10+ years of experience in housing, planning, urban development, or related fields with progressive leadership responsibilities.

Senior leadership:

5+ years in a senior or executive management role overseeing multiple departments or programs, preferably in municipal or public-sector settings. Demonstrated success in coordinating cross-functional teams, managing complex capital projects, and delivering results in urban contexts. Demonstrated relevant experience accepted Education / Experience Bachelor's degree and 12-15 years of relevant experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role; Master's degree and 7-12 years of relevant public/Nonprofit sector leadership experience in housing, planning, or related areas; JD or MBA and 6-10 years of relevant leadership experience; OR combination of education, certifications, and hands-on leadership in municipal housing, planning, and land-use programs. Certifications (e.g., AICP, CEcD, CPM) or equivalent public-sector leadership credentials may substitute for portions of formal education. Licenses, Certifications and Licenses (optional but desirable) AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) CPM (Certified Property Manager) PMP or other project management credentials

Reports To:

Chief of Housing, Planning, Workforce and Economic Development Direct Reports:

Director, Department of Housing and Revitalization Director, Planning Department Director, Detroit Housing Commission Director, Detroit Land Bank Authority Job Type:

Appointed - Full-time Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strategic thinking and the ability to translate vision into actionable plans, budgets, and initiatives. Deep knowledge of housing policy, zoning, land-use planning, brownfields, and public land disposition. Strong financial acumen, grants management, and proficiency with capital planning and financing strategies. Proven ability to lead diverse teams, manage large-scale programs, and deliver results in a complex urban environment. Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills (residents, developers, lenders, community organizations, state/federal partners). Data-driven decision making, performance measurement, and the ability to communicate complex concepts to varied audiences. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement; culturally competent leadership.