Director of Nighttime Economy and Opportunity

DIRECTOR OF NIGHTTIME ECONOMY AND OPPORTUNITY

The 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 Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Strategically advise neighborhood Planning and Development engagement and implementation
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive nighttime economy strategy aligned with citywide economic development goals
  • Identify opportunities to expand and diversify nighttime offerings, including arts, culture, dining, and entertainment
  • Analyze data and trends to inform policy and program decisions
  • Build a network of partners that may then be directed to procurement opportunities through OCP
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Serve as the central point of contact for nightlife businesses, residents, and community organizations
  • Build partnerships with hospitality, entertainment, tourism, and transportation sectors
  • Facilitate collaboration between public safety agencies and nightlife stakeholders
  • Engage 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 economy
  • Oversee initiatives related to licensing, permitting, zoning, and compliance
  • Develop programs that promote responsible business practices and harm reduction
  • Engage with State-level representation around incentive programs that drive economic opportunities
• Public Safety & Quality of Life
  • Coordinate with law enforcement, emergency services, and health departments to promote safe nightlife environments
  • Address community concerns related to noise, congestion, and public behavior
  • Support initiatives that improve transportation and accessibility during nighttime hours
• Economic Development & Promotion
  • Promote the city as a destination for nightlife and cultural experiences
  • Support small businesses, entrepreneurs, and creative industries operating at night
  • Lead marketing and promotional campaigns in collaboration with tourism and economic development agencies
• Operations & Performance Management
  • Establish metrics to evaluate the success of nighttime economy initiatives
  • Prepare reports, briefings, and presentations for executive leadership and elected officials
  • Manage budget, contracts, and staff (if applicable)

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business, Economic Development, or a related field (Master’s preferred), or relevant experience

• 7 – 10 years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, public policy, urban planning, hospitality, or a related field

• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector partners

• Strong understanding of Detroit nightlife, entertainment, and hospitality industries

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in municipal government or large, complex organizations
• Knowledge of licensing, zoning, and regulatory frameworks affecting nightlife businesses
• Background in community engagement, conflict resolution, or public safety coordination
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives or public-private partnerships

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and visioning
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Policy analysis and development
• Communication and public speaking
• Conflict resolution and negotiation
• Data-driven decision making
• Cultural competency and inclusiveness