What are the responsibilities and job description for the Economic Development Director position at Royal Oak, MI?
Job Description
JOIN THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK AS OUR NEXT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
View Recruitment Flyer for more information: Economic Development Director Recruitment Flyer
The City of Royal Oak is looking for a strategic and visionary leader to become our first Economic Development Director. This newly elevated role is an opportunity to lead the next chapter of growth and help shape the future of one of Michigan’s most vibrant and iconic communities.
Our restructured Community & Economic Development Department focuses on creating a healthy and connected economic base while also leading the Building and Code Enforcement teams to provide proactive growth strategies and exceptional service delivery.
This isn’t about maintaining the status quo: it’s about pushing boundaries and unlocking bold, future-ready development that reflects Royal Oak’s values and vision.
Essential Job Functions
As the Economic Development Director, you will guide quality and strategic commercial development, lead redevelopment initiatives, and leverage the city’s property portfolio and other tools to make a positive generational impact on our community and region. Example initiatives include:
- Launching and leading RENO–Royal Oak’s 100% fee reimbursement program for green building, workforce housing, and aging-in-place upgrades.
- Deploying a next-generation online permitting system to make Royal Oak the easiest place to do business in Metro Detroit.
- Overseeing a soccer dome and community wellness center feasibility study.
- Collaborating with Parks & Recreation on a long-term athletics facilities strategy.
- Developing a marketing plan for Royal Oak.
- Cultivating strong relationships with Corewell Health, DTE, Consumers Energy, the Royal Oak Library, and other critical regional partners.
Ongoing & Upcoming Project You’ll Lead
Your work will build upon several exciting, in-progress initiatives, including:
- Implementing a proactive, local, short-term rental licensing program.
- Developing an RFQ process to redevelop the City’s aging Center Street Parking Garage.
- Implementing an RFQ for a comprehensive market study update for Royal Oak and our downtown.
- Collaborating strategically with DTE Energy on long-term grid planning.
- Participating in a comprehensive zoning ordinance revision that embeds the values and policies of our 2022 Sustainability & Climate Action Plan (S-CAP) and our draft 2025 Master Land Use Plan.
KSA
We are looking for a values-driven leader who thrives at the intersection of collaboration, innovation, and impact. The ideal candidate will bring substantial strengths in relationship-building and execution, and will be:
- Strategic: Faced with any given scenario, you can quickly spot the relevant patterns, issues, and opportunities.
- Able to leverage: You have a gift for figuring out how different people can work together productively.
- A connector: You build bridges between people and groups. You can see the bigger picture and know how people can collaborate to deliver.
- Disciplined and achievement-oriented: You start with collaboration but always follow through. You’re results-oriented and persistent, ensuring projects move forward through obstacles.
- Growth-oriented: You push for personal and professional development, understanding that “what got you here won't get you there.”
Application Special Instructions
Make Your Mark in Royal Oak
We believe in boldness, strong partnerships, and a future open to and for everyone. This is your invitation to lead with purpose. Join us. Let’s build the future together.
Applications will be accepted between April 17 - May 26, 2025.
