Hybrid Neighborhood Development Associate - Project Manager Analytics Specialist III chez City of Detroit, MI

About the Department

The Neighborhood Development Associate plays a vital frontline role in helping business owners, developers, and community partners navigate the City’s regulatory and permitting processes. This role combines technical knowledge with strong communication and organizational skills to ensure applicants receive timely, accurate, and accessible support.

You will be the applicant’s go-to guide for understanding zoning, permitting, licensing, and compliance pathways — from intake through project completion. You will work closely with the Senior Advisor to identify issues, track progress, and support interdepartmental coordination when needed.

The Neighborhood Development Associate is responsible for the coordination and oversight of the most complex residential, commercial, and industrial development projects. This position provides expert-level knowledge of the City’s Permitting and Licensing process and coordinates developer, consultant, and/or engineer interactions with other City programs during development review and permitting. They will also assist with the coordination of interactions with external agencies when necessary.

Position Duties

• Coordinate, evaluate and guide the day-to-day operations of multiple assigned projects within the development process; ensuring compliance with all internal and applicable codes, ordinances, rules and laws
• Coordinate and assemble meetings with City teams to resolve development-related issues or questions, to include: Public Works, Building Safety, Planning and Zoning, Police, Fire, Finance, Utility Companies.
• Initiate and facilitate meetings with City staff and developers, owners, builders, design professionals to determine critical pathways and solutions for specific projects.
• Interact with the public by providing guidance and assistance regarding application completion, permitting issues, utility issues and a variety of other development-related topics
• Proactively resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries, complaints and requests for service from citizens and those involved in the development process 
• Research and report on a variety of topics related to area of assignment
• Accurately maintains and updates development information in electronic databases
• Cultivate inclusive and respectful working relationships that support a sense of belonging for all employees and community members.
• Facilitate complex and sensitive development projects through the land use review and oversees permitting processes.
• Coordinate developers expectations for project timeline with City policies and procedures.
• Work with City staff to keep the development review process on schedule.
• Anticipate problems and works to a solution with customers and City staff.
• Communicate priorities and goals of both the developer and the reviewer.
• Attend public meetings to discuss project development issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Business, Public Administration, or related field 
• 5+ years of experience in business permitting, land use, project coordination, or client support
• Familiarity with municipal zoning, permitting, or development review processes 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to stay organized while managing multiple active projects

Other Qualifications

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit:   15 points

LRD: 08/05/2025