Financial Director

As Detroit enters a critical period of transition with the upcoming Mayoral election, we have a unique opportunity to shape the leadership that will guide our future. The Cabinet Lookbook is a community-driven initiative designed to identify, uplift, and present a slate of interested and highly qualified candidates for key leadership roles within Detroit’s city government.

This project is not about making hiring decisions—it is about ensuring that progressive, equity-focused leadership is part of the conversation. The individuals featured in The Lookbook are being vetted for their commitment to progressive values, transparency, and community-centered governance. While inclusion in the Lookbook does not guarantee appointment, it signals that you embody the vision and principles necessary to drive meaningful change.

By engaging a broad network of stakeholders, we are surfacing leaders who prioritize collaboration, responsiveness, and justice-centered policies. The Lookbook will serve as a resource for decision-makers and the public, ensuring that leadership transitions reflect the voices and needs of the communities they serve. We believe that who leads matters—and together, we are shaping the future of governance.

The purpose of this project, The Cabinet Lookbook, is to support and influence the leadership transition within Detroit’s city government by presenting a diverse, community-vetted slate of potential leaders who are aligned with progressive, equity-focused, and community-centered values.

All Positions Require

While each position featured in the Cabinet Lookbook has distinct responsibilities, all roles call for leaders who:

• Have a demonstrated track record of advancing the common good
• Show a strong commitment to equity, transparency, and community-driven decision-making
• Bring proven leadership in managing teams and aligning staff around shared goals, systems, or citywide initiatives
• Have experience working across sectors, departments, and/or with community stakeholders
• Understand Detroit’s unique history, assets, and challenges—and are committed to inclusive, place-based solutions
• Prioritize the needs and voices of Detroiters and neighborhoods over corporate interests
• Value data-informed strategies while centering resident voices in planning and implementation
• Uphold integrity, accountability, and public trust in their leadership Can navigate complex systems and drive ambitious, justice-centered outcomes
• Amplify the voices of historically underrepresented and disenfranchised Detroiters
• Are committed to serving a full term—not viewing the role as a short-term resume boost
• Reflect and value the city’s diversity in race, gender, sexual orientation, life experience, education, disability status, military service, or citizenship

Most Positions Will Also Require

• Residency in the City of Detroit within a specified timeframe after appointment
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed
• Possession of a valid driver’s license
• Criminal background checks for certain roles, depending on the position requirements

Financial Strategy & Fiscal Management

These positions are responsible for safeguarding Detroit’s financial health and aligning fiscal strategies with the city’s values and priorities. Leaders will oversee budgeting, revenue forecasting, property assessments, and long-term financial planning, with a focus on equity, transparency, and public accountability. Success in these roles requires deep financial expertise, strategic vision, and a commitment to community-centered fiscal stewardship.

• Chief Financial Officer

• Budget Director

• Chief Assessor

Requirements

Please mention in your cover letter which of the above positions for which you would like to be considered.

Benefits

Please note: Compensation and benefits for these positions tend to fall between $50k - $300k depending on department, seniority and experience.