What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Director of Retail Attraction position at DETROIT ECONOMIC GROWTH CORP?
ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND/CULTURE
The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a private non-profit organization leading the economic revitalization efforts for Detroit, the most exciting urban recovery in the country. The DEGC works closely with the City of Detroit and other partners to support existing businesses and bring new companies and investment to the city. The DEGC designs and implements innovative solutions that drive investment, create jobs, and build the economy through strong public-private collaborations. DEGC’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and professionalism permeates the organization and underpins our stature as the City's economic development authority. The DEGC provides staff services to Detroit’s public development authorities, including the Downtown Development Authority, the Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, the Economic Development Corporation, the Eight Mile Woodward Corridor Improvement Authority, the Neighborhood Development Corporation, the Local Development Finance Authority, and the Tax Increment Finance Authority.
SUMMARY OF ROLE
The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) seeks a dynamic, experienced, and skilled individual to join our team as a Senior Director of Retail Attraction, leading Detroit's retail recruitment strategy. Serving as the primary ambassador to local, regional, and national retail markets, the person in this role develops market-informed attraction strategies, builds strong relationships with brokers, retailers, and property owners, and guides prospects through site selection and investment decisions. Working closely with DEGC and City of Detroit leadership, the Senior Director shapes Detroit's retail narrative and advances opportunities across neighborhood corridors and emerging development areas.
PRIMARY SKILL-DRIVEN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and lead Detroit’s retail attraction strategy using market research, consumer insights, and competitive analysis.
- Identify high‑potential retail segments through trend monitoring, forecasting, and data evaluation.
- Lead proactive outreach and relationship development with national, regional, and emerging retail brands, brokers, and developers.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective retailers, providing concierge‑level support throughout the site selection and onboarding process.
- Manage multi-stakeholder retail attraction projects, coordinating across internal teams and city departments to remove barriers and advance opportunities.
- Prepare clear, compelling reports, presentations, and market narratives for internal leadership, retailers, and public-sector partners.
- Support the evaluation and structuring of incentive packages and assess project feasibility.
- Maintain accurate CRM records, prospect pipelines, and market intelligence databases.
- Represent DEGC at industry events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings to promote Detroit’s retail opportunities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & COMPETENCIES
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Urban Planning, Business, Economic Development, Communications, or related field; Master’s preferred.
- 5–7 years of experience in economic development, business attraction, retail real estate, or site selection.
- Experience collaborating with public-sector agencies, developers, or retail companies.
- Working knowledge of the City of Detroit’s retail nodes, commercial corridors, and unique economic development ecosystem.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Core Competencies
- Market & Analytical Expertise: Strong abilities in market research, retail industry analysis, competitive assessment, and data interpretation.
- Communication & Influence: Excellent written, verbal, and public-speaking skills with the ability to engage executive-level audiences.
- Stakeholder Relationship Leadership: Proven skill in building trust with diverse stakeholders, including retailers, brokers, developers, and government partners.
- Project Leadership: Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept through execution.
- Customer-Centric Orientation: High emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and service mindset when working with partners and prospects.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to apply systems thinking, anticipate challenges, and align strategies with broader community and economic goals.
- Adaptability & Professionalism: Comfortable navigating ambiguity, managing multiple priorities, and maintaining confidentiality and integrity.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM platforms and data analysis tools.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those required of an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Requirement | Description | Estimated % of Time |
Visual Acuity | Ability to review documents, analyze data, interpret charts, and use a computer for extended periods. | 60–70% |
Use of Hands / Fine Motor Skills | Regular use of hands to operate office equipment, including a computer, keyboard, mouse, and phone. | 60–70% |
Sitting / Sedentary Work | Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working at a computer, conducting virtual meetings, and completing administrative tasks. | 50–60% |
Speaking / Hearing | Frequent verbal communication during meetings, presentations, and phone/video calls. | 40–50% |
Travel | Local, regional, and national travel to attend meetings, site visits, conferences, retail events, and trade shows. | 20–30% |
Walking / Mobility | Ability to move between office locations, navigate development sites, attend corridor tours, and participate in stakeholder meetings. | 10–20% |
Driving | Operate a motor vehicle to attend site visits and meetings across Detroit and occasionally outside the city. | 10–20% |
Standing | Ability to stand for presentations, tours, events, and in-person meetings. | 10–15% |
Lifting / Carrying | Ability to lift and carry light materials such as presentation binders, informational packets, or small equipment (typically up to 10–15 lbs). | <5% |
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
DEGC is currently operating on a Hybrid schedule. Candidates should know that all employees must do in-person work at least twice weekly. This in-person work includes but is not limited to reporting to the DEGC office, community engagement, and in-person meetings. DEGC reserves the right to terminate the Hybrid work schedule for any individual or all employees at any time, at its sole discretion.
COMPENSATION:
A competitive compensation package will be offered to successful candidates. The salary range depends on experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
The DEGC is committed to equal employment opportunities for all employees and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national, social, or ethnic origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. -
Salary : $90,000 - $120,000