Opportunities
1. Planning and Zoning Manager - City of Dearborn
Location: Dearborn Administrative Center - Dearborn, MI 48126
Salary Range: $95,081.00 Salary/year
Position Type: Full Time
**Positions typically hire at minimum and follow step progression to maximum**
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK:
This position is responsible for the comprehensive administration and supervision of planning and zoning activities within the city. This position acts as an advisor to the Planning Commission, supervises planning and zoning staff, develops planning policy, recommends ordinance amendments, oversees and manages the development and execution of the City’s Master Plan, Transportation Studies, and Housing Studies. It is expected that the position will present to the City Council as needed regarding planning and zoning recommendations during Mayor Briefings, Committee of the Whole, and City Council Meetings.
TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Supervises staff, including prioritizing and assigning work, coordinating staff training, and supporting personnel procedures.
- Provides recommendations to all levels of City leadership on all matters related to city planning and zoning.
- Prepares amendments and recommends changes to the Zoning Ordinance to the Planning Commission, City Council, and Mayor.
- Responsible for the development and execution of planning policy documents such as the Master Plan.
- Manages the City’s site plan review process, including reviewing developments for compliance with Zoning Ordinance regulations.
- Administrative lead and staff support for the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
- Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance, including attendance at required meetings.
This job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.
Qualifications
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Bachelor’s degree in Regional and Urban Planning, Urban Studies, City Planning, Urban Design or directly related field and 5 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License
- American Institute of Community Planners Certification
PARTS AND WEIGHTS OF THE EXAMINATION:
Oral 100%
DURATION OF LIST:
This list will be in effect for a period of six months.
POST-EMPLOYMENT OFFER REQUIREMENTS:
Satisfactory completion of medical examination and criminal background check prior to start date.
TO APPLY:
Click here for more information and an application.
2. Planner II or III, Economic & Community Vitality - Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG)
Starting Annual Salary: $60,506 - $83,423*
*Depending On Qualifications, with annual performance-based merit increase program
First Review of Applications: January 16, 2025 (open until filled)
About SEMCOG
SEMCOG is a voluntary association of local governments fostering cooperative efforts in order to move the region forward. Since its inception in 1968, SEMCOG has acted as a regional planning partner with local governments in the seven-county Southeast Michigan region, which is made up of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. Membership is open to all counties, cities, villages, townships, intermediate school districts, and community colleges.
SEMCOG is committed to building a staff team that represents the rich diversity of the Southeast Michigan region. As a result, we place an emphasis on maintaining a strong internal culture. SEMCOG’s core values below are the basis of our workplace culture and how we perform our work.
- Visionary – We work holistically, inspiring innovative regional and local solution.
- Collaborative and Inclusive – We are respectful, approachable, and embrace different perspectives to meet the diverse needs of our region.
- Strategic – We are intentional, yet flexible in order to leverage opportunities
- Integrity – We are committed to the ethical and honest stewardship of our fiscal, natural, and built resources.
- Knowledgeable – We strive for excellence through sound data and research and continuous learning, ensuring we are a credible and influential voice for Southeast Michigan
SEMCOG promotes a positive, fun, flexible, and welcoming workplace that encourages staff to celebrate what makes them unique while learning about the things that they share. We accomplish by asking questions engaging in areas of work that are aligned with our interests. SEMCOG understands the importance of work/life balance, offering the flexibility our staff needs to accommodate their personal needs. SEMCOG values the importance of continuing education and encourages staff to seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Role and Responsibilities
SEMCOG is seeking an organized and experienced Planner II or III with a strong foundation of economic development and downtown revitalization to join the Economic and Community Vitality team. This position is ideal for a Planner who can coordinate the development of plans through research, data analysis, and policy development; contribute to the development and implementation of the region’s economic development strategy; and provide technical assistance to member local governments. The major work priorities and focus areas of this position include, but are not limited to placemaking, brownfields, Main Street and downtown revitalization, business attraction, fostering entrepreneurship, rural economic development, connecting talent with jobs, and community economic resiliency. Attend virtual and in-person meetings with communities and partner organizations regarding economic and community development planning. Develop materials and present SEMCOG information to various stakeholder groups. Provide technical assistance to members in key economic issue areas. Employment offers of level II or III will be commensurate with applicant experience and qualifications. This position is part of a job series and offers employee development and promotional opportunities.
The ideal candidate will have an understanding of economic development planning and tools including brownfields and downtown revitalization; local government experience; GIS, good organization and time management skills; detailed, self-motivated, and capable of working on and completing multiple tasks; excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact and work with a range of external stakeholders; and demonstrate a strong work ethic and comfort in working both independently and within teams. The above includes a focus on inclusivity to ensure meeting the vision. All people in Southeast Michigan benefit from a connected, thriving region of small towns, dynamic urban centers, active waterfronts, diverse neighborhoods, premier educational institutions, and abundant agricultural, recreational and natural areas.
Experience and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Economic Development, Community Development, Economics, Public Administration, Urban Studies, Planning, or a related field. Related professional certification desired (i.e., AICP, etc.).
- At least 3 to 7 years of experience of increasing responsibility
- Experience managing projects with multiple stakeholder groups , group facilitation, working on a multi-disciplinary team, and with technical writing/communication.
- Working knowledge with GIS and visual mapping tools; placemaking, the Main Street Approach, and current community and economic development legislative issues.
- Effective written, verbal, public speaking, and presentation skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).
- Support and promote a strong internal culture based on SEMCOG core values.
SEMCOG reserves the right to waive any of the minimum qualifications for applicants whose general or specific qualifications would otherwise qualify the applicant for the position or lead SEMCOG to believe that the applicant is capable of performing the assigned duties and fulfilling the assigned responsibilities.
Apply Now: Compensation, Benefits, Extended Description, and Application
Click here for more information and a PDF application.
3. Executive Director - Benzie County Chamber of Commerce
The Benzie County Chamber of Commerce is seeking a visionary Executive Director to lead our newly integrated Chamber and Economic Development Partnership. This leader will drive economic growth, foster collaboration across business and government sectors, and position Benzie County for long-term prosperity.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Countywide Economic Development
Guide initiatives in business attraction, retention, talent development, infrastructure readiness, and neighborhood revitalization.
Champion Local Businesses
Serve as a strong advocate through the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and with policymakers at the regional, state, and federal levels.
Cultivate Sustainable Funding
Build and maintain a strong investor base, engaging both private- and public-sector partners to ensure financial stability.
Connect People & Resources
Link entrepreneurs, employers, and community leaders to capital, workforce training, and growth opportunities.
Provide Strategic Leadership
Work in close partnership with the Board of Directors to shape and implement the organization’s vision, with transparency and accountability.
Oversee Organizational Excellence
Manage staff, operations, financial resources, fundraising activities, and communications to ensure effective and impactful performance.
Qualifications
Demonstrated success in economic development, chamber leadership, nonprofit management, or related fields.
Experience in fundraising, investor relations, and coalition-building.
Strong knowledge of business development, workforce trends, infrastructure needs, and public policy.
Exceptional communication, advocacy, and relationship-building skills.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification (CEcD, CCE, IOM, or equivalent) strongly preferred.
Personal Attributes
Visionary and strategic, with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Collaborative leader who values partnerships and inclusive growth.
Results-driven and able to translate vision into measurable action.
Passionate about rural economic development and community vitality.
Compensation
This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé to: director@benziechamber.org
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.