Chief Neighborhood Development Specialist

City of Hampton; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hampton, VA is seeking a strategic, community‑driven Chief Neighborhood Specialist to lead the Housing & Neighborhood Services Division. You will shape neighborhood initiatives, empower residents, support local organizations, and coordinate with leadership and community partners.

The role requires expertise in housing policy, grant management (CDBG/HOME), and budgeting, with strong communication and public‑facing skills.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum five years in community development, neighborhood revitalization, or public-private partnerships.
• At least two years in grant and/or budget administration, preferably in municipal government.
• Broad knowledge of financial principles underlying state and city laws for municipal government.
• Three years of experience administering CDBG and HOME funds preferred.
• Experience in marketing/outreach, housing development/finance, policy/administration, youth development, planning, and partnerships.
• Strong customer service and organizational skills are essential.
• Combination of education, certifications, and equivalent experience may be considered.
• Must pass background check and possess valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Shape neighborhood initiatives and empower residents and local organizations.
• Work with leadership and stakeholders to manage policies, programs, and resources.
• Support the Hampton Neighborhood Initiative and broader community development efforts.
• Interact with residents, developers, boards, commissions, and partners to advance programs.

Skills

Customer service excellence

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Public policy/administration

Partnership development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Government, Public Administration, Planning, Community Development, or related field

Master's degree or equivalent work experience preferred

Job description

Are you passionate about building strong, thriving neighborhoods and enhancing community life? The City of Hampton is seeking a strategic, community-driven leader to serve as Chief Neighborhood Specialist in the Housing & Neighborhood Services Division of the Community Development Department.

As the most senior specialist in the division, you will play a vital role in shaping neighborhood initiatives that empower residents, support local organizations, and foster vibrant, resilient communities. This position works closely with leadership and community stakeholders to manage policies, programs, and resources that support the Hampton Neighborhood Initiative and broader community development efforts.

We’re looking for candidates with a strong understanding of housing policy, community development, and development processes.

Applicants should have experience with federal housing programs, including HUD entitlement grants (CDBG and HOME), and a strong accounting background to support grant administration, compliance, and reporting. Familiarity with housing policies and regulations, including the ability to interpret and apply them, is also important. This public-facing position requires strong communication and customer service skills, along with the ability to work collaboratively with residents, developers, boards, commissions, community partners, and other stakeholders. Candidates must also be available to attend evening and weekend meetings or events.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Government, Public Administration, Planning, Community Development, or a related field. Master's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Requires a minimum of five (5) years of experience working in the fields of community development, neighborhood revitalization, neighborhood capacity building and public private partnership development preferably in the public sector. In addition, this position requires a minimum of two (2) years of experience with grant and/or budget administration; preferably in a municipal government environment.
• Must possess broad working knowledge of the financial principles underlying State and City laws and regulations pertaining to municipal government.
• Three (3) years of experience specifically administering Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds preferred.
• Experience in marketing and outreach; housing development and finance; public policy/administration; youth development/schools; planning; organizational development and capacity building; and partnerships and innovative programs also desired.
• Requires exceptional customer service and organizational skills.
• May require a functional knowledge of tools, materials, technology and processes that are specific to the Housing & Neighborhood Services Division and/or the Community Development Department.
• A combination of education, professional certifications, and equivalent experience may be considered for this position.
• Must successfully pass a background check prior to any offer of employment or promotion.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton's criteria.

Additional Requirements

• Requires effective communication with internal and external customers.
• May require working beyond a standard 40-hour work week to include evenings and weekends.
• Requires considerable local travel. Some regional or state travel required.
• A rotation of remote work is permitted, dependent on performance
• The incumbent may be considered "essential personnel" during City emergencies or at the direction of the City Manager which may include long hours and unusual schedules.