Chief Neighborhood Development Specialist

City of Hampton • Community Development, VA

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About The Position

The City of Hampton is seeking a strategic, community-driven leader for the Housing & Neighborhood Services Division of the Community Development Department. As the division’s most senior specialist, this role helps shape neighborhood initiatives that empower residents, support local organizations, and foster vibrant, resilient communities. The specialist works closely with leadership and community stakeholders to manage policies, programs, and resources supporting the Hampton Neighborhood Initiative and broader community development efforts.

The position requires knowledge of housing policy, community development, and development processes, as well as experience with federal housing programs, including HUD entitlement grants such as CDBG and HOME. A strong accounting background is needed to support grant administration, compliance, and reporting. The role also requires familiarity with housing policies and regulations and the ability to interpret and apply them. This public-facing position works collaboratively with residents, developers, boards, commissions, community partners, and other stakeholders. Evening and weekend meetings or events may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Government, Public Administration, Planning, Community Development, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in community development, neighborhood revitalization, neighborhood capacity building, and public-private partnership development, preferably in the public sector.
• At least two years of grant and/or budget administration experience, preferably in municipal government.
• Broad working knowledge of the financial principles underlying state and city laws and regulations pertaining to municipal government.
• Exceptional customer service and organizational skills.
• Effective communication with internal and external customers.
• Must successfully pass a background check before an offer of employment or promotion.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton’s criteria.
• A combination of education, professional certifications, and equivalent experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Three years of experience administering Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds.
• Experience in marketing and outreach; housing development and finance; public policy or administration; youth development or schools; planning; organizational development and capacity building; or partnerships and innovative programs.
• Functional knowledge of tools, materials, technology, and processes specific to the Housing & Neighborhood Services Division and/or the Community Development Department.

Responsibilities

• Help shape neighborhood initiatives that empower residents, support local organizations, and foster vibrant, resilient communities.
• Manage policies, programs, and resources supporting the Hampton Neighborhood Initiative and broader community development efforts.
• Support grant administration, compliance, and reporting for federal housing programs, including CDBG and HOME.
• Interpret and apply housing policies and regulations.
• Collaborate with residents, developers, boards, commissions, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Attend evening and weekend meetings or events as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior