Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : City Hall, Hampton, VA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 09409
Department: MARKETING & OUTREACH
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt


Function
The City of Hampton, Virginia is seeking an innovative, strategic, and visionary leader to serve as our next Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO).

This executive leadership position is responsible for advancing Hampton's brand, reputation, resident engagement, talent attraction, economic development positioning, and strategic communications. The CMCO will develop and execute data-driven marketing and communications strategies that strengthen Hampton's competitive position as a destination for residents, businesses, visitors, investors, and workforce talent.

What You'll Do

As Hampton's senior marketing and communications executive, you will:

• Lead the City's marketing, branding, and communications strategy.
• Promote Hampton as a destination for residents, businesses, visitors, investors, and talent.
• Direct media relations, public information, crisis communications, and executive messaging.
• Oversee the City's website, social media, and digital communications platforms.
• Advise City leadership on communications strategy, public engagement, and reputation management.
• Strengthen community trust through transparent communications and resident engagement.
• Use data and market insights to guide strategy and measure results.
• Lead and develop communications staff while managing budgets and resources.

Who We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and forward-thinking executive with success leading integrated marketing and communications initiatives, including brand development, audience engagement, digital and content marketing, media and public communications, marketing analytics, CRM and automation platforms, website optimization, and AI-powered marketing technologies.

Why Hampton?

Hampton is a vibrant waterfront community rich in history, innovation, and opportunity. Home to world-class attractions, thriving neighborhoods, a growing economy, and a strong commitment to resident engagement, Hampton offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a city poised for continued growth and success.

If you're ready to help tell Hampton's story, strengthen its brand, and shape its future, we invite you to apply!

This position will be advertised until filled.
Benefits Overview
This is a summary of benefits associated with permanent, full-time positions. Benefits associated with other positions can be found with specific job listings. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following one full calendar month of employment in the following benefit plans:

• Sentara Health Plans
• EAP Provider: ComPsych
• OptumRx
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Anthem Blue View Vision
• FSA Reimbursement accounts

• Standard: Accident and Critical Illness
• Chubb Term Life Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Mission Square: 457 / Roth IRS / Roth 457 (b) IRA

• Employees begin accruing annual and sick leave immediately.
• Other forms of leave include:
  • Maternity Leave
  • Parental Bonding Leave
  • Care for Sick Parent Leave
  • Birthday Leave
  • Personal day (available every quarter)

The eleven paid holidays each year include:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• Employee's birthday
• The retirement plan is offered through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS1-888-827-3847) and is a defined benefit pension plan. For more information, see the VRS website.
• Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is Securian Financial.
• Mission Square Retirement plans 457, Roth IRA, Roth 457 plans are offered through Mission Square RetirementView phone number on click.appcast.io). For more information, visit
• Medical / Dental and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts are offered on a pre-tax basis in order to reduce the amount of tax the employee pays.
• Direct deposit into most banks is a convenient finance feature.
• Employees are covered for Workers' Compensation where appropriate.
• Training and Career Development: The Employee Education Assistance Program (EEAP) encourages employee development through (1) educational programs leading to a degree, (2) skilled craft or trade training leading to a certificate or license and (3) coursework to renew and update skills. Eligibility criteria apply. In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and other areas of government/business knowledge and skill development.
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and personal counseling service for the employee and their immediate family contact CompPysch at View phone number on click.appcast.io or see

01


Do you have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field of study?

• Yes
• No

02


Which of the following options below best describes your experience in communications, public relations, and media relations in a governmental or public relations environment?

• No experience
• 1 - 2 years' experience
• 3 - 5 years' experience
• 6 - 9 years' experience
• 10 or more years' experience

03


Which of the following options below best describes your supervisory or team leader experience in communications, marketing or public relations environment?

• No experience
• 1 - 2 years' experience
• 3 - 5 years' experience
• 6 - 9 years' experience
• 10 or more years' experience

04


If you have previous experience in a municipal setting, please explain where you gained this experience with each municipal employer. If you answered "No experience," please type "N/A" in the space provided below.
05


Which of the following options below best describes your experience in brand development, audience engagement, digital and content marketing, media and public communications, marketing analytics, CRM and automation platforms, website optimization, and AI-powered marketing technologies?

• No experience
• 1 - 2 years' experience
• 3 - 5 years' experience
• 6 - 9 years' experience
• 10 or more years' experience

06


Please provide a description to support your response to question 5 below.
07


I understand that I will be considered "essential personnel" during City emergency situations and may be required to work long and unusual hours during such situations.

• Yes
• No

08


This position requires that you possess a valid Virginia Driver's License and have a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton criteria. Failure to provide your driver's license number will prevent us from considering your application. Please confirm your driver's license number by entering it below:
09


I understand that I must successfully pass a background check related to this position prior to any offer of employment or promotion.

• Yes
• No

Required Question