Director of Marketing & Communications

Job Description

Job Description

VisitNorfolk is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Marketing & Communications to lead our integrated marketing efforts and help position Norfolk as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, leisure travel, and cruises.

This leadership role is responsible for developing and executing innovative, data-driven marketing and communications strategies that strengthen the VisitNorfolk brand, increase visitation, and support the organization's strategic goals. The Director oversees all aspects of branding, advertising, public relations, digital marketing, content development, and creative services while leading a collaborative, high-performing marketing team.

If you're a creative thinker, strategic leader, and passionate storyteller with experience building destination brands and driving measurable results, we'd love to hear from you.

At VisitNorfolk, you'll have the opportunity to shape the voice and brand of one of Virginia's most vibrant waterfront destinations. You'll collaborate with passionate professionals, community partners, and local stakeholders while leading impactful marketing initiatives that drive tourism and economic growth.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute VisitNorfolk's annual marketing and communications strategy and budget.
• Lead integrated marketing campaigns across paid, earned, owned, and shared media.
• Provide strategic leadership on branding, advertising, public relations, digital engagement, and communications.
• Ensure brand consistency across all marketing materials, campaigns, and communications.
• Oversee website content, social media, email marketing, visitor guides, video, photography, advertising, and promotional materials.
• Manage relationships with advertising agencies, creative partners, media vendors, photographers, videographers, and other marketing consultants.
• Lead public relations initiatives by building media relationships, identifying storytelling opportunities, and supporting crisis communications.
• Analyze campaign performance using market research, visitor insights, analytics, and geolocation data to optimize marketing investments.
• Research, write, and manage state marketing grant applications and reimbursement programs.
• Collaborate with tourism partners, local government, cultural organizations, and community stakeholders to expand marketing opportunities.
• Partner with internal departments to support organizational initiatives through strategic communications.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Marketing & Communications team while fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.
• Prepare marketing reports and present campaign performance and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Advertising, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of progressive marketing and communications experience, including supervisory responsibility.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, public relations, and advertising channels.
• Experience managing marketing agencies, creative partners, and external vendors.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Branding
  • Digital marketing
  • SEO/SEM
  • Social media strategy
  • CRM platforms
  • Website management
  • Digital analytics
• Experience managing budgets, grant applications, and multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership, project management, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in destination marketing, tourism, hospitality, economic development, or a related industry.
• Experience using analytics and visitor insights to inform strategic marketing decisions.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate throughout the workday. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted through Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (ET) . Applications received after the deadline may not be considered.