Deputy Director - Hampton Coliseum

The City of Hampton is a vibrant municipality known for its commitment to community enrichment and public service excellence. Located in the coastal region of Virginia, Hampton prides itself on its rich history, diverse population, and a strong dedication to fostering cultural, entertainment, and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Among its notable assets is the Hampton Coliseum, an iconic regional entertainment venue that has been a centerpiece for major concerts, sporting events, conventions, and community programs for decades. The Coliseum has earned a reputation as a premier facility that attracts world-class talent and provides a dynamic space for public gatherings, making it an essential cultural hub in the region.

The City of Hampton is currently seeking an experienced and dynamic Deputy Director to join the leadership team of the Hampton Coliseum. This role is pivotal in supporting the Director in the comprehensive oversight and smooth operation of the venue, ensuring an exceptional experience for event organizers, attendees, staff, and stakeholders. As Deputy Director, you will manage multiple facets of venue operations including event production, staff leadership, strategic planning, risk and contract management, and operational excellence. This role offers a rare and exciting opportunity for an event or venue management professional to leverage their expertise in a public assembly setting with diverse programming that features over 150 annual events including concerts, sports competitions, and community gatherings.

The Deputy Director is entrusted with guiding day-to-day operations across various divisions to guarantee efficient, seamless service that meets the high standards expected at the Hampton Coliseum. Key responsibilities involve overseeing hiring, training, and performance management of staff and volunteers, developing robust staffing models to accommodate event needs, and implementing organizational policies that enhance effectiveness. This leadership role also involves managing event-related risks, insurance compliance, and contractual obligations effectively to safeguard the venue and city interests.

Beyond operational supervision, the Deputy Director plays a strategic role in capital improvement projects by handling procurement, contract administration, and payment approvals, ensuring that facility upgrades and maintenance align with long-term goals. The position requires active involvement in event planning stages, conducting pre-event meetings and post-event evaluations to facilitate continuous improvement and maximize event success. Additionally, the Deputy Director collaborates in talent bookings and conducts financial and performance analysis to uncover revenue growth opportunities.

Candidates for this role must possess a solid background in public assembly facility management or related fields, with a minimum of five years of experience in administrative and supervisory capacities. This position demands strong leadership capabilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to perform under pressure in complex and fast-paced event environments. Knowledge of contract management, risk mitigation, and operational strategy is critical. The Deputy Director must also be flexible regarding work hours as the role requires availability during evenings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate event schedules, along with occasional travel.

Joining the City of Hampton’s team means becoming part of a mission-driven, collaborative public service environment that values professionalism and career growth. The city offers a competitive salary and an extensive benefits package, reflecting its commitment to attracting and retaining top talent dedicated to elevating the Hampton Coliseum as a cultural and entertainment landmark. If you are an enthusiastic and capable professional seeking to shape the future of a prominent venue and contribute meaningfully to community life, this Deputy Director position is an ideal opportunity.