Job Opportunities

Fairgrounds Manager - Eastern Idaho State Fair, Blackfoot, Idaho

Application Deadline: June 25, 2009
Starting Date: September 1, 2009

The Eastern Idaho State Fair Board is seeking an experienced administrator to manage the Fair
and continue its strong traditions. The Manager is an officer appointed by and reporting to the
Board of Directors. Emphasis is on administration and management, financial accounting,
planning, marketing, facility enhancement, community outreach and public relations. Under the
direction of the Board, the Fair Manager plans, organizes, and produces the yearly Fair, and is
also responsible for the management of off-season use of the fairgrounds facilities, the RV Park,
and the maintenance of the grounds.

Position Overview

Responsible for planning, organizing, and producing the yearly fair. Communicates, coordinates
and reviews operating plans with the Fair Board and other involved partners. Negotiates and
administers contracts for all entertainment. Supervises contracting of commercial exhibitors and food concessionaires, recruitment of Superintendents and employees, tickets sales, and grounds and buildings preparations. The manager is responsible for the preparation of the annual budget, hires and supervises all personnel, and assumes overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Fair. Also responsible for the management of off-season use of the facilities, the RV Park, and oversees the maintenance of the grounds. Hires, organizes, assigns, trains, evaluates and supervises office and facilities personnel including permanent and part-time staff. Develops team work that is effective and efficient, and provides quality customer service.

The manager must be an individual with management and administrative skills, and have an
understanding of the practices and principles of fairs or other business event management,
including public relations, personnel and financial administration, contract negotiation and
administration, and property management practices. Must posses strong communication skills
both verbal and written, and must be able to communicate effectively with community
representatives, elected officials, Board members, staff, and press. Must be willing to work
irregular hours and weekends, to perform personally at any job level, and to participate in
community activities and organizations, be creative, resourceful, flexible, objective, cooperative,
and personable. Other responsibilities include grant writing, finding sponsorships, and use of
other methods to maximize revenue. In addition, the manager must be willing to live in
Blackfoot or Bingham County within 4 months of accepting this position. and be available to
start on September 1.

Salary to be determined depending on experience, and position is salaried exempt. Benefits
include: Public Employees Retirement (PERSI), health insurance, vacation, sick leave, holidays,
and comp time for overtime worked.

Your answer to the following questions and your resume will be evaluated in order to determine
the most suitable qualified applicants to continue in the selection process. For the questions,
please limit your response to no more than two (2) typewritten single spaced pages.

QUESTIONS:
1. Explain qualities of yours which will prove beneficial should you be appointed to the
position.
2. Describe your experiences, if any, of working under the direction of a Board of Directors.
3. How would you keep the fair relevant to its community? (Describe your views and
provide examples of how best, in your opinion, this can be accomplished.)

Mail completed resume, questions, and cover letter by June 25 to:

Eastern Idaho State Fair
P. O. Box 250
Blackfoot, Idaho 83221

For additional information, contact the current Fair Manager, Doris Wallace, at (208)785-2480.

Horse Show Assistant - San Antonio Livestock Exposition, San Antonio, Texas

ABOUT OUR COMPANY:
The San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. (S.A.L.E.), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.  With over 4,000 volunteers and a small staff, S.A.L.E. is “A Volunteer Organization that Emphasizes Agriculture and Education to Develop the Youth of Texas.”

S.A.L.E.’s premier event is the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, which includes a PRCA rodeo, entertainment, livestock show, horse show, grounds activities and more.  1.3 million visitors attended the Stock Show & Rodeo in 2008.  To date, S.A.L.E.’s educational commitment exceeds $87 million, with a record $8.5 million committed in 2008.te, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo educational

Responsibilities:

• Support the Horse Show Director in the successful execution of all horse show and S.A.L.E. events, and support the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. mission and volunteer effort

• Execute administrative functions for the horse show office, including but not limited to responding to telephone, written and email inquiries; processing payments; filing; preparing business correspondence

• Support and work closely with S.A.L.E. volunteers

• Maintain excellent professional relationships with S.A.L.E. employees, volunteers, contractors, and vendors

• Represent S.A.L.E. in a professional manner at all times

• Attend the organization’s events, which may include: committee meetings, board of directors meetings, chairmen’s meetings; fundraisers; industry events

• Maintain confidentiality in sensitive matters; respond to all situations with tact and professionalism

• Coordinate meetings and events

• Train and supervise interns as needed

• Maintain accurate and thorough records as required, including data entry, processing show entries, posting results

• Pursue and secure donations and sponsorships; prepare related contracts for management approval; fulfill and support sponsorship contracts

• Place orders, negotiate bids and manage project contracts

• Accurately record and track department financials including budget items, financials, paying premiums

• Advise Horse Show Director (on an ongoing basis) of status of projects and workload

• Assist in the development of communications, including web, email, and print products

• Maintain an awareness of industry trends, suggest improvements and efficiencies 

• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned

Education and Experience:
Skills and Knowledge: Ideal candidate will possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree.  An agricultural or animal science-related field is preferred.  Knowledge of equine industry and competitive events is highly desired. Experience working with volunteers is preferred.   Knowledge of MS Office software applications is required, experience with Access and Photoshop preferred. 

Abilities: Excellent interpersonal skills; able to work well both with supervision and independently; excellent written and oral communications; strong organizational and time management skills; quick learner and self-motivated.  Able to multitask and prioritize effectively; must perform well under pressure.  Results-oriented; flexible and adaptable to change.  Able and willing to travel and work extended hours as required.  Must be able to perform normal physical tasks encountered in a normal horse show office environment.  Effectively work with individuals with all types of personalities. 

Interested parties may submit a resume to Katie@sarodeo.com or fax to 210.225.1021.

Marketing Internships -- RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane, Australia

For over 130 years, the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane Australia, has staged the Royal Queensland Show, affectionately know as the "EkkA".

An exciting opportunity has arisen for twowork-experience placements within our Sales, Marketing and Sponsorship Department during the US Summer holidays (May-August), to become part of one the great teams that creates EkkA 2009.

The two areas identified are:

1.            Event Management Coordination

• Assist coordination of a judging event for the ‘Forty Three Twenty’ RNA Short Film Competition.

• Liaise with VIP Judges with coordination of travel, accommodation, food, arrival and departure.

• Coordination of guest list, invitations and RSVPs for event.

• Coordination of event logistics including tech setup, people movement and health and safety.

• Oversee admin associated with entries into the ‘Forty Three Twenty’ RNA Short Film Competition including: archiving, film classification, short listing and copying. 

• Employ below the line marketing techniques to promote entry into the competition within schools, universities and local businesses.

• Create media releases for the competition

• Write web material for the competition

• Effectively initiate corporate correspondence systems and maintain communication channels

2.            Database Management/Direct Marketing/Communications Placement:

• Database Administration and Maintenance

• Packaging data for delivery through a variety of media

• Creating and administering internal and external communications systems

• Copywriting for website and other promotional collateral

• Employ direct marketing techniques to encourage EkkA exhibitor engagement in public marketing initiatives

• Assist with proofing and writing of corporate materials

This is an opportunity to grow within the organisation and expand on your skill set while making a valuable contribution to Queensland’s largest event.

Interested applicants, please email your expression of interest to gain a detailed job specification (and visa requirements) to:

Laura Dodd
Organisational Development Manager
RNA Showgrounds
600 Gregory Terrace
Bowen Hills   Q   4006
Australia

T          + 617 3253 3912
E          ldodd@rnashowgrounds.com.au
W         www.rnashowgrounds.org.au
W         www.ekka.com.au

EkkA – 7-16 August, 2009 

Event Services Supervisor - Orange County Fair and Event Center, Costa Mesa, Calif.

The OC Fair and Event Center is looking for a self motivated and energetic individual to supervise the facility’s Public Safety and Parking departments.  The individual must have an understanding of basic parking and security related functions, excellent customer service skills, and an understanding of the event industry.  Previous experience supervising at an event venue is highly desirable.  Schedule will vary.

Essential Functions:

- Coordinate full and part-time staff performing security guard and parking attendant functions at the facility including scheduling staff and job costing.
- Develop and manage budgets for respective departments.
- Serve on the facility’s Operational Management Team.
- Develop a variety of operational plans to cover events ranging from small social gatherings to the annual OC Fair. 
- Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive safety and training program.
- Maintain working relationships with local agencies including Sheriff, Police, and Fire.
- Schedule and supervise event parking and security coverage, participate. in pre-event meetings and develop event staff to accommodate the needs of the event.
- Establish and enforce rules of conduct for staff and visitors.
- Serve as Manager on Duty as required.
- Train, supervise, discipline and evaluate personnel.
- Determine appropriate actions in emergency situations.
- Enforce laws, rules and regulations and conduct investigations.
- Participate in event industry associations to learn and stay current on the event industry’s Best -Practices.
- Other duties as assigned.

Highly Desirable Qualifications:

- At least two years of supervisory experience at a event center
- Graduate of the Public Assembly Facility Management School at Oglebay
- Possession a four year degree
- Any formal training related to the events industry

Please submit Application STD 168 and resumé to:

OC Fair and Event Center
Human Resources Department
88 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Applications can be found at www.ocfair.com.

Controller - Florida State Fair, Tampa, Fla.

The Controller reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the overall management of the accounting and financial matters of the Florida State Fair Authority.  This is a working management position, involving supervision of staff and director responsibility for certain high level financial analyses and reports. 
 
Qualifications:
 
¨ BS or BA Degree in Accounting
¨ CPA or MBA preferred but not required
¨ Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in Financial / Management with at least five (5) years in a senior leadership / management position such as a Controller, CFO, VP (Finance or Accounting). Or Director (Accounting or Finance).
¨ Entertainment or Fair Industry preferred but not required.
¨ Supervision of personnel, F/S preparation, tax filings, risk management, contract administration
¨ Knowledge of GAAP accounting concepts, internal controls, cost accounting.
¨ Experience in addressing Board of Directors on financial and business issues.
 
Salary commensurate with experience. 
 
For immediate consideration, send your resume with salary history and requirements to torrese@doacs.state.fl.us.   EOE / DFWP

Sales Administrative Assistant - Florida State Fair, Tampa, Fla.

Position: Sales Administrative Assistant
 
Department:  Non-Fair Sales Events
 
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.
 
Work Experience:  At least 2 years of experience in customer service and/or sales (preferred).  Entertainment or hospitality industry experience a plus.
Skills & Characteristics:

·   Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) -- Communicate effectively with all employees, clients, and the general public
·   Strong organization skills, detail-oriented and manage deadlines efficiently
·   Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, Internet research, and familiar with database programs
·   Customer Service Skills:  Friendly telephone manners and clear speaking voice
·   Ability to work in a fast paced environment with changing priorities while remaining courteous and calm under pressure
·   Self-motivated, energetic, flexible, quick learning skills and a team player, “a positive and upbeat attitude”
Responsibilities:  Provide administrative support to the Sales Director for non-fair events.
 ·  Contract Administration:

     1) Generate event contracts and price proposals for non-fair events through Event Pro 
         software to send to clients with appropriate event documents. 
 
     2) Tracking:  submit to contracts department for review. 
 
     3) Manage and track the flow of all required documents including payments and insurance records, and distribute event info via setup sheets to                           
        appropriate internal staff.  Communicate with client(s) to provide reminders on documents required as necessary.
 
·  Prepare purchase requisitions and maintain files to track expenses within department.
 
·  Update event calendar and distribute (via print/e-mail) bi-weekly to internal staff and partners.
 
· Communicate and assist the marketing department to promote non-fair event info:
 
     1) Compile relevant event info on a timely basis to send out e-mail newsletters, monthly press releases, and update website event calendar as new events are confirmed. 
 
     2)  Proof content of press releases drafted by marketing for non-fair events.
 
·  Assist with planning of special events hosted by the Fair Authority.  Tasks to include creating and mailing invitations, drafting and maintaining invite list, securing donation of beverages and/or raffle items, coordinating decorations and/or entertainment, and any other on-site event coordination.
 
·  Miscellaneous administrative tasks:  organize filing, order supplies, draft reports, database maintenance, mailings, organize press clipping of articles/events/potential leads, and back-up switchboard relief.
 
·  Work with event services to help maintain good communication between sales and the client.
 
·  Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

For immediate consideration, send your resume with salary history and requirements to:   Evelyn Torres, Director of Human Resources: torrese@doacs.state.fl.us
 

Entry Level Sales & Marketing Executive - Florida State Fair, Tampa, Fla.

The Florida State Fair Authority is seeking an Entry Level Sales & Marketing Executive.   This position reports directly to the Director of Marketing.   
 
Qualifications:

• Associates degree in Business Administration, Marketing or Mass Communications.

• Sales experience a plus but not necessary.

• Computer Literate (Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Internet Explorer).

• People oriented

• Great attention to detail and an obsession for winning

• Excellent written, verbal and communication skills and the ability to work well with other employees.

• Strong organization skills, discipline, and the ability to manage multiple projects at once.

• Independent and highly motivated, must be able to carry out tasks with little / no supervision.

Salary commensurate with experience.
 
For immediate consideration, send your resume with salary history and requirements to:   Evelyn Torres, Director of Human Resources: torrese@doacs.state.fl.us

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PO Box 985, Springfield, MO 65801 USA
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