Job Opportunities

Fairgrounds Director - Lane County Events Center, Eugene, Ore.

Summary of Essential Duties:
Provides administrative direction and supervision to Events Center employees including: assigning projects and objectives; conducting performance evaluations; developing, motivating, and training; and making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations.  Provides broad oversight and directs the implementation of internal operations of the Events Center, including the fairgrounds and annual Lane County Fair.  Plans, implements, administers, and evaluates projects, processes, procedures, systems, standards, and/or service offerings at the Events Center; sets the tone, climate, and vision for the department and ensures a multi-jurisdictional approach in the integration and coordination of activities; interprets and oversees compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards.  Serves on a variety of internal and external committees, task forces, and other agency committees to secure advocacy and influence support for programs and ideals.  Presents recommendations to the County Administrator; initiates collaboration with internal departments and other organizations to promote organizational effectiveness, awareness and public relations.  Provides administrative assistance to the County Administrator; develops complex reports and correspondence.  Responds to requests for information and provides subject matter expert guidance to other departments, consumers, the general public, and/or outside agencies.  Ensures compliance with statutory responsibilities and directives; evaluates and communicates the impact of potential legal or regulatory changes on the organization.  Develops and administers departmental budgets; directs the forecasting of additional funds for staffing, equipment and supplies; approves expenditures; reviews financial statements; manages financial operations; implements adjustments.  Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Education Required:
Bachelor's Degree in business or public administration, finance, marketing, recreation, facility management or other related field, and progressively responsible technical experience in a related field, as described below.  Master’s degree is desirable.

For more information on this position and how to apply, click here.

Director of Communications/Public Relations - Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, Vt.

Spherion, a national recruiting agency with a local office in South Burlington, VT is seeking a Director of Communications for our client, Champlain Valley Exposition, a Premier Special Events provider in Chittenden County, VT.
The Director of Communications serves as a senior member of the management team and works to present, promote and build the organization and its mission in a positive way to the community using a variety of public relations and branding strategies.

Responsibilities:
-- Identify opportunities to support organizational initiatives and develop communications materials and programs to promote and publicize these activities.
-- Serve as the spokesperson and build and foster long-term working relationships with media, members of the community, public affairs offices, and other organizations.
-- Publications editing, graphic design and layout utilizing InDesign.
-- Serve as official photographer for events, publications, press releases and website.
-- Responsible for website maintenance and updates using MS-Office Live.
-- Attends and/or presents at regional industry association meetings.
-- Presents annual public relations plan for review during the budget process and monitors budget.
-- Works closely with the Director of Sales and Marketing on advertising, marketing strategy, -- design of brochures and other related matters.

Qualifications:
-- Minimum 5 years experience in media-journalism, or public relations.
-- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
-- Public speaking and presentation skills, ability to serve as organization's spokeperson.
-- Experience in graphic design. Familiar with InDesign and Adobe Acrobat.
-- Digital photography experience including editing experience using Photoshop.
-- Strong understanding of web content, comfortable working in an online web design program such as MS-Office Live.
-- Mastery of MS-Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.
-- Experience or willingness to learn about emerging communications vehicles such as YouTube, Blogs, Facebook etc.
-- Highly organized and ability to multi-task on concurrent projects with deadlines.
-- Ability to work independently and a self-starter.
-- Strategic, creative thinker.
-- Demonstrated team player, conscientious and dependable.
-- Ability to work overtime and outside normal business hours.
-- Competitive Pay plus benefits.

For immediate consideration please apply online at:
www.spherion.com/jobs -- REF ID: 1001111656
or
email resume to juliecolangeli@spherion.com

Operations Director - San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc., San Antonio, Texas

Job Overview

• Plan, organize, direct, and manage the Operations Department of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.  This includes facility maintenance and repair, space allocation, contract administration, purchasing, emergency preparedness, safety programs, show clean-up, and performs related duties as required.  Develop and monitor performance measures to include inventory control, supply disbursement, and utility performance (phone systems, electricity, etc.).

• Supervise support staff responsible for facilities administration and related services.  Interview, select, and train seasonal staff; set performance standards and evaluate staff to meet division goals and objectives.

• Determine guidelines for and negotiate terms and conditions of facility and service contracts. 

• Evaluate Request for Proposals, monitor related contracts and financial agreements for compliance with terms and conditions and ensure that contracts integrate with all departments.

• Must possess the ability toEncourage and work cooperatively and communicate effectively with over 4,000 volunteers, staff, representatives of specific interest groups, and outside service groups. 

• Support the mission of the organization and help maintain the core values of the organization: caring, excellence, and integrity.

• Work with the management team, Executive Committee, staff, and volunteers to develop, budget, and implement a financially successful annual event.

• Encourage and support the efforts of the 4000 volunteers who make it possible for the event to achieve its financial goals.

• Support the mission of the organization and help maintain the core values of the organization: caring, excellence, and integrity.

For more information on this position and organization, click here (pdf).

Qualified candidates may submit a resume to glenalan@sarodeo.com(Subject line: Operations Director Applicant).

or by mail to:

Glen Alan Phillips
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
P.O. Box 200230
San Antonio, TX 78220

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

Fair & Events Specialist - Kitsap County Fair and Stampede, Bremerton, Wash.

DEPARTMENT:      PARKS & RECREATION
SALARY RANGE:   $19.78 - $25.25/HR
OPENING DATE:    JULY 2, 2008
CLOSING DATE:  JULY 14, 2008 (APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE PERSONNEL OFFICE ON OR BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE.)

GENERAL STATEMENT:  The incumbent performs specialized and complex administrative duties.  The position is responsible for assisting the Fair and Events Manager in the planning and coordination of, and administering the Kitsap County Fair and Stampede and the Special Events Center complex. Duties also include working closely with the Fair Advisory Board to incorporate the goals and objectives of the Board of County Commissioners and Department of Parks and Recreation.  Work is performed with general supervision and limited technical instruction, requiring sound judgment and initiative, with latitude to develop practical methods and processes within established guidelines.  The incumbent is expected to make decisions within the scope of assigned authority.  Work is reviewed by the Fair and Events Manager through reports, meetings and conferences for results obtained, timeliness and conformance to established policies and objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Four years progressively responsible experience in the area of office administration, event promotion, coordination, project management, or related area, is required; or any equivalent combination of related education, training and experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and abilities required to perform the work.  Must be able to work in a fast paced, multi-tasking, client-driven environment. Previous computer experience using Microsoft Office Suite applications is required, with proficiency and emphasis in intermediate or advanced Excel use.  Experience in Fair and special event administration is highly desirable. Experience using reservation and scheduling software is desired.
 
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  Must be able to fulfill all traveling requirements of this position and meet the qualifications and guidelines of the Fleet Risk Control Policies in the operation of a motor vehicle on County business, including possessing and maintaining a valid Washington State Driver’s License and the appropriate amount of automobile insurance.

A criminal background check through law enforcement agencies will be conducted on all successful applicants prior to their being appointed to this position.

*This position is pending final approval by the Board of County Commissioners.

Examiner:  Sue Wohleb

For a complete application packet, please see our web site at www.kitsapgov.com

General Manager - The Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City, Fla.

SCOPE OF POSITION
The General Manager of The Florida Strawberry Festival® (“TFSF”) works for and reports to the Board of Directors (“Board”).  Under the direction of the Board, the General Manager (“GM”) plans, organizes implements and administers the development and utilization of the fairground facilities, which provides the public with a variety of entertainment, social, educational, cultural, and recreational activities.  The GM also directs the work of the staff of TFSF.

For more information on this position, including qualifications, duties, and responsibilities, click here (pdf).

Horse Show Assistant - San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc., 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.

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.

Executive Director - Arkansas-Oklahoma Regional Education and Promotion Association, Fort Smith, Ark.

OVERVIEW
Under general direction of the Chairman and a multi-member Board of Directors of the Association, the Executive Director performs a wide range of complex administrative activities related to finances and accounting, marketing and promotion of services, staffing and personnel operations, and discretionary activities that serve to support effective business operations; uses considerable independent judgment in decisions that influence operations of the Old Fort Days Futurity and Rodeo, Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair and related activities; advises the Chairman and the Board in planning, policy and operations matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Implement new events throughout the year to increase use and revenue for the facility.
Directs and ensures proper coordination of all operations, prepares and submits to the Board reports of finances, staffing, program and other administrative activities; attends and participates in the Board of Directors’ meetings.  The candidate must have the ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with the Chairman, Board, staff, government officials, community leaders, business leaders, sponsors, volunteers and representatives of specific interest groups.  All facets of event planning, production, and promotion relating to the execution of the annual futurity, rodeo, fair and other activities is a part of this position.  Assist with sponsorship contact, development, solicitation, support and fundraising.  Assist with cooperative development and work with any and all community organizations that may enter or participate in Association activities. 

ADMINISTRATION
Develops and implements operations systems to achieve effective workloads and workflow.  Prepares and delivers formal presentations before various public and private concerns; attends meetings, conferences and seminars requiring periodic travel.

Secures the services and products of outside sources such as business insurance, security, equipment, office supplies and furnishings and other support services.  Working with appointed event chairs, negotiates all contracts with all necessary parties in relation to annual events, including contractors, exhibitors, entertainers, vendors and any and all necessary services which are delegated or assigned by the Board of Directors.  Serve as an ex officio member of annual event committees.

Performs immediate supervision of office and maintenance staff; maintains official records, supervises and directs all committees and committee activities through the committee chairs.

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
Directs preparation of the annual budget and approves modifications and transfers; monitors and evaluates accounting systems, audits of accounts, and internal control methods; establishes the method and means of determining fiscal accountability; reviews and approves accounts payable, payroll and other financial warrants, certificates of deposit, requisitions, purchase orders, receipts and records or reports.

PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION
Develops and revises personnel policies (for Board approval), rules, procedures, job specifications and performance evaluations; ensures compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations; makes hiring, performance and disciplinary determinations, conducts staff meetings, initiates wage increases, hears and resolves complaints, problems, grievances, maintains employee personnel files and other confidential records.

QUALIFICATIONS
Considerable knowledge and experience in large event development, planning, production and promotion, business management, public relations, personnel and financial administration, contract negotiations, debt collections, employee safety programs, and sales and sponsorship development including, but not limited to grant and sponsorship development.  Must be willing to periodically work irregular hours and weekends.  The candidate must have good oral and written communication skills.

EDUCATION
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years experience in direct fair and/or rodeo management and a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in business, public administration, public relations, marketing, agriculture or a degree in a related field is desirable. 

SALARY
Salary is commensurate with experience.  The opportunity for incentive bonuses is available to the successful candidate.

TO APPLY
Submit a letter of interest, resume’ and a minimum of three professional references to include: name, address, phone and email address to:

Mr. Mike Cialone
4304 Featherhill Rd.
Charleston, AR 72933

mike.cialone@regions.com

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  AOREPA is an equal opportunity employer.

Web site:  kayrodgerspark.com

Home | Contact Us | Join the IAFE | Trade Show | Magazine | Jobs

© 2005 International Association of Fairs and Expositions
3043 E. Cairo, Springfield, MO 65802 USA
PO Box 985, Springfield, MO 65801 USA
Phone: 417-862-5771 or toll free: 800-516-0313 Fax: 417-862-0156
Web site questions/comments: rachels@fairsandexpos.com