Fair Secretary - Manager - CA

THE POSITION The Silver Dollar Fair Board is seeking an experienced administrator to continue its strong traditions and to identify opportunities to expand its annual Fair and other community events. The Secretary-Manager of the 3rd District Agricultural Association is an officer appointed by, and reporting to, the Board of Directors. Under the direction of the Board, the Fair SECRETARY-MANAGER plans, organizes, implements, and administers the development and utilization of fairground facilities providing the public with a variety of entertainment, social, educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The SECRETARY-MANAGER directs the work of the staff of the 3rd DAA. Emphasis is on administration and management, financial accounting, planning, marketing, facility enhancement, community outreach and public relations. The Fair SECRETARY-MANAGER has the key responsibility of implementing the vision of the Fair Board and assuring the financial success of the fairgrounds. The latter involves booking interesting, viable events throughout the year that attract attendance and maintain the reputation of the fairgrounds, while ensuring compliance with State law, rules, and regulations. In addition, the Fair SECRETARY-MANAGER develops marketing strategies to attract maximum use of the facilities and participation in the activities presented; attends all Board meetings and arranges for the development of agendas and minutes; solicits the donation of funds or services. 2 of 7 POSITION OVERVIEW There are many aspects of Fairground activities and Fair Manager functions that make this an exciting opportunity for a qualified candidate in this field.  The well attended Silver Dollar Fair in May showcasing agriculture, arts & crafts, flower show, junior & senior livestock competitions, horse show, and junior livestock auction. The annual fair has over 15,000 competitive exhibits with almost 5,000 exhibitors participating. Cash premiums offered for competition amount to over $65,000. The 2008 Junior Livestock Auction generated $407,337.65 for the youth of the community. The Auction is basically considered a scholarship program and is one of the largest in the North State.  Well-maintained facilities on 63 acres with 6 major buildings for rentals having a combined square footage of over 132,500 square feet, outdoor arenas, grandstand area, quarter mile automobile dirt race track, a 37,500 square foot open air pavilion, and convenient paved parking.  Major interim events include Fourth of July fireworks, two home & garden shows, 2 gun shows, antique shows, automobile races, Hmong New Year festival, business shows, rodeos, bicycle rallies, and RV rallies. These events can and have been regional, state, and national events. The grounds are also used for dances, weddings, barbeques, fund raisers, birthdays, trade shows, and other private events.  Year round activities on the fairgrounds include the Four Winds of Indian Education Charter School with approximately 200 students, a Flea Market, a BMX track, a Go-Kart track, and the Silver Dollar Speedway.  The Fairgrounds is nationally known for the automobile races and its race track. The track has been voted the best quarter mile dirt track in the nation. The annual "Gold Cup Races" held in September has been awarded the "Best" dirt track performance in North America two years in a row. This one event has been estimated by the Chico Chamber of Commerce to have an economic impact of over $6 million on the Chico area in one week.  The Fair SECRETARY-MANAGER enjoys a collaborative working relationship with the Fair Board of Directors, the County Board of Supervisors, the Chico City Council, and the California Highway Patrol.  The support and contributions of an experienced and competent staff. 3 of 7 THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The SECRETARY-MANAGER of the Silver Dollar Fair must be a highly skilled individual with extensive management and administrative skills, and have a strong understanding of the various practices and principles of fair and/or other business event management; including public relations, personnel and financial administration, contract negotiation and administration, and property management practices. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker capable of implementation through teamwork and collaboration and able to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life, including community representatives, elected officials, Board members, executive team members, other State department staff, and press. The Fair SECRETARY-MANAGER 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. In addition to the above, the ideal candidate will possess the following characteristics, competencies, and style:  Track record of success designed to increase organizational efficiency and effectiveness  Strong leadership and staff coaching skills to continue leading a strong management team  Track record of solid budgeting experience and expertise  Flexible and unbiased, with a high level of integrity  Ability to establish and maintain the confidence of a governing Board or other decision making body  Ability to manage multiple programs, projects, and priorities  Effective and persuasive communication skills  An agent of positive change; provides direction and energy  Flexible, able to see more than one solution to a situation  Decisive once input has been received and viewpoints are known and understood  Fiscally astute; makes the most of financial resources  Most important, A SENSE OF HUMOR. THE PROCESS The selection process will consist of the following: Application Packets Due On-Line: No later than Friday, January 30, 2009 A postcard will be sent no later than one week after receipt of your on-line application. Competitive application and supplemental questionnaire appraisal to determine most suitably qualified candidates to participate further in the process. Most suitably qualified candidates will be invited to an oral interview in March 2009. The Silver Dollar Fair Board or an appointed subcommittee will interview top ranked candidates after the above process is completed in March 2009. TO APPLY If you are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity, please apply online at: www.silverdollarfair.org Please address any questions about this position or application process to: Tom DiGrazia P.O. Box 1158 Chico, CA 95927 e-mail: silverdollarfair@sbcglobal.net