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 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
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Jan 22, 2009
Fair Secretary - Manager - CA
Event Center, Fair Manager - CA
Event Center, FAIR MANAGER
(CLARK COUNTY EVENT CENTER)
JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY
Under the direction of and reporting to the Executive Director, the Fair Manager is responsible for overall planning, organizing and directing of all services and logistics of the annual Clark County Fair including staff support to the Fair Association, general administrative functions, maintaining the financial integrity of the fair, and management of its operations. The Fair Manager is also expected to provide support as directed for non-fair events and operations to contribute to the overall success of the Clark County Event Center (operated by the Fairgrounds Site Management Group (FSMG)). The Fair Manager has broad latitude for independent action and is held accountable for the attainment of program goals and objectives.
KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Develop and annually review/update a Fair Operating Manual. This book should be a template for when items need to be completed, the contact information, expected costs, expected results, maps, diagrams and timelines for project completions. Backup data and job descriptions/responsibilities should be included. This task will be completed prior to the beginning of each year's fair. • Review and evaluate operations and take appropriate action to correct deficiencies and resolve problems; develop, recommend and implement division policies and procedures, as required. • Serve as executive staff to the Fair Association on matters related to the Annual Fair. Carry out directives from the FSMG and the Fair Association to ensure that assignments are carried out by peers or hired third parties. • Manage all aspects of the Annual Fair budget including maximizing all sources of revenue and maintaining efficient strategies to control expenses. • Plan and book all entertainment for the Fair, including their contracts, negotiations, and budgets. Oversee the logistics of the entertainment to ensure quality, contract compliance, and integration with the rest of the Fair. • Programming and full execution of all grounds features including the year's specially-themed attraction, their contracts, payments, logistics, etc. • Assist the FSMG and the Fair Association in formulating goals, objectives and policies which further the growth and financial success of the fair. Event Center Fair Manager Page 2 • Promote and coordinate various volunteer programs and events; recruit, select, assemble, train, supervise, and evaluate volunteers. Evaluate programs to recommend and implement program modifications as needed. • Plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of volunteers and staff. Advise and assist subordinates as necessary, and provide for their training; select, hire, promote and discipline subordinate employees, as necessary. • Oversee and direct other FSMG departments in all matters relating to the Fair. • Maintain and/or oversee the maintenance of required records and prepare necessary reports. • Oversee all Fair related contracted services including the tracking of contract renewals, writing and instituting necessary RFP's, negotiating contracts, and the oversight of contract execution and performance. • Oversee all aspects of developing, maintaining and distributing Fair information and materials, manuals and handbooks. Such material includes: Exhibitor's Handbook, Superintendent's Handbook, Concessionaires Handbook, Open class, 4-H, FFA, Food Vendors Handbook, Grounds Entertainment policies, Volunteer policies and procedures, Part Time Worker policies and procedures, and any other directional information distributed in support of the Fair. • Continually strive to develop new and creative ideas for the future health of the Fair. • At the direction of the Executive Director, the Fair Manager will be expected to work with the Event Center's Event Manager providing support for non-fair events to ensure they are given proper planning and supervision. This could include working events that occur at night or on weekends. • Perform related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS A bachelor's degree and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in fair, convention, exposition, exhibits or closely related business management, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of training and\or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Willingness to seek out, and, as directed by FSMG or Executive Director, to attend training to further broaden the abilities of this position. This is not limited to Fair-only training, but should include education in contract development/negotiation, budgeting, long-term planning, and other related areas of business. Event Center Fair Manager Page 3
Knowledge of....concepts and techniques of public relations; marketing and program promotion; theory and philosophy of fair program management; principles, practices and techniques of: program planning, master planning, organization and administration, contract negotiations and administration, building and grounds maintenance, crowd management, and the construction trades, office management, records keeping and employee supervision, recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation; grant writing, funding sources and application procedures for fairground enhancements; public safety, health, food handling, structural, and building codes, laws and requirements;
Ability to....develop, implement and administer an effective annual Fair/Festival program; prepare and administer program plans and budgets; gather, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize a variety of data including financial information; analyze and evaluate program operations and take effective action to correct deficiencies and resolve problems; allocate and make effective use of available resources; read, understand and apply federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing program operations; plan, organize, supervise, and evaluate the work of employees; coordinate and facilitate use of volunteers; maintain required records and prepare a variety of correspondence, reports, and other written materials; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; utilize and be proficient with computers and various programs to draft and organize correspondence, create and manipulate spreadsheets, produce reports, diagrams and event information; establish and maintain effective working relationships with committees, superiors, subordinates, associates, tenants, contractors, representative of other agencies and with the general public, youth groups, equestrian, and other special interest groups.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is performed primarily in an office setting at the Event Center throughout the year with the exception of during the run of the fair, load-in and load out, where duties are performed primarily outdoors. Frequent trips to locations throughout the county to attend meetings and coordinate Fair operations, as well as occasional business outside of the region, including out of state travel, are requirements of the position. Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays. This position requires the ability to perform those activities to complete the essential functions of the job, either with or without reasonable accommodation. The position requires continuous and/or frequent talking, repetitive motions of hand/wrist, hearing, and handling. Mental activities are required by the employee in this position include decision making, interpersonal skills, supervisory skills, teamwork, creativity, customer service, mentoring, use of discretion, presentations/teaching, problem analysis, negotiation, and the ability to perform math and to read, write, speak and understand English. Required physical activities can include frequent keyboard fingering, talking, repetitive motions of hands and wrists, sitting, hearing and lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying objects up to 50 pounds.
SALARY |
Asst. Fair & Festival Manager
CAREER OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT
ASSISTANT FAIR & FESTIVAL MANAGER
San Mateo Event Center
2495 South Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA 94403
Filing Date: November 21, 2008
Responsibilites:
The Assistant Fair & Festival Manager has the responsibility to be a key participant in the planning, organization, direction and coordination of the annual San Mateo County Fair and Festival which includes fair planning, implementation, and administration.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:
• Attend Fair Oversight planning meetings monthly. .Join our team in the development of the new and improved fair and festival, branding the 2009 SMC Fair & Festival.
• Assist in the development and implementation of fair department goals, policies and procedures.
• Assist in the planning, organization of the annual fair.. Direct fair department activities related to fair programming, operations and administration.
• Participate in the development and management of the annual fair and festival budget, including direct oversight of budgets for the various fair departments.
• Represent the fair to outside organizations and participate in outside community and professional groups.
• Work with the Assistant General Manager/Fair Manager and Event Center Management to develop community outreach programs, coordinate with other non-profit organizations.
• Work on special projects for each year's annual fair and festival; this shall include planning, promotion and oversight.
• Work with Assistant General Manager/Fair Manager to maintain consistency in all aspects of fair and festival programs relative to operations, marketing and administration.
• Oversee fair and festival to include oversight of commercial and concession sales.
• Identify, coordinate and assist in the production and promotion of additional SMCEC promoted events throughout the year; including but not limited to festivals or other profit making events on the SMCEC campus.
Education & Experience:
Candidates for this position will have demonstrated knowledge and experience in event management, developing and managing budgets, recruiting, training and supervising employees and volunteers, producing and directing community-relevant programs, entertainment activities and special events; developing and implementing marketing plans. The candidate must be able to work cooperatively and communicate effectively
with staff, volunteers, board of directors, contractors, governmental agencies, local businesses, media and the community.
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to the successful completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three to five years of increasingly responsible experience in fair, festival, event or exhibition management, including two years of supervisory responsibility.
Qualifications:
Ideal Candidate
• Is a visionary leader who is entrepreneurial and creative with the ability to think "outside the box".
• Able to proactively develop and execute innovative and successful marketing strategies and plans; possess strong organizational skills to establish a course of action and accomplish immediate and long-term goals.
• Willing to take reasonable risks and show initiative, promote and welcome new, creative ideas and change; and appreciate differing opinions and styles.
• Able to foster and maintain cooperative working relations with various groups and individuals including fair department heads, creative team members, carnival operators, advisory groups and business and community organizations.
How to Apply:
Interested parties should submit a cover letter, resume, salary history and responses to the supplemental questions.
Send information to: Charlene King, Office Manager
San Mateo County Event Center
2495 South Delaware Street
San Mateo, CA 94403
email: cking@smeventcenter.com
Supplemental Questions:
• Describe your experience and knowledge organizing and managing a fair or other similar event.
• Describe your greatest success, which demonstrates your skills and innovation. Discuss your role, the result and why it was successful.
• Describe what you believe is a major challenge in the management of a county fair and festival. Explain the steps you would take to address the challenge.