DIRECTOR

Director

The Arizona Exposition and State Fair Director serves as the chief administrator of a premier fairgrounds and multi-use event facility. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the facility, including to plan, develop, implement, coordinate, direct, and evaluate activities related to the production of the annual Arizona State Fair, public and private events, entertainment programming, community engagement, maintenance, operation, and capital projects at the fairgrounds. The position requires a highly skilled business leader with strong financial acumen, a customer service mindset, and extensive experience managing large-scale events and complex operations. The Director is also responsible for ensuring that state statutes, rules, and policies are adhered to in all business operations. Under the direction of the Exposition and State Fair Board, the Director plans, organizes, implements, and administers the development and utilization of Fairgrounds facilities and programs, providing the public with a variety of entertainment, social, educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The Board requires the Director to demonstrate strong abilities in administration and management, financial accounting, strategic planning, facility improvements, community outreach, and fair management.

Job Duties :

• Leadership & Strategic Direction :
• Develop and implement short and long-term plans, forecasts, evaluations, policies, procedures, and utilization of the States property and facilities
• Advise the Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors on operational priorities, capital needs, and policy recommendations
• Ensure partnerships with venue rentals are successful, operate pursuant to the lease agreements, serve the general public, and maximize revenue for the Arizona Exposition and State Fair
• Leadership, management, and strategic direction of the Arizona Exposition and State Fair
• Develop and maintain external relationships with State agencies
• Maintain a strong team culture focused on service, innovation, and excellence
• Event & Facility Orientation :
• Oversee all day-to-day operational and administrative activities of the Arizona Exposition and State Fair, and fairgrounds; recommend and manage capital projects and all facility maintenance
• Plan, direct, and conduct the annual State Fair
• Oversight of an interim facility rental program, which may include trade shows, Coliseum events, sporting events, livestock shows, and cultural festivals
• Fiscal Oversight & Budget Management :
• Develop and maintain financial plans for strategic marketing, capital improvements, operational management, and strategic partnerships
• Create and manage agency budget, financial oversight of all agency funds, ensuring fiscal responsibility to generate revenue and cover expenses for daily operation, as well as capital improvement
• Represent the Board at the legislature and act as the designated Public Lobbyist for the agency
• Adhering to the State of Arizona statutes, rules, and policies

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) :