Fairgrounds and Event Center Director

Fairgrounds And Event Center Director

Provides leadership and strategic direction for the Fairgrounds and Event Center Department. Responsible for all business and operational aspects of the Montrose County Fairgrounds and Events Center. Work involves strategic planning and ensuring customer satisfaction and the protection of County property and assets. Works in cooperation and coordinates with other County staff.

Receives general direction from the County Manager and exercises wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical assignments.

Is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Fairgrounds and Event Center Department. Exercises direct supervision of the Fairgrounds and Event Center management staff and indirectly supervises Fairgrounds and Event Center staff, including administrative, custodial and maintenance personnel.

Provides strategic direction, oversight, program evaluation and budget administration for all Fairgrounds and Event Center programs.

Develops objectives, strategies, plans policies and programs for the Fairgrounds and Event Center Division.

Provides overall leadership, including facilitating the development of long-term and short-term goals, objectives, strategies, and core values for the fairgrounds and Event center.

Directs and supervises personnel including scheduling work assignments; hiring and training employees; reviewing work progress and completion; providing recommendations regarding employee job performance; conducting performance evaluations; recommending salary adjustments; counseling employees; and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Prepares and recommends the Fairgrounds and Event Center Division's annual budget. Oversees accounting functions including monitoring account balances, researching revenue sources, and reviewing financial statements and reports.

Oversees the development and administration of the annual budget for the Fairgrounds and Event Center Department. Coordinates with other county divisions on related / mutual projects and shared budgetary information.

Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and administers Fairgrounds and Event Center business and operations, including security of the Fairground and Event Center facilities, scheduling and overseeing events, to ensure that established policies, procedures, and programs are implemented in accordance with County and State ordinances and regulations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of staff, sponsors, participants, and patrons.

Develops and implements policies and procedures for the Fairgrounds and Event Center Department as necessary to improve efficiency.

Negotiates and administers contracts and agreements for Fairground and Event Center facility use with show promoters, organizational leaders, business owners, and the general public; advises customers in organizing and planning activities and events based on knowledge of facility (as appropriate); manages renter invoicing and collection; returns refundable deposits as appropriate; makes recommendations for rental rate adjustments.

Assists with bids and RFPs for contractor services. Meets with contractors and vendors to facilitate program needs.

Performs public relations and marketing functions to promote year-round usage of the facilities; attends meetings related to the promotion and function of the County Fairgrounds and Event Center; attends events (as appropriate) and is in charge of public contact and promotion, including the content for the County website.

Provides lead support to the Montrose County Fair Board, attending meetings and providing input and recommendations based on expertise and observations, as appropriate.

Serves as member of various county committees and task forces, attending meetings and providing input based on expertise and observations, as appropriate. Attends meetings, seminars, conferences, tradeshows, etc., to stay current on trends in the fair, event management, and festival industry; reviews professional journals and otherwise maintains contact with other Fairgrounds professionals to facilitate exchange of information and best practices.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Education : A Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, agriculture, or related field, from an accredited college or university. A minimum of seven (7) years of professional facilities and events management experience may be substituted for a degree.

Experience : A minimum of five (5) years of experience in facilities and events management, preferably with agricultural and / or equestrian event production or equivalent experience. Knowledge of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) preferred. Prior documentable experience working effectively with the agriculture community is a plus.

Required Knowledge : Principles of administration, customer service, managerial accounting, organization, computing, and supervision. Event and fairgrounds management. Liability insurance requirements associated with public events. Equestrian / agriculture industries and practices. Physical layout of Fairgrounds, plus a general understanding of facilities management.

Language Skills : Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in a variety of written formats. Must be able to interpret, apply, explain and enforce all applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures to a wide range of audiences and levels of knowledge. Ability to assemble, organize and present statistical, financial and technical information derived from a variety of sources. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex and technical documents including contracts, maps, and complex management and financial reports and respond to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to read, comprehend and translate information relayed in written or graphic format. Must be able to write policies, procedures, correspondences and other types of documents. Must have the ability to write speeches, articles and manuals and create presentations using original and innovative techniques and styles. Must have the ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups and organizations and / or board of directors. Ability to prepare industry specific technical reports and budgeting information. Ability to effectively communicate with the public, federal, state and county officials, employees, community agencies and the public.

Interpersonal Skills : Must possess the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with fellow employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations and members of the community. Work with the media to maintain a positive image of the County to the community. Interact professionally and diplomatically with County employees, other agencies and organizations and members of the community and manage difficult or emotional customer situations. Possess the ability to recognize when confidentiality is required and maintain strict confidentiality. Must be able to diffuse the most intense situation with diplomacy and professionalism. Must have the acumen to navigate political waters of the County and other outside agencies and organizations. Demonstrate a commitment to the County's mission, values and core beliefs. Provide leadership, guidance and feedback to ensure continual quality improvement and respect the experience, cultural and overall diversity of those you lead and interact with.

Mathematical Skills : Ability to work with complex mathematical concepts such as probability, statistical inference, budgeting, risk analysis. Work with bidding and review. Must have extensive proficiency in transactional accounting, budget analysis and conduct cost analysis and produce critical path schedules. Must have extensive knowledge of governmental accounting, financial reporting and budgeting.

Reasoning Skills : Must be able make rational decisions through sound logical and deductive processes and make sound judgments, decision making, problem solving, while planning directing and monitoring the work of the agency. Must be able to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and recommend or implement best options in support of strategic goals and objectives. Consider concrete and abstract variables. Must have the ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents concerned in difficult and complex cases and present material in a clear and logical form, including oral and written presentations, briefs, opinions, orders or decisions. Must be able to successfully manage multiple projects and complete work under pressure pursuant to deadlines.

Computer Skills : Must be able to effectively use modern office technology and equipment, including computers, calculators, telephone, copiers with scanning and faxing capabilities. Must be proficient in word processing, database manipulation, spread sheets, email, and the knowledge to save and retrieve documents from a variety of destinations and sources with a high degree of accuracy. Must be able to learn the software and programs related to the position and the County.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and stand for long periods of time; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands or arms. The employee is required to stand, walk, climb or balance, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must be able to respond to the customers' needs and perform tasks requiring extensive hand and eye coordination. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and other devices and objects. The employee must frequently lift and / or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to smell to distinguish between normal odors or controlled substances. Physical ability and mobility to drive a motor vehicle to and from field and meetings. Ability to navigate uneven terrain. Ability to work extended shifts and attend training and meetings outside of regularly scheduled hours and the ability to work in stressful deadline-driven situations.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job operates in a fairground and event center environment. This role routinely uses