Fairgrounds and Events Manager

Hiring pay range: $85,176.00 - $106,475.20/yr

Full pay range: $85,176.00 - $127,774.40/yr

SUPERVISION:

Directly supervises the Fairgrounds and Events staff. Performs appropriate training, delegation, and management. Executes supervisory responsibilities with fairness and accountability. Strives to manage and resolve conflicts and works with teams and staff to meet goals and expectations. Encourages training and development, actively coaching and empowering teams.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB:

In collaboration with the Fair Board, coordinates and implements the planning, preparation, promotion and production of the Garfield County Fair and Rodeo. Responsible for the solicitation and coordination of non-Fair & Rodeo season Fairgrounds use including overseeing year-round maintenance of Fairgrounds facilities and grounds. Coordinates and implements the planning, preparation, promotion and production of Garfield County events and official functions, including employee picnics and service awards, parades, honorariums, swearing ins, ribbon cuttings, formal receptions, and more.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

(These duties are illustrative of typical essential responsibilities of the job, and may vary according to assignment)

County Fair and Rodeo:

• As directed by the County Manager or their designee, serves as the primary administrative resource to the Fair Board, Fair Board committees, and event partners. Working in close collaboration with the Fair Board and/or individual member(s), assists with or oversees activities and communications in the administration and production of the annual Fair and Rodeo. Acts as the primary public contact for the Fair and Rodeo.
• Works with the Fair Board President and County Manager’s Office to develop and implement annual budgets. Collaborates with Finance Department staff to effect payment of all Fair accounts receivable and payable.
• Reports status of Fair budget and Fair-related duties and activities to the Fair Board during regular and special meetings. Solicits feedback on the success/progress of the Fair from stakeholders and reports findings to the County Manager’s office and Fair Board.
• Develops and implements the master events schedule for the Fair and Rodeo. Obtains required Fair-related permits and licenses for Fair operations and entertainment venues, and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Administers the Fair sponsorship program, including initial solicitations, determining the terms of sponsorship agreements, and monitors implementation of the program.
• Solicits, obtains, implements, and monitors all merchant and food vendor contracts. Maintains positive vendor relations.
• Develops and implements marketing and advertising plans, including but not limited to, print and social media ad content and placement, website content, radio advertising, and press releases.
• Recruits and coordinates the activities of Fair volunteers.

Fairgrounds Operations:

• Oversees the planning, preparation, and production of non-Fair and Rodeo events and official functions at the Fairgrounds. Develops operational policies and procedures. Obtains required permits and licenses, or ensures they are in place, for event operations, and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• In collaboration with supervisor, establishes annual sales/usage goals for Fairgrounds. Promotes/markets year-round use of facilities via various forms of outreach including traditional media, social media, attendance at public/community meetings and conferences, etc.
• Provides direction and supervision of Fairgrounds operations and administrative staff including hiring, training, and performance managing, including establishing individual and team goals.
• Establishes work schedules and workflows/standard operating procedures (SOP) for event set up/break down, event scheduling process, sponsorship procedures, customer check in/out, security, etc. Develops and maintains systems and records that provide for proper evaluation, control and documentation of events and facilities.
• Negotiates contracts for use of Fairgrounds. Ensures implementation of terms of contract with Fairgrounds users and service providers, and monitors delivery of those services. Responds to and directs the resolution of customer complaints.
• Oversees year-round basic maintenance and upkeep of Fairgrounds. Analyzes and recommends improvements to existing facilities.
• Develops and manages the annual non-Fair and Rodeo events budget. Drafts and presents annual and ad hoc reports and updates.

Events and Official Functions:

• Ensures the coordination and implementation of Garfield County events and official functions as directed by the County Manager and/or their designee. Acts as the public contact for the event.
• Provides event administrative services, including, but not limited to marketing/advertising, speaker coordination, meeting announcements, recording, and posting of minutes, registration coordination and confirmation, information distribution, and staff support.
• Obtains and implements required permits and licenses for event operations and entertainment venues.
• Develops and implements contracts with service providers and monitors delivery of those services.
• Implements event budgets for the current year and advises the County Manager’s office regarding event budgets for the coming years.

Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

(Representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of the position)

• Public Service: A commitment to the mission of providing exceptional services to the citizens of Garfield County. It is who we are, and what we do.
• Customer Service: A commitment to providing exceptional service to all customers (internal & external), which includes being helpful, professional, courteous, and taking the time to understand customer’s needs.
• Stewardship & Innovation: Is a good steward of public resources and looks for ways to be innovative and improve efficiency.
• Teamwork: Able to work together with a diverse group of people towards a shared goal, while considering the needs of others.
• Business Technology: Ability to utilize the technology required of the position and demonstrates a willingness to learn new technologies as required to assist the County in providing exceptional services, innovation, and work efficiencies.
• Communication: Proficient in communication, and able to communicate using the English language, including written, verbal, or other communication channels as required by the position.
• Leadership: Is knowledgeable and proficient in leadership practices, and works to manage conflict, ensure accountability, and make sound decisions.
• Coaching: Provides others with clear direction, motivates, and empowers. Recruits staff of a high caliber and provides staff with development opportunities and coaching.
• Event Planning: Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures associated with planning, management, and promotion of special events. Understands traditional and new media marketing (e.g. broadcast and social media), public and media relations, and publication design and layout.
• Facilities Management: Has common trade skills, and practices, principles and procedures of grounds, facility systems operations, and facilities maintenance related to safety and legal standards and customer needs. Understands local, state, and federal rules and regulations regarding events and Fairgrounds.