Job Opportunities

Fair & Events Specialist - Kitsap County Fair and Stampede, Bremerton, Wash.

DEPARTMENT:      PARKS & RECREATION
SALARY RANGE:   $19.78 - $25.25/HR
OPENING DATE:    JULY 2, 2008
CLOSING DATE:  JULY 14, 2008 (APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE PERSONNEL OFFICE ON OR BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE.)

GENERAL STATEMENT:  The incumbent performs specialized and complex administrative duties.  The position is responsible for assisting the Fair and Events Manager in the planning and coordination of, and administering the Kitsap County Fair and Stampede and the Special Events Center complex. Duties also include working closely with the Fair Advisory Board to incorporate the goals and objectives of the Board of County Commissioners and Department of Parks and Recreation.  Work is performed with general supervision and limited technical instruction, requiring sound judgment and initiative, with latitude to develop practical methods and processes within established guidelines.  The incumbent is expected to make decisions within the scope of assigned authority.  Work is reviewed by the Fair and Events Manager through reports, meetings and conferences for results obtained, timeliness and conformance to established policies and objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Four years progressively responsible experience in the area of office administration, event promotion, coordination, project management, or related area, is required; or any equivalent combination of related education, training and experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and abilities required to perform the work.  Must be able to work in a fast paced, multi-tasking, client-driven environment. Previous computer experience using Microsoft Office Suite applications is required, with proficiency and emphasis in intermediate or advanced Excel use.  Experience in Fair and special event administration is highly desirable. Experience using reservation and scheduling software is desired.
 
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  Must be able to fulfill all traveling requirements of this position and meet the qualifications and guidelines of the Fleet Risk Control Policies in the operation of a motor vehicle on County business, including possessing and maintaining a valid Washington State Driver’s License and the appropriate amount of automobile insurance.

A criminal background check through law enforcement agencies will be conducted on all successful applicants prior to their being appointed to this position.

*This position is pending final approval by the Board of County Commissioners.

Examiner:  Sue Wohleb

For a complete application packet, please see our web site at www.kitsapgov.com

General Manager - The Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City, Fla.

SCOPE OF POSITION
The General Manager of The Florida Strawberry Festival® (“TFSF”) works for and reports to the Board of Directors (“Board”).  Under the direction of the Board, the General Manager (“GM”) plans, organizes implements and administers the development and utilization of the fairground facilities, which provides the public with a variety of entertainment, social, educational, cultural, and recreational activities.  The GM also directs the work of the staff of TFSF.

For more information on this position, including qualifications, duties, and responsibilities, click here (pdf).

Horse Show Assistant - San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc., San Antonio, Texas

ABOUT OUR COMPANY
The San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. (S.A.L.E.), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.  With over 4,000 volunteers and a small staff, S.A.L.E. is “A Volunteer Organization that Emphasizes Agriculture and Education to Develop the Youth of Texas.”
S.A.L.E.’s premier event is the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, which includes a PRCA rodeo, entertainment, livestock show, horse show, grounds activities and more.  1.3 million visitors attended the Stock Show & Rodeo in 2008.  To date, S.A.L.E.’s educational commitment exceeds $87 million, with a record $8.5 million committed in 2008.

RESPONSIBILITIES

-- Support the Horse Show Director in the successful execution of all horse show and S.A.L.E. events, and support the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. mission and volunteer effort
-- Execute administrative functions for the horse show office, including but not limited to responding to telephone, written and email inquiries; processing payments; filing; preparing business correspondence
-- Support and work closely with S.A.L.E. volunteers
-- Maintain excellent professional relationships with S.A.L.E. employees, volunteers, contractors, and vendors
-- Represent S.A.L.E. in a professional manner at all times
-- Attend the organization’s events, which may include: committee meetings, board of directors meetings, chairmen’s meetings; fundraisers; industry events
-- Maintain confidentiality in sensitive matters; respond to all situations with tact and professionalism
-- Coordinate meetings and events
-- Train and supervise interns as needed
-- Maintain accurate and thorough records as required, including data entry, processing show entries, posting results
-- Pursue and secure donations and sponsorships; prepare related contracts for management approval; fulfill and support sponsorship contracts
-- Place orders, negotiate bids and manage project contracts
-- Accurately record and track department financials including budget items, financials, paying premiums
-- Advise Horse Show Director (on an ongoing basis) of status of projects and workload
-- Assist in the development of communications, including web, email, and print products
-- Maintain an awareness of industry trends, suggest improvements and efficiencies 
-- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Skills and Knowledge: Ideal candidate will possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree.  An agricultural or animal science-related field is preferred.  Knowledge of equine industry and competitive events is highly desired. Experience working with volunteers is preferred.   Knowledge of MS Office software applications is required, experience with Access and Photoshop preferred. 

Abilities: Excellent interpersonal skills; able to work well both with supervision and independently; excellent written and oral communications; strong organizational and time management skills; quick learner and self-motivated.  Able to multitask and prioritize effectively; must perform well under pressure.  Results-oriented; flexible and adaptable to change.  Able and willing to travel and work extended hours as required.  Must be able to perform normal physical tasks encountered in a normal horse show office environment.  Effectively work with individuals with all types of personalities. 

Interested parties may submit a resume to Katie@sarodeo.com or fax to 210/225-1021.

Executive Director - Arkansas-Oklahoma Regional Education and Promotion Association, Fort Smith, Ark.

OVERVIEW
Under general direction of the Chairman and a multi-member Board of Directors of the Association, the Executive Director performs a wide range of complex administrative activities related to finances and accounting, marketing and promotion of services, staffing and personnel operations, and discretionary activities that serve to support effective business operations; uses considerable independent judgment in decisions that influence operations of the Old Fort Days Futurity and Rodeo, Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair and related activities; advises the Chairman and the Board in planning, policy and operations matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Implement new events throughout the year to increase use and revenue for the facility.
Directs and ensures proper coordination of all operations, prepares and submits to the Board reports of finances, staffing, program and other administrative activities; attends and participates in the Board of Directors’ meetings.  The candidate must have the ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with the Chairman, Board, staff, government officials, community leaders, business leaders, sponsors, volunteers and representatives of specific interest groups.  All facets of event planning, production, and promotion relating to the execution of the annual futurity, rodeo, fair and other activities is a part of this position.  Assist with sponsorship contact, development, solicitation, support and fundraising.  Assist with cooperative development and work with any and all community organizations that may enter or participate in Association activities. 

ADMINISTRATION
Develops and implements operations systems to achieve effective workloads and workflow.  Prepares and delivers formal presentations before various public and private concerns; attends meetings, conferences and seminars requiring periodic travel.

Secures the services and products of outside sources such as business insurance, security, equipment, office supplies and furnishings and other support services.  Working with appointed event chairs, negotiates all contracts with all necessary parties in relation to annual events, including contractors, exhibitors, entertainers, vendors and any and all necessary services which are delegated or assigned by the Board of Directors.  Serve as an ex officio member of annual event committees.

Performs immediate supervision of office and maintenance staff; maintains official records, supervises and directs all committees and committee activities through the committee chairs.

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
Directs preparation of the annual budget and approves modifications and transfers; monitors and evaluates accounting systems, audits of accounts, and internal control methods; establishes the method and means of determining fiscal accountability; reviews and approves accounts payable, payroll and other financial warrants, certificates of deposit, requisitions, purchase orders, receipts and records or reports.

PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION
Develops and revises personnel policies (for Board approval), rules, procedures, job specifications and performance evaluations; ensures compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations; makes hiring, performance and disciplinary determinations, conducts staff meetings, initiates wage increases, hears and resolves complaints, problems, grievances, maintains employee personnel files and other confidential records.

QUALIFICATIONS
Considerable knowledge and experience in large event development, planning, production and promotion, business management, public relations, personnel and financial administration, contract negotiations, debt collections, employee safety programs, and sales and sponsorship development including, but not limited to grant and sponsorship development.  Must be willing to periodically work irregular hours and weekends.  The candidate must have good oral and written communication skills.

EDUCATION
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years experience in direct fair and/or rodeo management and a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in business, public administration, public relations, marketing, agriculture or a degree in a related field is desirable. 

SALARY
Salary is commensurate with experience.  The opportunity for incentive bonuses is available to the successful candidate.

TO APPLY
Submit a letter of interest, resume’ and a minimum of three professional references to include: name, address, phone and email address to:

Mr. Mike Cialone
4304 Featherhill Rd.
Charleston, AR 72933

mike.cialone@regions.com

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  AOREPA is an equal opportunity employer.

Web site:  kayrodgerspark.com

Internships - Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo, Austin, Texas

The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo has openings for a number of internships. Positions include:

-Administrative Assistant
-Special Projects Internship
-Competitive Events Publicity Internship
-Operations Internship
-Events Internship
-Corporate Relations Internship
-Cattle Show Internship
-Barrow Show Internship
-Open Show Internship

For more information on these positions, click here.

For an application, click here.

Event Services Manager - Florida State Fair, Tampa, Florida

This is a full-time position with benefits.  Candidate must have a minimum of 3 years experience in managing an events services department.  Ideal Candidate will be responsible for assisting customers with planning, organizing and coordinating their events on the Fairgrounds and shall monitor all the logistical details of these events including but not limited to: 
 
¨      Preparing event outlines
¨      Coordination of equipment distribution
¨      Event billing
¨      Supervision of staff
¨      Computer literate
¨      Candidate must possess flexibility and willingness to work irregular hours in a fast paced environment
¨      Monitoring events assigned
¨      Other duties as required by the Event Services Director

To inquire about this position contact:

Florida State Fair Authority c/o Evelyn Torres
PO Box 11766
Tampa, FL 33680
813/627-4210
torrese@doacs.state.fl.us

Senior Account Executive-Commercial Sales - Los Angeles County Fairplex, Pomona, California

Company Description:
 
Fairplex is home of the annual L.A. County Fair and over 300 events throughout the year.  Such events include consumer and trade shows, meetings, expositions, conventions, inter-track wagering, sporting events and agricultural events.  The Los Angeles County Fair Association is the parent company of 9 separate entities.  We are seeking a strong salesperson who will be responsible for the sale of commercial exhibit space and independent amusements for the largest county fair in North America. 
 
Our team members strive to provide world-class experiences to all our guests by embracing the following core values: community service, creativity, hospitality, integrity, leadership and diversity.  We are individuals who continue to entertain and educate our diverse community while having fun.
 
As part of our culture, we encourage upward mobility, expect high performing team members, promote team focus, and provide flexible hours.
 
 
Our Commitment to Diversity:
 
At Fairplex, Diversity means embracing the differences and variety including age, ethnicity, education, sexual orientation, work style, race, gender and more.  When Diversity is a part of a company’s culture, everyone benefits - guests, suppliers and team members.
 
Our commitment to Diversity begins at the top of our company, and we will measure our progress like any other business objective. Executives are accountable for promoting Diversity within the organization.
 
Our recruiting efforts will concentrate on attracting and retaining talented men and women from all backgrounds and of every race, national origin, sexual orientation and generation. 
 
 
Job Description:
 
• The ideal candidate should have at least 5-7 years of business experience and be familiar with selling commercial displays for fairs, festivals, consumer or trade shows.
• Contacts and screens sales prospects through dedicated and focused telemarketing and direct contact at various events.
• Follows up with sales materials and required phone calls.
• In addition, the candidate must have a track record of overseeing space inventory and placement of all participates on a mapping system, as well as database management.
• Must have the ability to assist in managing and directing a sales team. 
• Assist the Commercial Sales Manager in determining price structures for all revenue space, as well as assisting in the preparation of the department’s annual budget.
• Attends Fair layout meetings and collaborates with other departments to maximize revenue potentials.
• During the Fair, works directly with show decorator for vendor set-up.
 
Requirements:
 
• 4 year degree at an accredited college or university
• Minimum of 5-7 years of proven sales experience in the commercial sales industry is preferred
• Must possess analytical skills for map placement
• Intelligent negotiator with a strong closing ability
• Sales management experience is a plus

Salary:
 
Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
For immediate consideration, please send resume with salary history to:
 
Attn: Human Resources
P.O. Box 2250
Pomona, CA 91769-2250
 
FAX: 909-623-8570 or e-mail to jobs@fairplex.com
 
Open until filled.
Please visit our website at: www.fairplex.com

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© 2005 International Association of Fairs and Expositions
3043 E. Cairo, Springfield, MO 65802 USA
PO Box 985, Springfield, MO 65801 USA
Phone: 417-862-5771 or toll free: 800-516-0313 Fax: 417-862-0156
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