Fairground Director of Operations & EventsLocation: West Bend WI
Salary: Starting at $100000
Organization: Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center
Work Schedule: On-siteThe Fairground Director of Operations & Events plays a pivotal role in shaping memorable experiences driving economic impact and ensuring the long-term sustainability of one of Washington Countys most valued destinations.Position OverviewThe Fairground Director of Operations & Events provides executive leadership and direct oversight of daily operations event execution and long-term strategic planning for the Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center (WCFP). This highly visible hands-on leadership role is responsible for ensuring exceptional facility operations successful large-scale eventsincluding the annual Washington County Fairand sustainable growth of the Fair Park.Working closely with the Board of Directors and Washington County the Director balances strategic vision with on-the-ground execution to deliver high-quality experiences for vendors partners exhibitors and the community.Key ResponsibilitiesFairground Operational Leadership & Event Execution- Oversee day-to-day operations of Fair Park facilities ensuring safe efficient and customer-focused service.
- Lead planning coordination and execution of fairs exhibits rentals and promotional events including the annual Washington County Fair.
- Maintain an active and profitable event calendar aligned with community engagement and revenue goals.
- Provide hands-on leadership and problem-solving during high-volume events and urgent operational situations.
Fairground Strategic Planning & Organizational Development- Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement business and strategic plans aligned with the organizations mission.
- Translate long-range goals into actionable operational plans with measurable outcomes.
- Provide creative solutions and sound judgment throughout project lifecycles from concept through completion.
Fairground Administration & Facility Management- Direct facility staff and ensure strong internal communication accountability and performance.
- Recruit develop supervise and motivate a high-performing operations and events team.
- Conduct regular staff meetings training sessions and performance evaluations.
- Ensure staffing levels and structures support both major events and year-round operations.
- Establish and recommend operational policies for Board adoption.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for operational updates staffing needs and event planning progress.
Fairground Financial Oversight & Resource Management- Develop manage and administer operating and event budgets.
- Oversee procurement vendor contracts and revenue-generating partnerships.
- Support grant writing and funding proposals to strengthen programs and facilities.
- Assist with capital improvement planning and facility project requests.
- Build and grow corporate and business relationships.
- Lead fundraising efforts including event sponsorships and corporate donations.
- Recommend annual operating and capital budgets programs of work and accountability assignments to the Board.
- Oversee the development and administration of the facilities plan.
- Routinely report to the Board on financial performance and progress toward strategic goals.
- Research draft and submit grant proposals to secure funding for the organization.
Qualifications & Core Strengths- 58 years of experience in operations event management project management marketing or public relations.
- Experience with fairgrounds expo centers convention centers or large-scale event venues strongly preferred.
- Bachelors degree in Business Public Administration Marketing or a related field preferred.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to work hands-on in a fast-paced event-driven environment.
- Excellent communication collaboration and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
- Proven organizational budgeting and problem-solving abilities.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
Preferred / Value-Added Experience- Fair festival or large-scale public event industry experience
- MBA CFE (Certified Fair Executive) or related professional credentials
- Experience working with government entities or public-private partnerships
- Knowledge of agriculture exposition sales land management or facility operations
- Crisis management and public communication experience
status.We Make it Easy
Founded in 1901 MRA is a nonprofit employer association that serves more than 4000 employers covering more than one million employees.
As one of the largest employer associations in the nation MRA helps its member organizations thrive by offering the most comprehensive assortment of HR services information education and resources to help build successful workplaces and a powerful workforce.
We partner with these companies working directly with their HR department and leadership to hire their talent. We are a direct line to the company not an agency recruiter.
Required Experience:
Director
Fairground Director of Operations & EventsLocation: West Bend WISalary: Starting at $100000Organization: Washington County Fair Park & Conference CenterWork Schedule: On-siteThe Fairground Director of Operations & Events plays a pivotal role in shaping memorable experiences driving economic impact a...
Fairground Director of Operations & EventsLocation: West Bend WI
Salary: Starting at $100000
Organization: Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center
Work Schedule: On-siteThe Fairground Director of Operations & Events plays a pivotal role in shaping memorable experiences driving economic impact and ensuring the long-term sustainability of one of Washington Countys most valued destinations.Position OverviewThe Fairground Director of Operations & Events provides executive leadership and direct oversight of daily operations event execution and long-term strategic planning for the Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center (WCFP). This highly visible hands-on leadership role is responsible for ensuring exceptional facility operations successful large-scale eventsincluding the annual Washington County Fairand sustainable growth of the Fair Park.Working closely with the Board of Directors and Washington County the Director balances strategic vision with on-the-ground execution to deliver high-quality experiences for vendors partners exhibitors and the community.Key ResponsibilitiesFairground Operational Leadership & Event Execution- Oversee day-to-day operations of Fair Park facilities ensuring safe efficient and customer-focused service.
- Lead planning coordination and execution of fairs exhibits rentals and promotional events including the annual Washington County Fair.
- Maintain an active and profitable event calendar aligned with community engagement and revenue goals.
- Provide hands-on leadership and problem-solving during high-volume events and urgent operational situations.
Fairground Strategic Planning & Organizational Development- Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement business and strategic plans aligned with the organizations mission.
- Translate long-range goals into actionable operational plans with measurable outcomes.
- Provide creative solutions and sound judgment throughout project lifecycles from concept through completion.
Fairground Administration & Facility Management- Direct facility staff and ensure strong internal communication accountability and performance.
- Recruit develop supervise and motivate a high-performing operations and events team.
- Conduct regular staff meetings training sessions and performance evaluations.
- Ensure staffing levels and structures support both major events and year-round operations.
- Establish and recommend operational policies for Board adoption.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for operational updates staffing needs and event planning progress.
Fairground Financial Oversight & Resource Management- Develop manage and administer operating and event budgets.
- Oversee procurement vendor contracts and revenue-generating partnerships.
- Support grant writing and funding proposals to strengthen programs and facilities.
- Assist with capital improvement planning and facility project requests.
- Build and grow corporate and business relationships.
- Lead fundraising efforts including event sponsorships and corporate donations.
- Recommend annual operating and capital budgets programs of work and accountability assignments to the Board.
- Oversee the development and administration of the facilities plan.
- Routinely report to the Board on financial performance and progress toward strategic goals.
- Research draft and submit grant proposals to secure funding for the organization.
Qualifications & Core Strengths- 58 years of experience in operations event management project management marketing or public relations.
- Experience with fairgrounds expo centers convention centers or large-scale event venues strongly preferred.
- Bachelors degree in Business Public Administration Marketing or a related field preferred.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to work hands-on in a fast-paced event-driven environment.
- Excellent communication collaboration and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
- Proven organizational budgeting and problem-solving abilities.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
Preferred / Value-Added Experience- Fair festival or large-scale public event industry experience
- MBA CFE (Certified Fair Executive) or related professional credentials
- Experience working with government entities or public-private partnerships
- Knowledge of agriculture exposition sales land management or facility operations
- Crisis management and public communication experience
status.We Make it Easy
Founded in 1901 MRA is a nonprofit employer association that serves more than 4000 employers covering more than one million employees.
As one of the largest employer associations in the nation MRA helps its member organizations thrive by offering the most comprehensive assortment of HR services information education and resources to help build successful workplaces and a powerful workforce.
We partner with these companies working directly with their HR department and leadership to hire their talent. We are a direct line to the company not an agency recruiter.
Required Experience:
Director
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