Assistant Coordinator - Photography

Assistant Coordinator of the Photography Exhibition

As part of the Agriculture, Arts & Education Department at the San Diego County Fair, the Assistant Coordinator of the Photography Exhibition supports the planning, administration, and execution of one of the nation's largest juried print exhibitions. This role assists with all phases of the competition, exhibition, and educational program while fostering relationships with exhibitors, judges, volunteers, staff, donors, and community partners. The Assistant Coordinator helps ensure a well-organized, engaging, and welcoming experience for all participants through strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Support the Photography Exhibition Coordinator and Program Supervisor in achieving operational goals, timelines, and budgets, and maintaining daily operations.
• Assist in planning and coordinating all phases and aspects of the exhibition, including promotion, community engagement, entry handling and inventory, judging, educational programming, gallery installation and breakdown, workshops and events, one-day competitions, special donated awards, displays, and staffing.
• Assist in recruiting, coordinating, training, and supporting exhibit staff, judges, presenters, exhibitors, award donors, and volunteers and fostering a collaborative, respectful environment.
• Help develop and update annual exhibitor entry guides, exhibitor communications, presentations, reports, spreadsheets, and other operational documents.
• Communicate with exhibitors and community partners regarding competition rules, exhibition requirements, schedules, and procedures, providing timely, courteous, customer service in person, by phone, and by e-mail.
• Promote the exhibition and encourage participation through community outreach, presentations, and social media. Engage photography clubs, community organizations, industry partners, and the public.
• Assist with the safe installation, maintenance, and dismantling of the exhibition, classroom, displays, and signage while maintaining a clean, organized, safe, and visually appealing environment.
• Assist with the receiving, cataloging, inventory, handling, display, and return of entries, ensuring all works are handled with the highest level of care.
• Support department operations by maintaining accurate records, reviewing events, catering, and work orders, organizing supplies, preparing administrative documents, and assisting with timekeeping and other administrative functions.
• Stay informed of current trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in photography, photographic exhibitions, and photography education.
• Attend required meetings, planning sessions, and training programs.
• Maintain compliance with Fair policies, State regulations, and established safety procedures, including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the successful operation of the Photography Exhibition.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge and experience with photography, the photography industry, and the San Diego County photography community.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to interact professionally with exhibitors, judges, sponsors, volunteers, staff, and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and following oral and written instructions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, digital asset management, cloud-based document systems, and standard office technology.
• Experience in project management, event planning, team coordination, arts administration, or budget administration is preferred.
• Experience coordinating photography competitions, exhibitions, museums, galleries, or related arts programs is desirable.

Working Conditions

• Primarily indoor work in both climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled environments.
• Moderate physical activity, including frequent standing and walking on concrete floors, bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, and lifting or moving objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Combination of computer-based administrative work and hands-on exhibition installation and operations.
• Medium to fast-paced environment with large crowds and varying noise levels.
• Seasonal, part-time position beginning in September, with peak activity from May through the Fair's conclusion in early July. Must have a flexible schedule. Evening, weekend, and holiday work are required during peak periods.