Wyoming State Fair Manager 2026-02463

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Wyoming State Fair Board seeks a forward-thinking executive leader for the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming State Fair Division. The Wyoming State Fair Manager leads both the annual Wyoming State Fair and the Wyoming State Fairgrounds & Events Complex, a year-round public event destination hosting more than 400 interim events annually. Grounded in Agriculture, Education, Youth and Western Lifestyle, this role builds on the organization’s progress through strategic leadership, staff development, revenue growth, partnerships and implementation of the expanded master plan. The manager reports to the Wyoming State Fair Board and works with the Department of Agriculture and governmental partners to steward public resources, strengthen the Wyoming State Fair brand and grow the complex’s statewide impact. Douglas is a small Rocky Mountain community approximately 45 minutes from Casper, with access to hunting, hiking, boating, camping, fishing, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility Retirement - Pension and 457(b) plans that help you build a secure future Flexible schedules and work-life balance options Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefits package! Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov Human Resource Contact View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level. Provide executive leadership for the annual Wyoming State Fair and year-round Fairgrounds & Events Complex; translate board direction into strategic priorities, measurable goals and operational results. Lead planning, production and financial performance of the annual Fair while preserving its agricultural mission, youth development, education, Western lifestyle and statewide significance. Oversee entertainment, livestock shows, rodeo, competitive exhibits, admissions, ticketing, vendors, concessions, parking, security, accessibility, guest services and event logistics. Lead recruitment, retention and growth of more than 400 interim events annually, including equine and livestock events, trade shows, public gatherings and private events. Set direction for the Partnerships & Events function; empower staff to manage bookings, event execution, customer relationships and administrative details. Expand facility utilization, repeat business and earned revenue through new markets, programming, effective promotion and a strong customer experience. Directly supervise employees assigned under the current organizational structure, which includes more than two direct reports; lead the full-time, seasonal, temporary, contracted and volunteer workforce. Recruit, evaluate, coach and develop staff; establish clear expectations, delegate authority, accountability, succession capacity and a professional, collaborative workplace. Remain engaged in operations, inspect work in progress, remove barriers and resolve staff, customer and exhibitor concerns promptly and fairly. Develop, manage and monitor operating, event and capital budgets; maintain fiscal controls, forecasting, financial reporting and effective cost management. Set goals for revenue diversification through rentals, sponsorships, concessions, ticketing, partnerships, grants, donations, gifts and other lawful opportunities. Direct procurement and bid preparation; negotiate and oversee significant contracts in accordance with state requirements and delegated authority. Oversee facilities, arenas, buildings, fairgrounds, utilities, campground and infrastructure; prioritize preventive maintenance, safety, accessibility and asset preservation. Lead the expanded master plan and capital improvements, working with the State Construction Department and partners from planning and funding through construction and closeout. Maintain strong relationships with agricultural organizations, 4-H, FFA, exhibitors, superintendents, veterinarians, sponsors, concessionaires and event producers. Ensure consistent administration of livestock, competitive exhibit and youth program rules; protect program integrity and improve the exhibitor and family experience. Provide decisive crisis leadership for severe weather, animal-health issues, public-safety incidents and other emergencies; ensure applicable regulatory compliance. Maintain consistent definitions and reporting methods for annual Fair attendance, interim event participation and facility use; use current, verified data in public communications. Evaluate event revenue, attendance, customer experience and operational performance to improve programs and demonstrate the value of public investment. Protect and strengthen the Wyoming State Fair brand and year-round event complex; communicate their current scope, progress and impact to customers, partners, media and the public. Serve as executive liaison to the Wyoming State Fair Board; prepare timely reports and meeting materials, advise on policy and implement Board decisions. Work with the Department of Agriculture, Governor’s Office, Legislature and governmental partners on budgets, policy, funding requests and issues affecting the organization. Monitor legislation and regulations; prepare presentations and testimony, and represent organizational priorities within applicable state policies and authority. Develop operational policies and strategic work plans consistent with Board direction, state requirements and Department of Agriculture objectives. Represent the organization locally, statewide, regionally and nationally; build tourism, economic development and community partnerships and support county and regional fair education.

PREFERENCES

Preference may be given to the applicant with experience and a strong understanding of livestock shows, 4H & FFA and the fair industry. Preference will be given to those with skills in leadership, work management, personnel management, public relations, oral and written communication and interpersonal relations. Preference will be given to those with any combination of training and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in business or public relations, management, finance, accounting or a related field. Preference will be given to those with five years of work experience as a manager or administrator of a major administrative unit in a governmental or private industry organization.

KNOWLEDGE

Must possess good leadership, work management, personnel management, public relations and interpersonal skills. Must possess skills in program organization, development, planning, prioritization and implementation which include strategic planning. Must possess a high level of speaking skills that include verbal, written, listening and public speaking skills. Must have skills in budget preparation and fiscal control. Must have skills in decision making, policy implementation and evaluation. Must have the ability to direct and supervise the work of personnel to accomplish established goals and objectives. Must have knowledge of and the ability to carry out technical aspects associated with animal welfare, guests safety and security, and animal disease control. Must have knowledge of the principles, concepts and current practices of state government management including budget development and control. Must have knowledge of industry needs, trends and concepts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

None - See "Preferences"

NOTES

FLSA: Exempt Housing is provided for this manager position. The housing is an open concept, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home located on the State Fair grounds. 010-Agriculture - Wyoming State Fair Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

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The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Wyoming