Executive Director of Operations and Events

KEY LEADERSHIP PRIORITIES & STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES

• Execute Strategic & Business Plans. Lead implementation of the Board's long-range strategic and business plans, and steward all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning.
• Build & Lead the Friends of the Fair Foundation — Including Capital Campaign Fundraising. Launch and lead a capital campaign, cultivate donors, secure sponsorships, and bring proven major-gift fundraising expertise — a core requirement of this role.
• Drive Marketing, Brand & Visibility. Lead marketing, branding, and promotional strategy to grow attendance, rentals, and WCFP's regional profile.
• Shape the Organizational Structure for Future Growth. Design a modern staffing and leadership structure, clarify roles, and recruit strategically to build a high-performance team.
• Lead Internal Operations with Strong Management & Culture. Oversee daily operations, strengthen processes, and build a collaborative, customer-first culture.
• Grow Conferences, Exhibitions & Year-Round Programming. Expand rentals and mission-aligned events to increase visibility, utilization, and regional economic impact.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning, Operations & Facility Administration

• Facilitate and lead WCFP's Business and Strategic Plans in partnership with the Board of Directors and Washington County, and communicate them to all levels of the organization.
• Provide leadership of the entire Fair Park staff; formulate and recommend policies for Board adoption.
• Supervise all fairs, exhibits, conferences, and promotional events, including the annual Washington County Fair.
• Maintain a profitable schedule of events with quality service to contractors, licensors, and the public.
• Measure results against Business and Strategic Plans and report regularly to the Board.

Marketing & Fundraising — Core Skills for This Role

• Serve as WCFP's lead fundraiser — cultivating donors, securing sponsorships and grants, and driving the Friends of the Fair Foundation's capital campaign.
• Lead marketing, branding, and promotional strategy across WCFP's events and the Foundation to build visibility and audience.
• Develop corporate and business relationships that expand sponsorships, rentals, and partnerships.
• Serve as a visible, credible spokesperson with media, contractors, and community stakeholders.
• Develop and administer the annual operating and capital budgets; oversee facilities and capital project planning.

Staff & Board Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing team; hold regular meetings to evaluate progress and address concerns.
• Counsel the Board and staff on staffing, hiring, and training needs.
• Support Board and committee development; maintain position descriptions and oversee performance reviews.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Public Administration, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of experience in marketing, fundraising/development, and project management; fairgrounds, expo center, convention center, or major attraction experience preferred.
• Proven fundraising track record, including major-gift cultivation, sponsorship development, and capital campaign leadership.
• Demonstrated marketing, brand-building, and public relations skills, with the ability to grow visibility, attendance, and community engagement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills with donors, sponsors, government partners, and the community.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with sound business judgment.
• Preferred: experience in a government setting or public-private partnerships, knowledge of the agriculture/exposition industry, and crisis management experience.

We Make it Easy

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