Assistant Director, Fair & Expo

Deschutes County Human Resources • Redmond, OR

10d

About The Position

Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center is a large event complex in Central Oregon, with 340 acres of mixed-use space, 300,000 square feet of indoor space, a conference center, and the region’s largest arena-style facility. It hosts nearly 400 events annually and is home to the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo.

The Assistant Director is a management or advanced supervisory position that assists with leadership and day-to-day operations of the Fair & Expo Center. The role manages assigned operational areas, projects, programs, and resources, which may include fairgrounds operations, event planning and delivery, facility coordination, logistics, staff supervision, budget support, and stakeholder relations. The position may supervise regular, temporary, and seasonal staff and volunteers, oversee assigned operating budgets, and act on behalf of the Fair & Expo Director when delegated. It supports the Director with operational planning, policy implementation, vendor and exhibitor coordination, facility use, public engagement, and regulatory compliance.

This position is classified as Operations Manager. Work takes place in office and onsite settings and involves long hours during and prior to the County Fair and other major events. Driving throughout Deschutes County, sometimes in adverse weather, is required. Food handler, OLCC, or other event-related certifications may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Operations Management, Organizational Management, or a related field, and five years of relevant experience, including managerial experience; or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience providing the required skills and knowledge.
• Knowledge of or experience with fair, event, and public assembly operations; public-sector administration and local government service delivery; budget preparation, expenditure monitoring, and basic financial controls; supervision, training, and performance management; contract administration and vendor coordination; facility scheduling, event logistics, and operational planning; safety, emergency preparedness, and risk management; customer service and public relations; and laws, regulations, and policies concerning public events, accessibility, workplace safety, and public operations.
• Ability to manage complex, high-visibility public operations with multiple stakeholders; plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate concurrent projects and events; interpret and apply policies, procedures, contracts, and regulations; supervise staff and coordinate temporary workers and volunteers; analyze operational issues and develop practical solutions; work effectively under tight deadlines and during high-demand event periods; and build cooperative relationships with County employees, elected officials, regional government agencies, public media, business leaders, and the public.
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of hire.
• Have dependable transportation and be able and willing to drive throughout Deschutes County, sometimes in adverse weather.
• Complete pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances with satisfactory findings.
• Submit a cover letter of no more than two pages describing how professional experience meets the role’s qualifications and an application detailing job history, education, training, certifications, licenses, and other relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Fair & Expo Center’s year-round rental business, supervise sales staff, and meet budgetary goals.
• Supervise the year-round food and beverage program, including subcontractors and vendors, and coordinate inventory control and financial controls.
• Assist in planning, directing, and coordinating annual business activities.
• Support development and implementation of operational plans, event timelines, staffing plans, and service delivery standards.
• Coordinate fairgrounds facilities for public events, rentals, exhibitions, community programs, and agricultural activities.
• Participate in developing and implementing continuity of operations, emergency response, incident response, safety, security, and special-event plans.
• Coordinate assigned public information, community outreach, and stakeholder communications in partnership with the Fair & Expo Director and in accordance with County communications policies.
• Represent the Fair & Expo Center in meetings with community groups, partner agencies, advisory bodies, vendors, exhibitors, and the public regarding assigned operations, programs, facilities, and events.
• Promote positive working relationships with agricultural communities, youth organizations, exhibitors, sponsors, community partners, and the public.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, emergency procedures, public health and accessibility requirements, applicable laws and regulations, and County policies.
• Support the Fair & Expo Director in year-round operations, seasonal event delivery, vendor and exhibitor coordination, facility use, public engagement, and regulatory compliance.
• Supervise staff and coordinate temporary workers and volunteers.
• Manage assigned operational functions, personnel, projects, and resources.

Benefits

• Health plan at a stated cost of $100 per month for employee-only coverage or $121 per month for employee-plus-dependents coverage.
• On-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement through PERS.
• Generous paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager