Executive Director of Operations and Events
About The Position
Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center (WCFP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is entering an exciting new era of modernization, mission expansion, and year-round growth. We are seeking a strategic, marketing-savvy, fundraising-driven Executive Director of Operations and Events to lead WCFP into its next chapter and elevate one of Washington County's finest community assets. This role has ultimate responsibility for WCFP's day-to-day operations, strategic plan execution, and financial oversight — including budgeting, capital planning, and Board reporting — while supervising the WCFP team and overseeing all fairs, exhibits, conferences, and promotional events. The ideal candidate has a continuous-improvement mindset, strong marketing and brand-building instincts, a proven fundraising track record, and the ability to work effectively with staff, Washington County, and the Board of Directors.
Requirements
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- experience in a government setting or public-private partnerships
- knowledge of the agriculture/exposition industry
- crisis management experience
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
