FAIR AND EVENTS MANAGER
Washington
FAIR AND EVENTS MANAGER $62,556 - $84,120 Plus Excellent Benefits Apply by
June 26, 2016 (First Review, Open Until Filled)
L E W I S
C O U N T Y ,
W A S H I N G T O N
WHY APPLY? Lewis County is brimming with simple pleasures, relaxing excursions and worldclass outdoor adventures. You will also find glorious Mount Rainier, awe-inspiring Mount St. Helens, thickly forested wilderness, pristine streams, and lush volcanic valleys. Located in southwestern Washington, halfway between Seattle and Portland, Oregon, on Interstate 5, Lewis County offers the right candidate an amazingly beautiful place to live and a challenging and rewarding career opportunity.
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spectacular display of permanent shrubs, show gardens, 300 acres of tulips and perennials in the spring, as well as the poinsettia house in November and December are sights to behold. Within Lewis County you will find a quality school system comprised of 13 public school districts and 3 private schools. Centralia College, noted as the “center of excellence for energy,” is located in the center of the City of Centralia on a tree-lined, 30+ acre campus with an enrollment of approximately 10,444. The college offers associates and bachelors programs. To learn more about Lewis County, please visit www.discoverlewiscounty.com
THE COMMUNITY Approximately one-third of Lewis County is national forest and includes portions of Mount BakerSnoqualmie, Gifford Pinchot national forest, and the Mt. Rainier National Park, as well as the William Douglas, Tatoosh and Goat Rocks wilderness areas. The Mount Rainier summit, at 14,410 feet, is just 10 miles from the county's northeastern boundary. Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams are easily accessible. Adventure seekers will find excellent hiking, cycling, canoeing, white water rafting, hang gliding, and rock climbing opportunities. White Pass Ski Area provides the driest powder in Washington and 1,500-feet of vertical drop. Residents of Lewis County have quick and easy access to many cultural activities, fairs, concerts, entertainment options, and a wide assortment of annual events. New additions include the ongoing revitalization of the Centralia historic district will include a public market, the refurbishment of the 50-room Wilson Hotel, the restoration of the 1,000seat Fox Theater, and the reclamation of other turn of the 20th century buildings. For devoted golfers, Lewis County has four public golf courses: 27 holes at Newaukum Valley Golf Course, 18 holes at the Riverside Country Club, both located in Chehalis; nine holes at the Centralia Public Golf Course located in Centralia, and nine holes at the Maple Grove Golf Course located in Randle. DeGoede Bulb Farm features manicured gardens, a greenhouse and acres of flowers, and is open year round to the public. A
THE COUNTY Established in 1845 by the Oregon Territory Provisional Legislature, Lewis County was named for Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The County is 2,408 square miles in size and has an estimated population of over 76,000. The county seat is located in historic Chehalis, the County’s second largest city. The County is made up of two larger “twin” cities, Centralia and Chehalis, and several smaller cities and towns. The Board of County Commissioners is the County's legislative authority and the Commissioners serve as the chief administrators for county operations. The three County Commissioners are elected to four-year terms. The County is divided into three districts of relatively equal population as determined by federal census every ten years. Seven department heads report directly to the Board of Commissioners: Information Technology, 2
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W A S H I N G T O N
Community Development, Public Works, Central Services, Human Resources, Risk Management, and Public Health & Social Services. The County General Fund budget for 2016 is $36,303,753 with an overall budget of $107,839,425. There are approximately 548 FTE’s for all departments of the County.
THE FAIR Officially founded in 1909, the Southwest Washington Fair (SWWF) is held in Chehalis, Washington every August over a 6-day period. The SWWF is budgeted and operating as a subdivision of Lewis County's Central Services Department. Attracting more than 90,000 visitors each year, the SWWF provides an annual financial transfusion for the local economy, and is center stage as an entertainment venue unequaled in the area, showcasing the agricultural and industrial accomplishments of the region, a Carnival, Rodeo, Demolition Derby, local 4-H club, and many more exhibits and attractions. Other events held on the fairgrounds throughout the year include gun and knife shows, car shows, animal shows, the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Garlic Fest, Summerfest, Spring Youth Fair, and 'Garage Sales'.
THE POSITION Position Title: Southwest Washington Fair & Events Manager Reports to: Director of Central Services Position Overview: The position of Southwest Washington Fair & Events Manager manages the operations and activities of the SWWF; plans, coordinates and oversees off-season Fairground activities, rentals, and community functions. The Manager is responsible for actively promoting community interest in the SWWF and the County's Fairground facilities, and supervises assigned personnel including an office assistant, marketing manager, a caretaker who provides maintenance services to the SWWF, and approximately 70 casual fair and event employees.
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Other responsibilities include: Manages and coordinates the SWWF's day-today operations including administration, marketing, public relations, events management, contract administration, facilities maintenance, and customer service. Directs, supervises, and participates in the development, implementation, and administration of the SWWF's marketing, yearly event, interim event, and new event plans. Actively recruits, negotiates, and administers special funding to include sponsorships and grants for activities taking place at the annual SWWF and/or onsite at the Fairground's facilities. Prepares, administers, and monitors the budgets for the SWWF and the Fairgrounds. Hires, supervises, and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel; supervises and coordinates the work activities of volunteers; coordinates and/or provides employee training. Monitors staff for compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and standards of service. Updates and maintains the Department's personnel files; tracks staff leave accruals. Participates and facilitates with the SWWF Commission and Fair Association regarding fair operations; prepares meeting agendas, reports, and presentations. Provides support and assistance with various projects conducted by the Commission and/or the Association including fundraisers, ice cream socials, and other functions. Conducts a variety of public relations functions; develops and maintains partnerships with the community organizations, clubs, and the media; delivers presentations and provides information regarding the SWWF. Creates, sets up, and/or staffs SWWF display booths at various types of community events. Prepares bids and coordinates bid processes; negotiates and administers contracts for a variety of SWWF services and events including entertainment, sound, lighting, stages, tents, parking, and security. Coordinates with the Fairground's facilities staff regarding SWWF events, activities, interim event rentals, service requirements, office/grounds maintenance, and plays an inte3
L E W I S
C O U N T Y ,
W A S H I N G T O N
gral role to the upgrade and improvements of the fairgrounds buildings and facility. Receives, prioritizes, prepares, tracks, and closes out departmental work orders. Orders and maintains office/fair supply inventories; authorizes departmental purchases; processes and authorizes departmental billing, payments, and reimbursements. Prepares and maintains a variety of departmental records, reports and documentation; receives and processes records requests. Participates in a variety of staff, community, and SWWF industry meetings, conferences, and seminars.
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Candidates should have a history of progressive, proactive, and innovative program development, as well as a track record of successful followthrough and implementation. Candidates with a blend of technical and strong interpersonal skills will be a plus. The Manager should lead by example and communicate a sense of vision backed by specific goals and objectives with a plan to achieve these goals and with measured success. He or she will have experience maintaining supportive and effective relationships with elected officials and department heads, including the Fair Commission, and Central Services Director goals and with measured success. The Manager will be an energetic self-starter, motivated to achieve aggressive goals. He or she will have an entrepreneurial attitude, and be an active marketer and promoter of the SWWF. Further, the Manager will be a good listener, an open and transparent communicator, and be open to a work environment that encourages ideas and creativity throughout all levels of the organization.
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE Lewis County is looking for an energetic candidate with strong marketing and promoting skills; who has a background in project management and administration to include personnel management and budgeting. The ideal candidate must be persuasive in their ability to promote activities and coordinate events; who is influential in recruiting and retaining volunteers; who possesses the ability to work with diverse groups, administration, and the public. This candidate has the innate ability to recruit talent and events to the SWWF. The ideal candidate will have a successful background as a large scale events or Fair Manager, and will have had previous experience in strategic planning, organizing and directing the operational functions of a strong department. This individual will be capable of making tough decisions in a timely manner when required.
The Manager will be expected to implement a new style of operation and think outside of the box to increase revenues and event attendance. The position will require an individual with entrepreneurial skills who will take the SWWF in a new direction, and redefine what the SWWF and its facilities can and will be accomplishing in the future.
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION Competitive candidates should have at least five years of management experience, in a fair, resort, or other successful event venue in a city or county of similar or larger complexity and size; and an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, marketing, finance, fair management, or other applicable field. A Bachelors degree is preferred. Any combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the level of required knowledge and abilities may be considered. Certification as a Certified Fair Executive (CFE) is preferred. 4
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F A I R
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COMPENSATION & BENEFITS $62,556-$84,120 DOQ Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Paid vacation and sick leave 10 paid holidays plus 1 personal day Optional Wellness Plan and additional life insurance
Please visit: www.lewiscountywa.gov www.southwestwashingtonfair.net
Lewis County is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by June 26, 2016 (first review, open until filled). Applications, responses to the supplemental questions, resumes and cover letters will only be accepted electronically. To apply online, go to www.prothman.com and click on "submit your application" and follow the directions provided. Resumes, cover letters and responses to supplemental questions can be uploaded once you have logged in.
www.prothman.com 371 NE Gilman Blvd., Suite 350 Issaquah, WA 98027 206.368.0050
© 2016 Prothman. All Rights Reserved.
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FAIR AND EVENTS MANAGER $62,556 - $84,120 Plus Excellent Benefits Apply by
June 26, 2016 (First Review, Open Until Filled)
L E W I S
C O U N T Y ,
W A S H I N G T O N
WHY APPLY? Lewis County is brimming with simple pleasures, relaxing excursions and worldclass outdoor adventures. You will also find glorious Mount Rainier, awe-inspiring Mount St. Helens, thickly forested wilderness, pristine streams, and lush volcanic valleys. Located in southwestern Washington, halfway between Seattle and Portland, Oregon, on Interstate 5, Lewis County offers the right candidate an amazingly beautiful place to live and a challenging and rewarding career opportunity.
♦
F A I R
&
E V E N T S
M A N A G E R
spectacular display of permanent shrubs, show gardens, 300 acres of tulips and perennials in the spring, as well as the poinsettia house in November and December are sights to behold. Within Lewis County you will find a quality school system comprised of 13 public school districts and 3 private schools. Centralia College, noted as the “center of excellence for energy,” is located in the center of the City of Centralia on a tree-lined, 30+ acre campus with an enrollment of approximately 10,444. The college offers associates and bachelors programs. To learn more about Lewis County, please visit www.discoverlewiscounty.com
THE COMMUNITY Approximately one-third of Lewis County is national forest and includes portions of Mount BakerSnoqualmie, Gifford Pinchot national forest, and the Mt. Rainier National Park, as well as the William Douglas, Tatoosh and Goat Rocks wilderness areas. The Mount Rainier summit, at 14,410 feet, is just 10 miles from the county's northeastern boundary. Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams are easily accessible. Adventure seekers will find excellent hiking, cycling, canoeing, white water rafting, hang gliding, and rock climbing opportunities. White Pass Ski Area provides the driest powder in Washington and 1,500-feet of vertical drop. Residents of Lewis County have quick and easy access to many cultural activities, fairs, concerts, entertainment options, and a wide assortment of annual events. New additions include the ongoing revitalization of the Centralia historic district will include a public market, the refurbishment of the 50-room Wilson Hotel, the restoration of the 1,000seat Fox Theater, and the reclamation of other turn of the 20th century buildings. For devoted golfers, Lewis County has four public golf courses: 27 holes at Newaukum Valley Golf Course, 18 holes at the Riverside Country Club, both located in Chehalis; nine holes at the Centralia Public Golf Course located in Centralia, and nine holes at the Maple Grove Golf Course located in Randle. DeGoede Bulb Farm features manicured gardens, a greenhouse and acres of flowers, and is open year round to the public. A
THE COUNTY Established in 1845 by the Oregon Territory Provisional Legislature, Lewis County was named for Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The County is 2,408 square miles in size and has an estimated population of over 76,000. The county seat is located in historic Chehalis, the County’s second largest city. The County is made up of two larger “twin” cities, Centralia and Chehalis, and several smaller cities and towns. The Board of County Commissioners is the County's legislative authority and the Commissioners serve as the chief administrators for county operations. The three County Commissioners are elected to four-year terms. The County is divided into three districts of relatively equal population as determined by federal census every ten years. Seven department heads report directly to the Board of Commissioners: Information Technology, 2
L E W I S
C O U N T Y ,
W A S H I N G T O N
Community Development, Public Works, Central Services, Human Resources, Risk Management, and Public Health & Social Services. The County General Fund budget for 2016 is $36,303,753 with an overall budget of $107,839,425. There are approximately 548 FTE’s for all departments of the County.
THE FAIR Officially founded in 1909, the Southwest Washington Fair (SWWF) is held in Chehalis, Washington every August over a 6-day period. The SWWF is budgeted and operating as a subdivision of Lewis County's Central Services Department. Attracting more than 90,000 visitors each year, the SWWF provides an annual financial transfusion for the local economy, and is center stage as an entertainment venue unequaled in the area, showcasing the agricultural and industrial accomplishments of the region, a Carnival, Rodeo, Demolition Derby, local 4-H club, and many more exhibits and attractions. Other events held on the fairgrounds throughout the year include gun and knife shows, car shows, animal shows, the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Garlic Fest, Summerfest, Spring Youth Fair, and 'Garage Sales'.
THE POSITION Position Title: Southwest Washington Fair & Events Manager Reports to: Director of Central Services Position Overview: The position of Southwest Washington Fair & Events Manager manages the operations and activities of the SWWF; plans, coordinates and oversees off-season Fairground activities, rentals, and community functions. The Manager is responsible for actively promoting community interest in the SWWF and the County's Fairground facilities, and supervises assigned personnel including an office assistant, marketing manager, a caretaker who provides maintenance services to the SWWF, and approximately 70 casual fair and event employees.
♦
F A I R
&
E V E N T S
M A N A G E R
Other responsibilities include: Manages and coordinates the SWWF's day-today operations including administration, marketing, public relations, events management, contract administration, facilities maintenance, and customer service. Directs, supervises, and participates in the development, implementation, and administration of the SWWF's marketing, yearly event, interim event, and new event plans. Actively recruits, negotiates, and administers special funding to include sponsorships and grants for activities taking place at the annual SWWF and/or onsite at the Fairground's facilities. Prepares, administers, and monitors the budgets for the SWWF and the Fairgrounds. Hires, supervises, and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel; supervises and coordinates the work activities of volunteers; coordinates and/or provides employee training. Monitors staff for compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and standards of service. Updates and maintains the Department's personnel files; tracks staff leave accruals. Participates and facilitates with the SWWF Commission and Fair Association regarding fair operations; prepares meeting agendas, reports, and presentations. Provides support and assistance with various projects conducted by the Commission and/or the Association including fundraisers, ice cream socials, and other functions. Conducts a variety of public relations functions; develops and maintains partnerships with the community organizations, clubs, and the media; delivers presentations and provides information regarding the SWWF. Creates, sets up, and/or staffs SWWF display booths at various types of community events. Prepares bids and coordinates bid processes; negotiates and administers contracts for a variety of SWWF services and events including entertainment, sound, lighting, stages, tents, parking, and security. Coordinates with the Fairground's facilities staff regarding SWWF events, activities, interim event rentals, service requirements, office/grounds maintenance, and plays an inte3
L E W I S
C O U N T Y ,
W A S H I N G T O N
gral role to the upgrade and improvements of the fairgrounds buildings and facility. Receives, prioritizes, prepares, tracks, and closes out departmental work orders. Orders and maintains office/fair supply inventories; authorizes departmental purchases; processes and authorizes departmental billing, payments, and reimbursements. Prepares and maintains a variety of departmental records, reports and documentation; receives and processes records requests. Participates in a variety of staff, community, and SWWF industry meetings, conferences, and seminars.
♦
F A I R
&
E V E N T S
M A N A G E R
Candidates should have a history of progressive, proactive, and innovative program development, as well as a track record of successful followthrough and implementation. Candidates with a blend of technical and strong interpersonal skills will be a plus. The Manager should lead by example and communicate a sense of vision backed by specific goals and objectives with a plan to achieve these goals and with measured success. He or she will have experience maintaining supportive and effective relationships with elected officials and department heads, including the Fair Commission, and Central Services Director goals and with measured success. The Manager will be an energetic self-starter, motivated to achieve aggressive goals. He or she will have an entrepreneurial attitude, and be an active marketer and promoter of the SWWF. Further, the Manager will be a good listener, an open and transparent communicator, and be open to a work environment that encourages ideas and creativity throughout all levels of the organization.
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE Lewis County is looking for an energetic candidate with strong marketing and promoting skills; who has a background in project management and administration to include personnel management and budgeting. The ideal candidate must be persuasive in their ability to promote activities and coordinate events; who is influential in recruiting and retaining volunteers; who possesses the ability to work with diverse groups, administration, and the public. This candidate has the innate ability to recruit talent and events to the SWWF. The ideal candidate will have a successful background as a large scale events or Fair Manager, and will have had previous experience in strategic planning, organizing and directing the operational functions of a strong department. This individual will be capable of making tough decisions in a timely manner when required.
The Manager will be expected to implement a new style of operation and think outside of the box to increase revenues and event attendance. The position will require an individual with entrepreneurial skills who will take the SWWF in a new direction, and redefine what the SWWF and its facilities can and will be accomplishing in the future.
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION Competitive candidates should have at least five years of management experience, in a fair, resort, or other successful event venue in a city or county of similar or larger complexity and size; and an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, marketing, finance, fair management, or other applicable field. A Bachelors degree is preferred. Any combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the level of required knowledge and abilities may be considered. Certification as a Certified Fair Executive (CFE) is preferred. 4
L E W I S
C O U N T Y ,
W A S H I N G T O N
♦
F A I R
&
E V E N T S
M A N A G E R
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS $62,556-$84,120 DOQ Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Paid vacation and sick leave 10 paid holidays plus 1 personal day Optional Wellness Plan and additional life insurance
Please visit: www.lewiscountywa.gov www.southwestwashingtonfair.net
Lewis County is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by June 26, 2016 (first review, open until filled). Applications, responses to the supplemental questions, resumes and cover letters will only be accepted electronically. To apply online, go to www.prothman.com and click on "submit your application" and follow the directions provided. Resumes, cover letters and responses to supplemental questions can be uploaded once you have logged in.
www.prothman.com 371 NE Gilman Blvd., Suite 350 Issaquah, WA 98027 206.368.0050
© 2016 Prothman. All Rights Reserved.
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