Join the Central Washington Fair Association Team in Yakima and be part of creating memories for one of Washington’s top Fairs and Event Center. State Fair Park is the home of the 10-day Central Washington State Fair, Yakima SunDome and Yakima County Baseball Stadium. This 125-area campus is the largest multi-purpose venue in Central Washington, hosting over 200 events annually. The annual Fair has been in existence for over 130 years celebrating the heritage and agriculture of the Yakima Valley. The Association also produces an additional 4 self-produced events.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly creative and innovative person for the role of Exhibits and Education Program Manager. This position manages existing programming as well as responsible for creating, developing and implementing new program activations, exhibits, educational methods, and curricula related to and in support of Association’s educational and agricultural programming goals. Oversees from concept to execution, all phases of displays and programming including the design, décor planning, exhibits, educational displays, community exhibits and community participation. This position reports directly to the VP of Operations and Agriculture.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- High level of creativity and ability to find unique opportunities and partnerships that lead to program development and community engagement for the annual Fair as well as to support programming needs for other Association self-produced events
- Ability to create new programming content that brings activations to life in a fun and engaging way supporting the Association’s mission and goals.
- Oversight and management of all existing programs to include, but not limited to, Fair School tours, Fair Reading Program, Perfect Plate Project, Celebrate the Valley Cultural Area, Apple Pie Contest, Daily Fair-Time Contesting, Ag Ed Shed Stage, Farm to Fork Stage, Painted Bench Program, Hometown Marketplace, Fair Feature Exhibit, and Kids in the Kitchen.
- Work with the Agriculture and Marketing Departments to create and develop new demonstrations and programs to support livestock education activities and to create the annual “Fair Feature Exhibit”
- Ability to research and engage with community partners to recruit subject matter experts to help develop programming and/or conduct demonstrations
- Serve on the Fair Planning Committee to develop programming to support the annual Fair and Fair theme
- Assist in managing exhibit entries, entry take-ins, judging and exhibit displays
- Collaborate as needed, for new programming activations and content ideas for Association’s other self-produced events.
- Able to be “hands on” to design, build, construct exhibits, displays and programming
- Assist with programming and execution of other self-produced events or on occasion assist with year-round event oversight
- Collaborate with the Sponsorship Department to help develop programming ideas that align with sponsors’ brand and marketing goals
- Identify community partners and stakeholder groups that can bring and/or develop programing, exhibits and activations for the annual Fair as well as other self-produced events
- Prepare and have oversight of the Department’s annual budget
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment, both indoor and outdoor locations
Competency:
- High level of creativity and innovation with the ability to develop programming and content
- Professional with the ability to be diplomatic and resolve conflicts
- Works well under pressure and makes decisions in a timely manner
- Knowledge of the mechanics and operational elements of exhibit, event, and program design and set-up
- Skill in exhibits planning and management to present professional, well-organized exhibitions in a safe and secure manner
- Knowledge and trends in exhibits and events outside the fair industry
- A background in education, art/design, event planning and/or exhibition development would be beneficial for this position
- Skilled in establishing realistic and effective timelines for events, exhibit planning and execution while staying within budget
- Proficient writer who can research, create, edit and proofread content and educational materials
- Ability to be flexible and make a change in direction as needed or as situations arise
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to make presentations and communicate effectively with a diverse audience
- Ability to maintain a presentable and polished image and decorum
- The desire to join a fun team that strives every day to make a difference in the community through delivering top notch programming and education opportunities
Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; and a minimum of three years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Understanding of exhibit and programming experience, coordinating events and great customer service skills.
Physical Demands:
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and or stand and or walk for long periods of time. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and to talk or hear. During peak activity times, extra daily hours and periods with minimal or no days off may be required.
Compensation:
This position is non-exempt working 40 hours per week with the hourly rate of $27.40 - $29.81 annualized range of $57,000 - $62,000 based on experience. This position is eligible for the annual discretionary bonus.
BENEFITS: Medical, Dental, Vision, Aflac, Life/AD&D, Long Term Disability, Long Term Care, 401k plan, vacation and sick leave. Holiday recognition is based upon organization policy.
Please submit your resume with a cover letter outlining your experience and accomplishments related to this opportunity. Email your resume and cover letter to erinr@fairfun.com or mail your resume and cover letter to CWFA, attention: Erin, 1301 South Fair Avenue, Yakima WA 98901