Job Description

Chief Executive Officer

Washington County Fair Park and Conference Center

West Bend, WI

As the  CEO of Washington County Fair Park and Conference Center , you are a part of an exciting and progressive community. This role has the ultimate responsibility for leading, managing, and growing day-to-day business operations, as well as the strategic plan for WCFP.

This opportunity requires strong analytical and strategic planning experience, an understanding of county government structure and process, as well as the ability to work with staff, the County, and the Board of Directors.

The ideal candidate has a continuous improvement mindset and is forward-thinking. This organization serves the citizens of Washington County by providing a permanent location for the annual county fair and other programs of civic interest. Therefore, this role is responsible for managing and providing strategic direction to the WCFP. This includes supervising the WCFP team and overseeing all aspects of fairs, exhibits, and promotional events for agricultural, industrial, educational, and recreational purposes.

Additionally, this position is responsible for establishing and overseeing the agency’s operating budget, capital projects, and financial objectives through execution, monitoring, and regular reporting on attainment of the long-range strategic planning and objectives for the facility and organization.

Operational and Strategic Planning:

• Facilitate the development of the Fair Park Business and Strategic Plans as they relate to the mission established by the Board of Directors; provide the necessary leadership that results in plans being transmitted to all levels of the organization.
• Lead the staff and the Board of Directors through all facets of planning and development, including, but not limited to, capital, strategic, business, event, and financial, while establishing the overall vision for the future in tandem with Washington County and/or the Board of Directors.
• Direct the agency's bureau plans/objectives, and provide the leadership necessary for the attainment of these objectives, with an emphasis on directing, guiding, counseling, and prioritizing.
• Offer creative solutions and sound judgment in addressing urgent issues and develop plans, directions, and guidance on projects from conception to completion.
• Measure results related to Business and/or Strategic Plans and provide leadership leading to evaluation results and performance at all levels.

Administration and Management of Fair Park Programs:

• Provide leadership of the entire Fair Park facility staff.
• Formulate, establish, and regulate policies for adoption by the Board of Directors related to the production and operation of the Fair Park.
• Advise the Board of Directors promptly on all matters of importance related to Fair Park's operations.
• Supervise the conduct of fairs, exhibits, and promotional events for agricultural, industrial, educational, and recreational purposes, including the annual Washington County Fair Park.
• Establish the overall goals and objectives of Fair Park and its events. Develop plans, advise, and make decisions regarding the course of action to be taken in the implementation of programs.
• Effectively communicates direction and reviews performance and results against these objectives.
• Maintain a profitable schedule of events for Fair Park, providing quality service to contractors, licensors, and the public.

Financial Oversight, Procurement, and Capital Projects:

• Develop and grow corporate and business relationships.
• Fundraising in the form of event sponsorships and corporate donations.
• Develop and administer the agency's budget; establish the necessary priorities for the proper use of allocated funds; and audit and approve major expenditures.
• Recommend to the Board of Directors an annual operating and capital expenditure budget, program of work, and accountability of assignments.
• Oversee the development and administration of the agency's facilities plan and capital project requests for Washington County.
• Routinely inform the Board of Directors on the financial condition and progress toward achievement of the adopted objectives and goals.
• Assist in presentations and the overall procurement of contractually obligated income.
• Research, draft, and submit proposals that enable the organization to secure grant funding.

Supervision of Staff:

• Build and maintain a team that has the passion and drive to accomplish projects in agreed-upon time frames and budgets.
• Hold regular meetings with staff to evaluate and determine the progress made in achieving the agency's Business Plan; provide counseling and leadership on any program concerns that may arise.
• Coordinate activities to ensure cooperation and efficient utilization of resources in meeting program objectives.
• Counsel with the Board of Directors and staff regarding staffing needs and hiring goals, training of staff, and other personnel-related duties.
• Board of Directors and Committee Development and expansion.
• Maintain current position descriptions and responsibilities for each role and oversee the annual performance review process.

Qualifications/ Strengths:

• 5 to 8 years of experience in project management, marketing, and public relations. Experience in Operations Management of Fairgrounds, Expo Centers, Convention Centers, and major tourist attractions is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Public Administration, or Marketing.
• Excellent leadership skills with demonstrated ability to effectively lead in a changing environment.
• Strong skills in developing and maintaining effective relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to draw conclusions and make solid recommendations.
• Proven business acumen and ability to capitalize on customer and market findingsand the development of long-term strategies.
• Excellent communication skills to present, inform, and persuade.
• Proven ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse range of people at all levels and functions, in and outside the organization.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong organizational skills are a must.

Beneficial Experience:

• Previous experience in a government setting, working closely with government entities, and or with public-private partnerships.
• Knowledge of the agriculture industry, exposition sales and operations, land management, and marketing
• Background in policy creation and implementation
• Crisis management and communication experience

Washington County Fair Park and Conference Center is an EOE. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, or any other legally protected status.

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